Italian pasta

[Kst318]

My wife and I are traveling to Italy in October and will be eating authentic food over there obviously. I'm extremely sensitive to gluten and extremely celiac. I have heard rumors that people that are celiac don't have the reaction to the wheat pasta in Italy due to the processing of the wheat is different than that of the states. I am curious how much truth to this there is and if anyone has had any experience with this issue or recommendations as to what to avoid. I've never been outside the states and am fearful that I won't be able to eat over there haha

[Krimifan]

Hi!

You will have no problems to eat safe in Italy! Food labeling is much better in Europe  (you can fully rely on labels, they list everything).

The only wheat celiacs can have is gluten free wheat starch, used in Schär products and many swedish ones.

As italian cuisine is based on pasta and bread, there are a lot of gluten free options, most restaurants are aware of celiacs. All kids age 6 in Italy are screened for celiac.

You will find lots of options on glutenfreeroads.com

 

Enjoy your trip!!

[cyclinglady]

Get some celiac travel cards to print off and keep in your wallet.  Present them to your waiter.  

Open Original Shared Link

Tell the airline that you need a gluten free meal, BUT take food with you because odds are the airlines will make a mistake.  

As far as the wheat pasta.....some folks say the wheat is different.  I personally think they are kidding themselves.  There is no scientific proof that I have found to support this theory.  (Anyone want to present such data?) 

Italy, from what I heard is great for celiacs.  I'll know for sure this summer!  I'll be there!   As usual, we plan on bringing some packable food, but we are good at shopping at grocery stores for food and picnicking when traveling.  I expect foods at grocery stores to be clearly marked as they were in Great Britain since they are part of the EU.  

[Celiac-Traveler]

I have traveled to Italy several times since being diagnosed with Celiac in 2005. I have had the best gluten free pizza in a restaurant in Rome. My husband and I joke, that it has become very expensive for us to go out for pizza.

It is true that Italy is one of the easier places to eat gluten free. A couple of suggestions: 

1. For gluten free snacks visit a local pharmacy. It is the pharmacy where you can purchase gluten free snacks and foods.
2. Leverage the Italian Celiac Association site for specific restaurant recommendations in each region: Open Original Shared Link (For translation try Google or if you have a friend or guide that speaks Italian)

Most chefs in Italy are trained in preparing gluten free foods. They understand cross-contamination issues. Most restaurants will accommodate you, but your options may be limited as they know it takes extra time and requires more prep area in the kitchen. When a restaurant offers gluten free options, I always found that their staff were also trained. Restaurants that offer many options are listed on the Italian Celiac website and they will have a sign on their restaurant window/door. 

If you are traveling to Venice, Rome or Santa Margherita, I can recommend specific restaurants where I have eaten safely. 

There is also a gluten free ice cream chain in Italy, called GROM. The whole store is gluten free - all the gelato and the cones. I found them in Venice and Rome.