6 replies to this topic

[missGfree]

im moving to melbourne shortly and am worried i wont be eating for the next few months . i was hoping someone could give me some tips on finding foods that are safe and some names of places they trust.

[georgie]

Hi, You will have a great time in Melbourne. I think of all the capital cities to be in - it must have about the best choices.

This article was in the newspaper recently. There are links to take you to other sites that list restaurants and gluten-free places. The comments at the bottom also have good places that people recommend.

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/restaurants-and-bars/gluten-freedom-goes-mainstream-20100621-yrma.html

This Directory is awesome!
http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/

Lord of the Fries is right in the city centre opposite the Flinders St railway station.
They do take away gluten-free fries and gluten-free vegetarian nuggets and sometimes they also
have gluten-free burgers.

One of the largest gluten-free stores is in Melbourne. They do mail order all around Australia as well.
http://www.glutenfreeshop.com.au

All our foods have to be labelled to declare wheat and ingredients. A gluten-free label over rides the (wheat) ingredient listing. ie gluten-free must be gluten-free by law. The wheat is listed by law for people that are allergic to wheat. In these instances the wheat will have no gluten remaining and the gluten-free label is correct.

The Coeliac Society of Victoria can help
http://www.coeliacsociety.com.au/victoria/index.asp

And in October there is the annual 2 day gluten-free Expo in Melbourne !
http://www.glutenfreefoodshow.com.au/

Enjoy!

[amber]

You will have no problem with finding gluten free foods in Melbourne. Melbourne is one of the best places in the world to be a celiac. The above post is very informative. If you have any specific questions please ask.

[Mack the Knife]

All major supermarkets in Melbourne carry gluten free products in the healthfood aisle. Coles is the best. They have gluten free frozen pies and pizza if that's your thing. Health food stores are all over the place too and have a big range of gluten free products.

Which area are you staying in?

There are quite a few chain take away places that offer reliable food options. They can be found all over the place in the CBD, inner city and at shopping malls. I use them quite a bit when I am out and about. The staff are usually very knowledgeable and can often supply a list of gluten free items if you ask.

Grill'd gourmet burgers http://www.grilld.co...tion/nutrition/
Sushi Sushi http://www.sushisush...i-nutrition.php
Muffin Break http://www.muffinbre...on/default.aspx
Crust pizza http://www.crust.com...tent.aspx?pid=8
Dominos Pizza http://www.dominos.com.au/menu/crusts/
Lord of the Fries http://www.lordofthe...siness.php?bm=0
The Spud Bar baked potatoes http://www.spudbar.c...nformation.html

Some other places I eat at a lot are:

SACS Gluten Free cafe
105 High St, Northcote, 3070
Ph: (03) 9482-3999

Mr Natural Vegetarian Pizza
http://www.mr-natural-pizza.com/mr.natural%20options.html

Mrs Parma's in the city is a personal favourite of mine. They have a separate gluten free menu and offer gluten free beer. They also have vegetarian options.
http://www.mrsparmas.com.au/AboutMrsParmas.asp

Pizza Farro they have fantastic gluten free gourmet pizzas and have gluten free beer.
http://www.pizzafarro.com.au/

Cicalata you have to try their home-made banana and raspberry bread.
http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/eateries/Cicalata

The Organic Food and Wine Deli nb: they say they can't guarantee their food is 100% gluten free but they are very aware and careful and I have never had a problem there.
http://www.tofwd.com.au/food.htm

Finally, these websites are invaluable for finding gluten free places to eat in Melbourne:
http://coeliacsociety.com.au/victoria/restaurants.asp
http://www.yourrestaurants.com.au/cuisine_suburb/?action=home&url_landing=cuisines&url_region=melbourne&url_criteria=gluten-free
http://www.glutenfreeeatingdirectory.com.au/search.php?state=Victoria
http://www.glutensavvy.com/

[Mack the Knife]

All our foods have to be labelled to declare wheat and ingredients. A gluten-free label over rides the (wheat) ingredient listing. ie gluten-free must be gluten-free by law. The wheat is listed by law for people that are allergic to wheat. In these instances the wheat will have no gluten remaining and the gluten-free label is correct.

Just expanding on this... yes, in Australia we have the strictest gluten free labelling laws in the world.

If a product contains wheat, barley, oats or rye (or contains ingredients made form any of these ie soy sauce or malt flavourings) then they must be listed in the ingredients.

For a product to be labelled gluten free, it must test under 5ppm. In most other countries gluten free products only have to test under 20ppm.

And just so you know, oats aren't regarded as safe for coeliacs in Australia, so no product labelled gluten free can contain oats. You'll actually have trouble finding certified gluten free oats in Australia because the demand isn't there.

[kellynolan82]

And just so you know, oats aren't regarded as safe for coeliacs in Australia, so no product labelled gluten free can contain oats. You'll actually have trouble finding certified gluten free oats in Australia because the demand isn't there.

Just a note on the oat situation you mentioned. Here in Australia many of our oats are already 'pure' and you'll find a lot that are labelled as 'wheat free'.

These oats are almost always free of barley and rye too. The "avenins" present in oats is likely far more of a concern in the long-term.

If in doubt, call the manufacturer.

[beebs]

Just a note on the oat situation you mentioned. Here in Australia many of our oats are already 'pure' and you'll find a lot that are labelled as 'wheat free'.

These oats are almost always free of barley and rye too. The "avenins" present in oats is likely far more of a concern in the long-term.

If in doubt, call the manufacturer.

The Planet organic oats are labelled gluten free - so I assume they must be??? Who can afford $9 for 500g though! Ugh!