southern ca locals

For San Diego locals, here are some resources that I hope you find useful and time-saving. Gluten Free in SD is a great resource for what is happening locally.

Gluten-Free Grocery Shopping
Local Events

Here is a list of local San Diego stores and supermarkets that cater to a gluten-free diet. As for traditional supermarkets, they have begun to include gluten-free products, most notably in their cookies and cake mix aisle. This list is a work in progress and will hopefully grow and grow!

GLUTEN-FREE GROCERY SHOPPING in San Diego/Southern California

Windmill Farms
A “health food store”, Windmill Farms has expanded their stock to include traditional items, while still maintaining their commitment to healthful ingredients. They are a wonderful resource for gluten-free items including grains, cereals, pasta, snacks like pretzels and crackers, granola bars and more. Located in Del Cerro, and owned by the Boney Family, they also have an excellent nutrition department attended by a thoughtful and caring staff. On the nights when you need a break from the kitchen, try the Conte’s pizza in the frozen section. The Margharita Pizza is my kid’s favorite. Also, if buying bulk, ask for the bulk rate discount, which is helpful especially when buying a case of Udi’s bread (which freezes beautifully).

Trader Joe’s
In the last few years, Trader Joe’s has designated all their gluten-free products with a “g” on the front of the packaging. They have a really extensive gluten-free product list that is incredibly helpful.One of the best things about Trader Joe’s is that you can usually pronounce all of their ingredients and they are committed to hormone, preservative and chemical free food. I buy lots of organic fruits and vegetables there as well as organic almond milk, canned pasta sauces and beans to name a few. One of my family’s favorite products are the brown rice wraps. There are 12 locations in the San Diego country, so you’re bound to find a convenient location near you.

Whole Foods
When it comes to organic, minimally processed foods, Whole Foods is the market that comes immediately to mind. They have 3 locations in San Diego county and cater to anyone interested in locally grown, sustainable, organic products. They have a great gluten-free guide that you can pick up at any of their locations and their website provides excellent general information on gluten-intolerance. In addition to all the gluten-free breads (they give a 10% bulk discount for Udi’s bread when you buy a case of 8), they carry other items of convenience like pie and pizza crusts. They offer an abundance of snack, frozen and convenience food as well. And their deli counter is a God-send. Applegate Farms is one manufacturer of deli turkey that is gluten, soy and dairy-free.

Henry’s Farmers Market
With a whopping 18 locations in San Diego county, Henry’s has been a part of San Diego since 1943. Their gluten-free department is thoughtfully stocked and they specialize in natural protein, local produce and even have their own label, Sun Harvest, providing natural and organic products free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils. They have an eye toward competitive prices, which anyone can appreciate. Take a minute and visit their whimsical website where cows moo, birds chirp and clouds move slowly across a blue sky.

Keil’s
Family-owned and run, this is a neighborhood grocery store that carries all the traditional brands, but has an eye toward natural (grain/grass fed, no artificial additives, antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, fillers or artificial ingredients), as well as organic (no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides as governed by National Organic standards). They have bulk products available and a substantial nutrition department. They have two locations – one in San Carlos and one in Clairemont. It looks like a traditional supermarket but is so much more.

Traditional Markets
Traditional markets are coming around a bit more these days, particularly in the sweets department. Betty Crocker has a GF cake mix and Bisquick is about to unveil a GF pancake mix. Ralph’s has a good section for sweets. But when shopping at a traditional market, remember all the foods that are naturally gluten-free, like corn tortillas, fruits, vegetables, beef, chicken and fish.

LOCAL EVENTS in San Diego

UCSD Lecture
If you missed this lecture, make sure to catch it on Youtube. There were two previous Community Lectures on celiac disease given by the Warren Center on September 2007 and October 2008. They cover diagnosis, gluten intolerance, diet and more and are both available to be viewed on Youtube.com. To read more about the lectures and to get the direct Youtube links, see http://celiacenter.ucsd.edu/.Tuesday, November 4, 7:00 – 8:30 pm. at UCSD

Adult Onset Celiac
Here’s an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal, from Sept. 27, 2010, that discusses the relationship of gut bacteria to adult on-set celiac.