Your Guide to Local Gluten-Free Food Shopping

I was diagnosed with celiac disease this past winter. Although I had a family history of the disease, I had no specific symptoms at the time. But to be on the safe side, I asked my primary care physician to test me via blood tests. The tests came back positive.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the small intestine is damaged upon ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. The presence of gluten in the body damages the lining of the small intestine, causing food and important nutrients to not be properly absorbed. 

Recent studies have show that about 1 in 133 people have the disease, with that number changing sharply for those with a family member living with it. Currently, there is no cure and once diagnosed, you have to adhere to a strict life-long, gluten-free diet.

For me, it's been difficult to adjust to the diet and the lifestyle. I have had to read ingredient labels, call manufacturers to make sure their items are gluten free and do a lot of research. Gluten can be found in many things we wouldn't think of, including toothpaste and lipstick and as a filler for many vitamins. I used to go out and dine out more often, but now I have to be very careful what I eat, where I eat and what my food comes in contact with for fear of cross-contamination.

Over the past few months, I have searched long and hard for places to purchase gluten free foods. Thankfully the Bronxville/Eastchester area has an abundance of shops and even a restaurant that meets the needs of people diagnosed with celiac disease.

Mrs. Green's Natural Market (780 White Plains Road) has several isles of gluten-free foods including cereals, pasta, pretzels, cookies, baking mixes. You can also buy flour to make your own bread or pizza. For frozen foods, there are a variety of waffles, Ian's Chicken Nuggets, Amy's Organic Gluten-Free Pizza in several different varieties, and frozen entrees like lasagna, stuffed shells, and manicotti. The best part: Mrs. Green's has sales on gluten-free foods on a monthly basis. 

Trader Joe's (727 White Plains Road) also has several choices when it comes to gluten-free eating. In the bakery section, they have French rolls, which can be used to make pizza bagels, or toasted with jam, jelly, or peanut butter. Trader Joe's brand also makes gluten-free macaroni and cheese. There is an abundance of rice pastas to choose from as well.

Both the A&P Supermarket in Eastchester (777 White Plains Rd.) and in Bronxville (12 Cedar Street) have a small assortment of gluten-free choices. Certain Progresso soups such as New England Clam Chowder, Traditional Clam Chowder, and Vegetable soups all are labeled gluten-free. America's Choice Rice cakes are a great gluten-free snack that can be eaten with gluten free peanut butter. From time to time you can find gluten free frozen entrees like lasagna in the specialty organic frozen section.

DeCicco Food Market (505 New Rochelle Road) in Bronxville has a small section of gluten-free foods by the dairy/frozen food isle. These include a selection of gluten-free pizzas and entrees.

Ciao Restaurant (5-7 John Albanese Place), also offers gluten free dining out. I would suggest calling ahead to let them know your special food requirements.

Living with celiac disease is not so bad when you have all these delicious food options right in your own neighborhood. So check out some of these places and happy gluten-free eating!

For additional information or resources on celiac disease, please see the following links:

www.celiac.org/