This year I was bowled over by the depth and breadth of gluten-free
food introduced at Expo West. It would
be hard to mention everything, but I want to whet your appetite with a few of
the things I tasted.
Pasta:
Jovial (www.jovialfoods.com)
introduced a new tagliatelle noodle with egg in the pasta. Pappardelle’s (www.pappredellespasta.com) introduced
some new flavors, sweet potato and dark chocolate, and a chipotle lime orzo
style pasta. RP’s Pasta (www.rpspasta.com) featured fresh GF Lasagna
Sheets. Le Veneziane has microwave pasta
dishes…penne al pomodoro e basilico that is ready in nine minutes (www.quattrobimbi.com).
Sauces:
San J introduced a new Mongolian Beef stir fry &
Marinade (www.san-j.com) and Saffron Road
burst on to the scene with a bevy of simmer sauces (www.americanhalal.com).
Breakfast:
Kinnikinnick has a blueberry bagel made the old fashioned
way, boiled first and then baked. It
really bursts with blueberry flavor (www.kinnikinnick.com). Bakery on Main introduced two new instant
oatmeal flavors, Blueberry Scone and Carrot Cake (www.bakeryonmain.com) and Glutenfreeda
also introduced portable instant oatmeal in a cup (www.glutenfreeda.com). I tasted the Komplete Meal Replacement Shakes
packed with 21 superfoods and the Jav ‘a Latte was my favorite (www.katefarms.com).
Snacks:
So much good stuff, it is hard to know what to
report. Ener-G showcased Garlic Pretzels
that were stuffed with garlic goodness, thank goodness for the post snacking
breath mints (www.ener-g.com). Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar, once again
I loved the coffee bar. (www.simplesquares.com).
Mary’s Gone Crackers introduced a new graham cracker that is coming to stores
soon (www.marysgonecrackers.com). Lucy’s
introduced Combo Snack & Go packs and a new pumpkin cookie (www.drlucys.com)
Easy-Peasy GF Dinner ideas:
Starfish Seafood introduced a new line of gluten-free
fish sticks and a parmesan encrusted cod filet (www.star-fish.com). Glutenfreeda also launched a Pocket Sandwich;
I tried the Hickory Smoked Ham and Cheese (www.glutenfreeda.com), my always
hungry, always growing 13 year old son is going to be so happy when I buy these. Second Helping featured Corn Puppies; gluten-free
batter dipped cocktail size franks (www.secondhelping.com), really a great idea and totally delicious. If
you prefer a bun for your franks, Schar launched hot dog rolls (www.schar.com).
Baking:
King Arthur Flour introduced its new all purpose baking
mix (www.kingarthurflour.com) and
Pamela’s had their Artisan Flour Blend (www.pamelasproducts.com). 123 Gluten-Free showcased their sugar free Pound
cake Mix (www.123.glutenfree.com) which
is coming to stores soon. This adds to
their line of sugar free mixes so the consumer may choose the sweetener!
What’s the
category?
For those of you who make a green bean casserole for
Thanksgiving and miss those crunchy onions, Brad’s Raw Foods introduced Brad’s
Raw Onion Rings in a variety of flavors…another time I was thankful for breath
mints! (www.bradsrawfoods.com)
Numi’s introduced Savory Teas, I tried the Tomato Mint
and I have to say this is a great idea as something warm and soothing without
caffeine to get through a long winter’s afternoon. (www.numitea.com)
Mr. Dewie’s Almond Milk frozen dessert (www.mrdewies.com) was my absolute
favorite thing…right now this is only available in the Bay Area of California, you lucky Californians!
Oh.My.Gosh….this is a creamy “iced almond milk” frozen dessert that I could easily sit down with a pint and eat the whole thing. Hopefully store distributors agreed with me….
I have stacks of sell sheets for new gluten-free items like
Evol Burritos and Pure Bars that I haven’t even mentioned! There was Wallaby Yogurt, Glutino Pop Tarts,
Hope Hummus in single serve squeeze tubs, Lotus Foods exotic rice and so much
more…
As more and more people care about what they eat,
gluten-free or just healthier, these new businesses will grow and I intend to
look for them, buy them and vote for my food preferences at the cash register.
Kendall Egan
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