Fair Food?

[momof2]

Does anybody know anything about cotton candy, or shaved ice flavoring? Is there 1 company that usually makes this stuff? We recently went to Sea World, and my Celiac toddler saw the cotton candy and went nuts! I got it for her, but then felt so guilty about not knowing for sure what made it pink or blue. I know sugar is the base for the "cotton" but what makes it colored. She never had a reaction, but I still felt a little guilt! Also, I love shaved ice, and I am not about to eat that in front her if she can't have it. Any info would be appreciated!

[lovegrov]

You can definitely relax on the cotton candy as it's just spun sugar and coloring. The coloring is not going to have gluten. I don't know of a company you can call to confirm this but every single message I've ever read on cotton candy has said it's all gluten-free.

The shaved ice syrup is probably the same deal but I can't absolutely guarantee it. I remember two years ago seeing where somebody contacted a major maker of syrup and their syrups were gluten-free. Can't remember the name. I've also seen more than one Italian ice that was gluten-free. Experience tells me it's just not very likely these syrups would have gluten.

richard

[angel-jd1]

I contacted tropical sno last summer and all of their syrups are gluten free as of that time. Hope that helps you.

-Jessica

[momof2]

Ahhh! Your messages sent chills up my spine, and a smile on my face! Half of the fun of attending fairs, or going to amusement parks, is the food! I am happy to hear that my daughter will still be able to enjoy a couple of her favorites!

Thanks tons for the info!

[KayJay]

What would you do if you were at the fair all day (12 hours)? I don't know what to bring. I could bring a cooler but I can't warm anything up? What is good for things like this?

[plantime]

If I were at the fair all day, I don't think I would worry about heating anything up. I would pack a cooler with cold-type foods, and eat that.

[lovegrov]

One of my favorites for this type situation is Tyson pre-cooked chicken legs. Or cook your own and take. Also, corn tortillas with sandwich meat or tuna salad. Hard-boiled eggs. Yogurt. Nuts. Beef jerky. Fruit. Vienna sausage. Cheese and crackers.

richard

[burdee]

Momof2: Did you mean Sea World in San Diego? We'll be heading there in 2 weeks. I would LOVE to indulge in cotton candy. I haven't had much candy since learning I am gluten/dairy/soy intolerant. That pretty much rules out all chocolate. I don't like hard candy. So I'm glad you asked the cotton candy questions. What a treat to look forward to at Sea World! Did you find any good nearby gluten-free restaurants on your trip? Did you visit the San Diego Zoo? Obviously, I'm still assuming it was the SD Sea World.

BURDEE

[momof2]

Yes, Sea World San Diego! My daughter had the cotton candy, and had no reaction...and she usually has a reaction to even a crumb on bread! So, I would say eat 3 bags if you wish! You are on vacation!!!

As for gluten-free places...my in-laws live there, so we usually eat at their house, or bring something for my gluten-free daughter. Sorry I don't have any ideas for that! Enjoy your vacation though!

[crc0622]

I have heard others say that those french fry stands are okay because all they cook in there are french fries. You could check with them to be sure, but it seems like it should be safe.

Celeste

[gf4life]

I have had reactions to some shaved ice flavorings. So be careful. What I do is I find a brand that I know is safe (Hawaiice and Rival brand are two that I know of) and I bring my own syrup with us when we know we are going someplace that has shaved ice. Then I just order the ice. I don't expect a discount, but I usually get one anyhow. This makes it possible to KNOW for sure that we will be able to have a shaved ice treat.

And we have never found a cotton candy yet that we couldn't have.

That said, my family will be spending a day at our County Fair next week and other than cotton candy, shaved ice, and possible fries, are there any other fair foods that might be okay to eat? I have had luck with our local events and their BBQ tri tip, since the seasonings used were gluten-free and nothing else was being cooked on the (real wood fire) BBQ. But this was from a local restaurant in our small town and we will be in the big city with nothing but the food we bring... Anybody try the corn on the cob? It probably is cooked with butter and we can't have dairy either... I'm dying for a corn dog, but I figure they aren't safe for multiple reasons. If you have any other suggestions please let me know. Thanks.

God bless,

Mariann

[lovegrov]

Everywhere I've been the smoked turkey legs have been OK but I'd still ask questions. Most sausages are also OK but you'd need to ask the brand or check it out in some way. Some fairs, depending on where you are, also have steamed shrimp.

richard