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Celiac.com 01/10/2024 - For those with celiac disease, the commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle isn't just a choice; it's a vital necessity. However, a recent incident on a KLM flight has spotlighted the potential pitfalls of airline travel for those with dietary restrictions. On a flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam, Lauren Riethoff, a 32-year-old Dutch woman with celiac disease, faced a distressing ordeal when she was served a gluten-containing wrap despite having pre-ordered gluten-free meals. The consequences were severe — intense vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating, culminating in her being stretchered off the plane upon arrival. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, affects more than 1 in 100 people. For those with the condition, the repercussions of gluten consumption are not just discomfort; they can be severe health reactions. Lauren's plea for support from KLM post-incident was met with what she describes as a distant response. Instead of empathy, she received a €30 voucher, leaving her disheartened and seeking acknowledgment rather than financial compensation. KLM, in response, expressed deep regret for Lauren's distress, but highlighted the challenge of definitively establishing a direct link between her reaction and the in-flight meal. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and explained that, despite strict protocols, it cannot guarantee the complete absence of gluten in special meals for gluten intolerance. Lauren's call for a more robust review of processes and an assurance of preventive measures is a critical one. The incident serves as a poignant reminder that the potential severity of allergic reactions, especially in the confined space of an aircraft, necessitates unwavering diligence. As KLM pledges to conduct a thorough investigation and assures Lauren of ongoing communication, the incident sparks a broader conversation about the complexities of accommodating dietary restrictions in the aviation industry. For individuals like Lauren, the gluten-free journey extends far beyond daily choices — it becomes a matter of navigating a world where even the skies can pose unexpected challenges. Read more at aviation24.be

Celiac.com 11/25/2022 - The battle for gluten-free in-flight meals has been a tough one, and we've covered a number of gluten-free meal tribulations suffered by celiacs as they travel by air and try to eat gluten-free. But good news seems to be on the horizon, as more major air carriers are beginning to feature gluten-free in-flight meals for their passengers. Recently, Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), began offering a range of new gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals starting on November 1, 2022. The move is the latest in a chain that began this past March, when ANA began offering a plant-based cutlet, as part of their healthy rice bowl, for business class passengers on select routes. The carrier followed that move by rolling out four healthy in-flight meals in October, including diabetic, low fat, low-calorie and low-salt meals. The new vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meal menus are a collaboration between THE CONNOISSEURS Chef, Hideki Takayama, and chefs with ANA, and represent ANA's ongoing commitment to expanding their meal offerings to meet the tastes and preferences of their passengers. "Providing inclusive meal options is essential to ensuring our customers with the best in-flight experience," said Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management & Planning of ANA. "We look forward to delivering these high-quality menu items and supplying a range of food options for all of our customers." ANA's move is part of a larger trend by major air lines to offer more gluten-free and special-diet-friendly meals, as they seek to broaden their appeal to changing passenger tastes. Have you noticed more gluten-free options when flying? Share your experiences in our comments below. Read more at Loyaltylobby.com

Celiac.com 05/28/2020 - What is not to love about Mikey's new gluten-free pockets? The fact that they can be heated in a microwave and ready to eat in only 2 minutes? Or, if you like them extra crispy (like I do), they can be heated in an oven in only ~20 minutes. Or perhaps it's the fact that they are grain-free, paleo, soy-free and milk/lactose-free and come two to a box? Indeed, there is a lot to love about Mikey's new Gluten-Free Pockets, and we were lucky enough to try out two outstanding varieties: Cauliflower, Broccoli & Cheddar Cheese, as well as their Buffalo Style Chicken. Both types were outstanding, and there was no clear winner between the two. We loved the Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Pockets, which were slightly crunchy on the outside (if you like them softer, go the microwave route), and on the inside were filled with a wonderful blend of plant based cheese (that tasted like the real thing!) and a mixture of broccoli, cauliflower, organic cage-free eggs and an outstanding seasoning. The Buffalo Style Chicken Pockets were also wonderful, and if you love chicken wings like I do you will appreciate how they managed to perfectly capture the taste of buffalo-style chicken wings. These were also crunchy on the outside, and on the inside are filled with a wonderful blend of organic cage-free eggs, cauliflower, and a not too spicy buffalo wing seasoning. If you are looking for the perfect quick and healthy breakfast, lunch or dinner, you can't go wrong with Mikey's Gluten-Free Pockets. Just be sure to keep your freezer full of them because they go fast! Visit their site for more info.

Celiac.com 11/25/2019 - Anyone with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance who has ever flown commercially knows that reliable gluten-free food can be hit or miss, depending on many factors. Many people simply bring their own food and leave it at that. Others choose to trust that the airline will get it right, and order a special meal in advance. What's the best solution? The story of a UK Man who was 'given popcorn and crisps' as a gluten-free meal on 10-hour flight on TUI Airways might serve as a warning against placing too much trust on airlines. Celiac disease sufferer James Howe, of UK chose to order a gluten-free meal, along with shelling out over $1,000 for premium seats for his 10-hour flight. The 39-year-old says he ordered the three course, gluten-free meal three months before his return flight to Gatwick from his honeymoon in Cancun. Howe said he was only notified after takeoff that there would be no gluten-free meal available for him. After scrambling around for options, the crew could only provide him with popcorn and crisps. Howe was understandably upset after ordering his meal well in advance, and forking out extra cash to upgrade his flight only to be left without any food options. He had some choice things to say on social media. "Popcorn and crisps to get me through 10+ hours. Fabulous way to end our lovely honeymoon." He added: "People beware if you book a meal 'they are subject to availability and nothing is guaranteed.'" "Well sorry I won't be booking another holiday with you and advising anyone to go anywhere near a TUI shop." Celiac.com recommends that people with celiac disease bring their own gluten-free food and snacks on any commercial flight, as a back-up to any mishaps, such as this. We also have a few Gluten-Free Travel Tips along with Tips for Eating Gluten-Free When Traveling.

Celiac.com 11/16/2019 - Celiac.com’s annual Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Guide dishes up a heaping helping of gluten-free information and recipes to help make your gluten-free Thanksgiving celebrations a smashing success! Celiac.com offers an extensive list of safe gluten-free foods and ingredients, along with gluten-free shopping guides to make gluten-free shopping easier. Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Turkey This Great Gluten-Free Brined Turkey recipe offers a fabulous way to prepare your gluten-free turkey that will leave your guests quizzing you about your secrets to such a moist, savory bird. Here’s a list of gluten-free Thanksgiving turkeys from major manufacturers. Gluten-Free Holiday Stuffing Next, be certain to serve only gluten-free stuffing! Accept no substitute. Don't risk putting gluten-based stuffing in your turkey. Instead, astonish and satisfy all of your guests by preparing celiac.com's delicious Best Gluten-free Holiday Stuffing Recipe. Gluten-Free Gravy Celiac.com's Thanksgiving Holiday Gluten-Free Turkey Gravy recipe, is the perfect topping to your delicious stuffing. If you don't want to prepare your own, be sure to use a gluten-free gravy mix. Thicken homemade gravy with either corn starch or arrowroot flour. Be careful: Many bouillon cubes contain wheat or gluten, so make sure to use only gluten-free bouillon cubes. Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Top off your gluten-free Thanksgiving feast with our ever-popular recipe for Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie, or try this delicious Ginger Crust Pumpkin Pie. Prepare easy, tasty gluten-free side dishes by browsing celiac.com's extensive listing of gluten-free recipes, where you will find side dishes to impress even the snootiest gourmet. Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages Here's our guide to Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages, along with Fifteen Common Questions About Gluten-Free Alcohol and Booze Gluten-Free Side Dishes Make easy, tasty gluten-free side dishes using Celiac.com's extensive listing of gluten-free recipes. Here’s a helpful list of Velveeta and Twenty Other Surprisingly Gluten-Free Foods.