New Jersey

[VydorScope]

In August I will be visiting Family that lives in Toms River, NJ (Near Seaside). None of the stores I am used to are in NJ, can anyone direct me to good stores that carry reasonable gluten-free foods at something reasonble price?

[LqrMan]

You might want to consider stopping over at Foods by George while you are in NJ! They are located in Mahwah which is northern NJ close to the NY border. It is probably around an hour or so away and you can purchase lasagnas and pizzas made by hand in their small factory. I think the website is www.foodsbygeorge.com.

[debmidge]

try the site for "whole foods" and locate one in the general area of where you'll be staying. They are scattered all over the state (primarily in the wealthier areas....)

You could also zero in on your most important product's manufacturer and give them a call and find out what stores in NJ near Toms River they distribute to.

Toms River is close to the sea shore area - many restaurants, but since I do not go to those beaches, I have no answers as to which ones can accomodate a gluten-free diet. Maybe before you leave NJ the family you are with should let you take their Verizon phone book (they can order another one free) so that next time you travel here you can call places ahead of time.

[Guest michneva]

Hey! I used to live in southern NJ!

The town my parents live in is Southampton, I know Tom's River is further south and all the stores I know of are further north...but if it would help I will make some suggestions...maybe you can hit them on the way down (?)

I used to shop at Trader Joes and Whole Foods in Marlton. Both stores are located off of Route 70 but in opposite directions.

Whole Foods I found to be a bit more pricey. Here you can get stuff like soda, snacks, chicken nuggets, pizza dough, dairy, cereal, pre-mixes for baking different things like desserts and breakfast things, bread, fries, frozen entrees, hot dogs, a variety of condiments, marinades ( they have the best BBQ sauce called "Bone Suckn',) juices, variety of dairy substitutes, pasta, sauces, breakfast bars, cookies, soups, etc...

Trader Joes has really good prices and they have a gluten free list which would make your shopping more efficient. Here you can get stuff like various beverages, cereals, dairy and dairy substitutes, snacks, lunch meat, candies, deserts, a couple select items in bakery section, salsas, tomato sauces ( the best pizza sauce!,) soups, etc. ( I think this store is really good for little picky snacks especially cause the price is good and it is tasty...and I think the biggest downside that they don't carry any of the baking neccesities.)

Last time I visited I found that many local supermarkets were carrying some basic gluten-free food, like Acme and ShopRite which is a little closer toward the direction of my parent's house. Last time I visited I was able to get dairy substitutes, cereal, pudding, and other snacks.

It may be even easier if you have good stores around you if you pick out a few "staple" pantry items to bring along or bring them from home. If you are not going to be driving super far you could even do some baking and pack it all in ice for the road trip. I was going to suggest anyway that if you are going to shop for things on the way if the ride is long you may want to consider something like filling a cooler with ice especially for any dairy or meats. However, if you stop to shop close to the area I am talking about you may not need to do that. It is about 30 min. from those stores in Marlton to the town called Southampton...and Tom's River is about 45min. from there...

Since living gluten-free I have become a research fanatic...so since you obviously have the internet :-)

You have a ton of info at your fingertips!

Google health stores in Tom's River, look at a map and see what town's are closest and google them for stores too! You can use Map Quest to route out your driving...

I would also suggest you print out a Dining Out Card for going out to eat...

A neat site I found the other day is www.celiacsociety.com

Good Luck!!

-erica

[Guest michneva]

Oh yeah

I was also thinking that it may also be easier and cheaper if you print out a mainstream food list!

-erica

[VydorScope]

The town my parents live in is Southampton, I know Tom's River is further south and all the stores I know of are further north...but if it would help I will make some suggestions...maybe you can hit them on the way down (?)

Umm probably not since I am comming from Tennessee

If you are not going to be driving super far you could even do some baking and pack it all in ice for the road trip.

Noo not far, its only 865 miles door to door.

I had already looked up Trader JOes and Whole foods, there was none with in an hour of where we will be.

Thanks for all the help, I realy appreciated it ! (man that sounds sacraastic, but its not! I mean it! ) We will of course check out ShopRite they are like the food store giant monster in that area

[Guest michneva]

Hey here is an example of the research!!!

I googled Health food store Tom's River, NJ

and I noted two.

Natural Foods General Store

675 Batchelor St. 08753

(732) 240-0024

Planet Health

(732) 255-1400

You could call and ask what they have or find out prices.

-Erica

[debmidge]

Keep in mind that here in NJ especially in Toms River area and entire length of Rt. 35 and Parkway, what appears on the map to be an hour's drive is more than an hour due to the volume of traffic.

This is an unfortunate truth here in NJ. Especially in Summer months.

I understand that there's a new Whole Foods in Middletown NJ which is west of Toms River; I'd go there when they open up in morning to beat the traffic. Call them first to make sure that they are open for business, as it's that new.

Best wishes for a nice trip to NJ. Let us know how you made out.

DM