Traveling to Australia with Celiac Disease: A Gluten-Free Guide

Celiac.com 11/04/2023 - Are you a gluten-free traveler looking to explore the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities of Australia? Good news: you can embark on a worry-free adventure Down Under while savoring delicious gluten-free cuisine. In this guide, we'll show you how to make the most of your gluten-free journey in Australia, from planning your flights to dining at safe restaurants and ensuring you have gluten-free snacks at the ready.

Booking a Gluten-Free Meal on Your Flight

When booking your flight to Australia, it's essential to plan ahead for your gluten-free meals during the journey. Several major airlines, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, offer gluten-free meal options. During the booking process, look for the dietary preference section, and select "gluten-free" or "GF" to request your special meal.

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Remember to confirm your gluten-free meal when you check in for your flight and again when you board. Airlines take your dietary requirements seriously, so don't hesitate to communicate your needs. Having a gluten-free meal prepared on the flight is the first step to a successful trip.

Booking Gluten-Friendly Hotels and Vacation Rentals in Australia

Whether you prefer the comforts of a hotel or the homely ambiance of a vacation rental, Australia offers various gluten-friendly accommodation options. You can use popular apps like Booking.com, Expedia, TripAdvisor, to find hotels, and Booking.com, Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeToGo to find suitable vacation home rentals.

On these platforms, you'll often find property descriptions that mention gluten-free amenities or nearby gluten-free dining options. Additionally, you can read reviews from previous guests to gain insights into the accommodation's gluten-free friendliness.

The Advantages of Staying in Vacation Rentals vs. Hotels

Opting for vacation rentals can be a great choice for gluten-free travelers. With a kitchen at your disposal, you can prepare your meals with ease, ensuring they meet your dietary needs. Use the same booking apps mentioned earlier to discover vacation rentals equipped with full kitchens. This way, you'll have a home away from home where you can comfortably manage your gluten-free diet.

How to Find Gluten-Safe Restaurants and Order Gluten-Free Food

In Australia, finding gluten-safe restaurants is a breeze. Use apps like TripAdvisor and Yelp to locate highly-rated gluten-friendly eateries and read reviews from other gluten-free travelers. Additionally, Google and Bing's search engines can help you discover gluten-free hotspots and check their menus online.

Many popular restaurant chains in Australia offer gluten-free menus or options. Chains like Grill'd, Mad Mex, and Nando's have embraced the gluten-free trend, so you can dine out without concern. Don't forget to communicate your dietary requirements to the staff to ensure a safe and delicious meal.

10 Australian Restaurant Chains that Offer a Gluten-Free Menu:

• Grill'd - Grill'd is a popular burger chain in Australia, known for its gluten-free bun options and delicious, customizable burgers.
• Mad Mex - Mad Mex serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine with a wide range of gluten-free menu items, including tacos and burritos.
• Nando's - Nando's offers a tasty selection of flame-grilled chicken dishes and sides, with clearly marked gluten-free options.
• Schnitz - Schnitz specializes in schnitzels and offers gluten-free coating options for their mouthwatering chicken and beef dishes.
• Hog's Breath Cafe - Hog's Breath Cafe is famous for its prime rib steaks and gluten-free menu items, ensuring a hearty dining experience.
• Hudsons Coffee - Hudsons Coffee provides a range of gluten-free sandwiches, snacks, and baked goods to complement their coffee and beverage offerings.
• Pizza Capers - Pizza Capers offers gluten-free pizza bases and a variety of gourmet pizza options to satisfy gluten-free pizza lovers.
• Outback Jacks Bar & Grill - Outback Jacks features gluten-free steak and ribs, providing a hearty dining experience in the Australian Outback. 
• La Porchetta - La Porchetta serves up Italian cuisine, including gluten-free pizza and pasta dishes, perfect for Italian food enthusiasts.
• Zambrero - Zambrero offers a range of Mexican-inspired dishes, including gluten-free burritos and bowls with fresh, healthy ingredients.

These restaurant chains in Australia cater to gluten-free diners, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals while adhering to your dietary needs.

How to Find Gluten-Free Foods in Australian Grocery Stores

Australia boasts a variety of supermarket chains that carry gluten-free products. Major stores like Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi offer dedicated gluten-free sections where you can find a wide range of gluten-free foods. Explore the aisles and discover gluten-free bread, pasta, snacks, and more to stock up during your travels.

10 Supermarket Chains in Australia that Sell Gluten-Free Foods:

• Woolworths - Woolworths is one of Australia's largest supermarket chains, offering a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, and household goods.
• Coles - Coles is another major Australian supermarket known for its extensive product selection, including fresh foods and household items.
• Aldi - Aldi is a discount supermarket chain with a focus on affordability and a unique shopping experience.
• IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia) - IGA stores are independently owned and offer a diverse range of products, catering to local communities.
• Foodland - Foodland is a South Australian supermarket chain known for its commitment to supporting local producers and providing fresh produce.
• Harris Farm Markets - Harris Farm Markets is a supermarket chain specializing in fresh produce, groceries, and specialty foods.
• SPAR - SPAR is a global supermarket brand with a presence in Australia, offering a range of products and competitive prices.
• Drakes Supermarkets - Drakes Supermarkets is a family-owned chain known for its commitment to local communities and fresh food.
• Ritchies IGA - Ritchies IGA is an independent grocery chain with a focus on quality products and community support.
• Friendly Grocer - Friendly Grocer is a convenience store and supermarket chain offering essential products with a friendly touch.

Top Australian Gluten-Free Food Brands:

• Orgran - Orgran is a leading brand in gluten-free foods, offering a wide range of products, including pasta, breakfast cereals, and baking mixes.
• Simply Wize - Simply Wize provides a variety of gluten-free products, including snacks, crackers, and baking ingredients.
• Sanitarium - Sanitarium offers gluten-free breakfast options like Weet-Bix Gluten Free and So Good almond milk.
• Macro Wholefoods Market (Woolworths brand) - Macro Wholefoods Market, available at Woolworths, offers a range of gluten-free products, including snacks and pantry staples.
• Freedom Foods - Freedom Foods specializes in allergen-friendly foods, with a focus on gluten-free cereals, snacks, and dairy alternatives.
• Well & Good - Well & Good produces gluten-free baking mixes and pantry essentials for those with dietary restrictions.
• Springhill Farm - Springhill Farm offers gluten-free, artisanal baked goods, including slices, cookies, and cakes.
• Kez's Kitchen - Kez's Kitchen provides a range of gluten-free cookies, cereal bars, and other baked treats.
• Table of Plenty - Table of Plenty offers gluten-free muesli, rice cakes, and snacking options for health-conscious consumers.

The Importance of Packing Gluten-Free Snacks and Sandwiches While Traveling

For extra peace of mind, pack gluten-free snacks and sandwiches for your journey. This is especially vital for your plane flights to and from Australia and any long road trips. Portable options like gluten-free granola bars, rice cakes, and pre-made sandwiches ensure you have safe, convenient meals whenever you need them.

With these tips and the convenience of modern apps and search engines, your gluten-free adventure in Australia can be enjoyable, stress-free, and filled with culinary delights. Enjoy your travels with confidence, exploring the Land Down Under one gluten-free bite at a time!