Any other coeliacs?

Hi,

In the U.S., I had my standard places to shop for (and mail-order) gluten-free (GF) foods, but I'm moving to England next month and I'm wondering how that will go.  Does anyone else have coeliac, or at least know about it and are therefore able to tell me where I can shop for my GF food items??  I'll be living just outside of London.

Obviously, I'd like to be able to buy bread, cakes, breakfast cereals, pasta, perhaps biscuits ('cookies'), maybe some pizza crusts . . .  (it's a hard life without any of those!    ).

Also, food labelling in the US is pretty good in regard to identifying 'hidden gluten' in items ranging from deli meats to dressings to seasonings -- is it as easy to identify in the UK?  What words or phrases are used there to help me spot hidden gluten? 

Anyone know if deep-fryers are 'dedicated' there for just chips, or do they also use the same one for fish or other breaded items (thus causing cross-contamination)?  Here in the US, they tell you if their fryers are dedicated or not.

Finally, does anyone know of restaurants with GF menus??  What a treat that would be -- to eat out!  (Questions, questions!    )

Hope someone can help!   Thanks in advance,

PB

I don't have the condition, but i have noticed quite a lot of 'gluten-free' items in the supermarket.

Hi you will find probably a better selection of GF items in the UK than in the USA.  Most standard supermarkets have GF sections -even aisles....  Sainsbury's and Tesco both come to mind. We were laughing the other day as even our bottled water was labled gluten free.  Some pubs even have GF selections.  You will see GF label next to the menu.

You also have your health food stores and farmers markets.  Devon and Cornwall have several bakeries that do lush GF breads and desserts.  I am sure you will find the same in London. 

I use GF corn tortillas all the time as they are the only ones here without wheat flour (yuck).

My MIL is a coeliac hence my knowledge of all of these things.  That and I love to just stroll the aisles in supermarkets! 

Youy can ask in most places for GF modifications to meals and if they have dedicated fryers. Many good chippies have dedicated fryers so things don't taste like each other.

You do have to ask though if they have coated them with gluten or flour, but I am sure you know that.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

 

Excellent -- I appreciate the advice and help so much!   

Now I'll likely get fat with all these bakeries and such catering to coeliacs!   

Hi, I'm coeliac too, but I'm in the US.   

It wasn't difficult at all to find GF food in London when I visited.  I've found that the British are far more aware of the disease than people in the US. 

VNP,  WHERE in Devon can I find a GF bakery?  I'll be in Holsworthy and Tavistock in December and would love to find such a place !!!     

 

Anyone know if deep-fryers are 'dedicated' there for just chips, or do they also use the same one for fish or other breaded items (thus causing cross-contamination)?  Here in the US, they tell you if their fryers are dedicated or not.

Hi there. Can't help you with the gluten free stuff, but I have a severe allergy to seafood (any type) and really struggle to find places here in the UK (at least in the area that I live in) that don't fry everything in the same fryer as the seafood.  Most places will give me the option of having other things to replace the chips, mushrooms, etc.  Good luck with your search.