Australians And New Zealanders Hellooooooo :)

[Olivegirl]

I'm from Sydney and I know that Crust does a good gluten free gourmet pizza (although check that the 15 year old kids who make it up don't dump it in flour - I got glutened once this way). I don't know if Crust are outside Sydney though ...?

I'm also loving the gluten free pastry that Coles sells (The Pastry Pantry). It's expensive, but oh so good :-)

[Mack the Knife]

I'm from Sydney and I know that Crust does a good gluten free gourmet pizza (although check that the 15 year old kids who make it up don't dump it in flour - I got glutened once this way). I don't know if Crust are outside Sydney though ...?

I'm also loving the gluten free pastry that Coles sells (The Pastry Pantry). It's expensive, but oh so good :-)

Yeah, Crust are in Melbourne too. I haven't tried them yet though. I always go to Pizza Farro in Thornbury. Their gluten free pizzas are awesome!

I love Coles pastry too! Has anyone tried the gluten free pies and pizza they sell now? Are they any good?

[Saz]

I'm thinking of heading over to the uk in a few months. Does anyone have suggestions for what gluten-free food is good and wich ones taste like plastic?

[Mack the Knife]

I'm thinking of heading over to the uk in a few months. Does anyone have suggestions for what gluten-free food is good and wich ones taste like plastic?

I know that Sainsburys (the big supermarket chain) has a big range of gluten free foods on their shelves.

[Colleen.C]

Hello all

Is there anyone from Hamilton New Zealand in the forum?

I am a Celiac but also have a corn intolerance. I am having trouble sourcing my flours as they are always contaminated by corn. I was buying from the Frankton organics shop but they package all the rice flour themselves but with corn being gluten free they are not worried about corn contamination with the rice flour. Now and then I don't react to it but mostly I do so I'm guessing it's a corn thing. I gave up buying from the Bin Inn as I was sick all the time but I still get my guar gum there and don't know if that is a problem either.

Xanthan is made from corn but is there anything else that is safe to use?

Where do you all get flours please?

[georgie]

I use the Brighter Life packet mixes from Open Original Shared Link They are free from Wheat, Soy, Egg, Gluten, Corn, Artifical Colours, Preservatives, Yeast, Salicylates, Amines, Casein, Fructose, are low in Fat and low in Sugar. It is a Qld company but you may be able to get them shipped over or buy locally. I buy the bulk packs and use as needed.

Where do you all get flours please?

[undiagnosedillness]

Just wanted to say hello I'm from NSW.

Many threads to read, excellent finding food sources too Im excited first week on gluten free diet so Im a little stuck on what to eat

Nice to meet you all !

[gf-soph]

It's always hard to start with, but trust me, it will get better. If you're stuck for substitute foods, let us know where you are and we can recommend brands we know are good. I've had 2 years gluten-free, and have found all the subsitute foods that I will ever need!

The more I hear from others, the more I realise that we are actually pretty lucky to be living in Australia with it's thorough labelling laws. I live in Sydney, not sure if you're outside of a big city but even so there are a lot of places that can do gluten free when you look into it, and stores that will deliver. I've even found brands and foods I'd never heard of when travelling around the state!

Sophie

[undiagnosedillness]

I'm about 2 hours south of Sydney. Im finding some labels confusing, some gluten free, some wheat free and don't realise until I get home and hubby reads the labels they still have either rye or barley so I have to get educated

Love to know what brands to look out for

Cheers

Samantha

mostly shop at

It's always hard to start with, but trust me, it will get better. If you're stuck for substitute foods, let us know where you are and we can recommend brands we know are good. I've had 2 years gluten-free, and have found all the subsitute foods that I will ever need!

The more I hear from others, the more I realise that we are actually pretty lucky to be living in Australia with it's thorough labelling laws. I live in Sydney, not sure if you're outside of a big city but even so there are a lot of places that can do gluten free when you look into it, and stores that will deliver. I've even found brands and foods I'd never heard of when travelling around the state!

Sophie

[Mack the Knife]

For anyone out there who lives in Melbourne....

There is a new cafe called Code Red in Thornbury that just opened a few weeks ago - and they specialise in gluten free and allergy friendly foods. They do gluten free pancakes, french toast, big breakfasts, cakes, fish and chips, chicken parmas, steak sandwiches pies, lasagna etc. I have had breakfast there every weekend for the last few weeks and their food is really good.

They are not 100% gluten free. But they only cook gluten free food on the premises so their kitchen is a strictly gluten free environment. They do have a few non-gluten free cakes and pies but they bring them in from outside and keep them strictly separated in a different display cabinet.

Their address is 903 High St, Thornbury (near the Preston Junction). I highly recommend them!

[up late]

I'm about 2 hours south of Sydney. Im finding some labels confusing, some gluten free, some wheat free and don't realise until I get home and hubby reads the labels they still have either rye or barley so I have to get educated

Love to know what brands to look out for

Cheers

Samantha

Hi, I'm in NSW as well. The coeliac society has some pretty comprehensive material but they charge for it, apparently they have a book with all the brands in it, Open Original Shared Link they also give some advice over the phone, the number's on their website.

Gravox, Massel (stock), Country life bakery, While's (soup), Merriram (cereal) and fountain (sauces) have gluten free versions. They are all marked gluten free on the front.

Things to watch out for especially are processed products, many you don't expect to be made with wheat like deli meats, corn chips, soy sauce and mayonnaise. Oats is susceptible to cross contamination so if you eat them look for gluten free, there is also an oat challenge if you think oats upset you. Wheat derived products here can be marked "no detectable gluten" if it's less than 5 ppm (0.0005%) gluten. It's currently considered to be an acceptable level but some people are sensitive to even that amount so they don't eat anything wheat derived.

The best way I've found to avoid gluten is to stick to a handful of products I know are safe for me and buy mostly low or no processed food, things like plain meat from the butcher (not sauced or sausages which can have wheat as a filler), veg, fruit, milk, rice etc in their (more) natural state and add herbs and spices for flavour. I cook things that come together quickly like boiled, stir fried, grilled, microwavable, salad and cold meals, I pre-prepare and freeze some things otherwise it gets tedious.

Alcohol too is something to look out for, not that it's part of a balanced diet Beer is out, I haven't come across a gluten free one yet, grain based spirits are meant to be gluten free due to distillation but I wouldn't bank on it. I don't know about rum or vodka, especially cheap vodka. Wine, champagne and apple cider are probably the safest but be aware of other allergens and preservatives (on the label)if you have problems with those.

Medications ask the pharmacist, supplements check the label (they usually say free from gluten) vitamin E can be wheat derived, toiletries may or may not be a problem for you (conditioner with wheat protein makes my scalp itch as an example)

[gf-soph]

There are different brands depending on whether you are in coles, woolies, iga etc. I'm not a fan of most of the gluten-free breads they sell, but IGA does sell a brand called Zehnder, the wholemeal is to die for. I find more of my favourites in woolies than coles, but coles has an arrangement to give special discounts to celiac society members, so you have to love that.

Rice and millet pasta is good, as is the san remo gluten free pasta range, especially the spaghetti and lasagne sheets. There's a gluten-free shortbread that's lovely, and some good treat bikkies from freedom foods. Wholemeal sakata rice crackers are a good basic. I'm sure there's more, but that's all that comes to mind now.

The best thing you can do in the long run is learn to read labels. You can buy the ingredient list from the celiac society for about $10 plus postage, then you can just look up ingredients in the list to see if they are ok. It also has information on how to interpret some of the 'also contains' warnings.

Getting wheat free confused with gluten free is understandable, but you will learn what to look out for over time. The larger supermarkets ususally have a health food aisle where most of the gluten free replacements products are together, so it's a good place to start.

If you can make it there is a gluten free expo coming up in Sydney in November. Think a massive hall full of gluten free providers, lots of samples, leaflets. It's fantastic and the easiest way of finding out your new favourite foods! There's often also cooking demos and talks about celiac or gluten free issues - it's a real highlight.

[undiagnosedillness]

Thanks for the Brand info

I had my first taste of gluten free bread this weekend and must say not impressed so I'll have to look out for other brands.

[11475]

Thanks for the Brand info

I had my first taste of gluten free bread this weekend and must say not impressed so I'll have to look out for other brands.

Hi,

Have you tried Sch

[amber]

Just wanted to say hello I'm from NSW.

Many threads to read, excellent finding food sources too Im excited first week on gluten free diet so Im a little stuck on what to eat

Nice to meet you all !

Firstly i would go and join the NSW Coeliac Society as they will give you all sorts of information and keep you updated with all sorts of info via their magazine. When you join you get a great start kit which includes handbook, recipe book, ingredients list book, heaps of other info and food samples plus a quarterly magazine and newsletter which is very interesting.

Once you know how to read labels properly it should be a lot easier. Basically the law states that if a product has an allergy causing ingredient such as wheat it MUST be declared on the label in the ingredients list. Therefore if you pick up a product which for example says thickener (1120) you can be assured that the thickener does not contain wheat as it would have to be declared if it did. If the ingredients list does not include wheat, rye, oats or barley it is gluten free. There are three exceptions to this rule; glucose syrup (wheat), caramel (wheat) and dextrose (wheat). These 3 ingredients are so highly processed that there is no detectable gluten and are safe to eat.

[Jaz]

You are correct in saying that ingredients need to be declared but you may just be surprised how many companies don't. I have several allergies as well as coeliac and I need to really make sure the foods are safe. I had found many products on the supermarket shelf (brand names withheld) with undeclared ingredients including lactose and SO2.

I think to many people it is insignificant but for some this can be very alarming.

There are of course a few brands that we can trust and these are ususally the ones I stick with. Apart from needing safe gluten free foods I want to make sure the foods are also nutrition for the family (so I don't need to cook 2 different meals. I found the Orgran brand to be really good and probably carries the largest range of nutritious gluten free foods which I have found in both Coles and Woolworths. I was also able to find this brand in the UK when I went back to visit my sister but have been assured that Orgran is Australian made.

For anyone with allergies please be aware that gluten free food producers may not cater for your specific needs so please read the labels and if unsure contact the manufacturer. Best to be sure!.

Firstly i would go and join the NSW Coeliac Society as they will give you all sorts of information and keep you updated with all sorts of info via their magazine. When you join you get a great start kit which includes handbook, recipe book, ingredients list book, heaps of other info and food samples plus a quarterly magazine and newsletter which is very interesting.

Once you know how to read labels properly it should be a lot easier. Basically the law states that if a product has an allergy causing ingredient such as wheat it MUST be declared on the label in the ingredients list. Therefore if you pick up a product which for example says thickener (1120) you can be assured that the thickener does not contain wheat as it would have to be declared if it did. If the ingredients list does not include wheat, rye, oats or barley it is gluten free. There are three exceptions to this rule; glucose syrup (wheat), caramel (wheat) and dextrose (wheat). These 3 ingredients are so highly processed that there is no detectable gluten and are safe to eat.

[georgie]

Zendher bread ...it is to die for. They also do great frozen desserts like tiramisu and lemon tarts...

Gluten Free Bakery - pies, sausage rolls, cakes. Schar brand is pretty reliable. Their bread is great, also pasta and biscuits. I like Bi Aglut pasta. It cooks like the real thing. My favourite gnocchi is Rusticella. My fave biscuit is Freelicious Tea Biscuits at the moment. The Brighterlife range is great. It bakes brilliantly.

Open Original Shared Link

I buy lots of items online. Saves hunting for it and being disappointed. Try Open Original Shared Link or the link above sells online as well.

Are you near Canberra? Deeks Bakery would be great if you are. All gluten-free.

But remember that cheese, fruit, vegetables are gluten-free. Do not concentrate on the gluten-free commercial food too much. Eat fresh.

Be careful of butchers meat. I found my local butcher had a single room where he was crumbing the meats and preparing the fresh meat.... cc EVERYWHERE. Trained butchers from chains such as Coles or Woolworths should have better training and be more up to date.

Thanks for the Brand info

I had my first taste of gluten free bread this weekend and must say not impressed so I'll have to look out for other brands.

[beebs]

Hi guys,

I'm from Sydney. My son has just gone gluten free, waiting on the results of the endo he had last week. And I have a 17 month old going for an endo next month...phew

I just found out that all Primo Deli

meats are now Gluten free! I rang them and they said they have swtiched over 2 months ago but are just waiting to use up their old packaging which is why they don't have the big "Gluten free" plastered across the front.

Which Ice cream do you guys buy? I am keeping a look out, but all the ice cream I've seen so far has gluten in it. Any ideas?

[11475]

Hi guys,

I'm from Sydney. My son has just gone gluten free, waiting on the results of the endo he had last week. And I have a 17 month old going for an endo next month...phew

I just found out that all Primo Deli

meats are now Gluten free! I rang them and they said they have swtiched over 2 months ago but are just waiting to use up their old packaging which is why they don't have the big "Gluten free" plastered across the front.

Which Ice cream do you guys buy? I am keeping a look out, but all the ice cream I've seen so far has gluten in it. Any ideas?

Hi Beebs

I don't eat ice-cream, but my mum (also gluten free) has been buying 'Bulla' ice-cream for years without a problem. (Though please check the ingredients to make sure nothing has changed/been added!)

Forgot to say:- Bulla do use corn, so hopefully you don't have to avoid corn!

[mushroom]

I was deprived of ice cream for so long (18 years) that I splurge on Movenpick. Do you get that? I think ours comes from Oz.

[beebs]

Hi Beebs

I don't eat ice-cream, but my mum (also gluten free) has been buying 'Bulla' ice-cream for years without a problem. (Though please check the ingredients to make sure nothing has changed/been added!)

Forgot to say:- Bulla do use corn, so hopefully you don't have to avoid corn!

So far we have only just started with the gluten. I hope there is nothing else - I really don't know if I could cope. I didn't realise it was going to be soooo hard. I mean the apple sauce we had for xmas had gluten in it - who would have thought! Anyhow - I don't mean to sound whingey - I am sure I will be happier if I notice some health changes in my sons:)

Sorry for the whinge guys!

I'll check out movenpick as well!

[11475]

I was deprived of ice cream for so long (18 years) that I splurge on Movenpick. Do you get that? I think ours comes from Oz.

I saw Movenpick in the supermarket (Coles) yesterday!! They had a nice range too. I had a look at the ingredients and found the glucose source was wheat. Are you ok with it being processed to that level? (I've seen other posts where some people say they don't have a problem with it - I've never felt comfortable taking a risk, just in case.)

So far we have only just started with the gluten. I hope there is nothing else - I really don't know if I could cope. I didn't realise it was going to be soooo hard. I mean the apple sauce we had for xmas had gluten in it - who would have thought! Anyhow - I don't mean to sound whingey - I am sure I will be happier if I notice some health changes in my sons:)

Sorry for the whinge guys!

I'll check out movenpick as well!

I hope it's going well for you beebs, and the family are starting to notice some positive changes

[mushroom]

I saw Movenpick in the supermarket (Coles) yesterday!! They had a nice range too. I had a look at the ingredients and found the glucose source was wheat. Are you ok with it being processed to that level? (I've seen other posts where some people say they don't have a problem with it - I've never felt comfortable taking a risk, just in case.)

Well, for three years I assiduously avoided anything that said the glucose source was wheat, which "down under" means practically all sweets. But I have read so many discussions on how refined the glucose really is and decided that I was not a supersensitive,so took the plunge, without any ill effects. And the ice cream is delish!! Really, the only thing to think about is your level of sensitivity, and give it a try if you think you can handle it.

[11475]

Well, for three years I assiduously avoided anything that said the glucose source was wheat, which "down under" means practically all sweets. But I have read so many discussions on how refined the glucose really is and decided that I was not a supersensitive,so took the plunge, without any ill effects. And the ice cream is delish!! Really, the only thing to think about is your level of sensitivity, and give it a try if you think you can handle it.

Thanks - that's helpful . I'll plan a weekend when I have nothing important to do, just in case, and give it a try sometime - it does look fantastic!

[beebs]

Thanks - that's helpful . I'll plan a weekend when I have nothing important to do, just in case, and give it a try sometime - it does look fantastic!

yeah - the Coeliac society says when its processed to that degree that there is no detectable gluten whatsoever. If we can't trust them - then who can we trust.

Okay - Most of Ben & Jerrys is also gluten free an cadburys roses are completely gluten free. Watch out for their other stuff though cause some of it does have gluten - they have a chart on their website that says what has gluten. I am soooo naughty!