Why Gluten-Free and Seed Oil-Free Should Go Hand in Hand: A New Standard for Clean Eating

Over the past three decades, we've seen an absolute boom in gluten-free products—a welcome shift for those of us with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But there’s a critical piece missing from the conversation: the quality of ingredients in our gluten-free food, especially when it comes to inflammatory seed oils.

As a +25 year diagnosed Celiac, I advocate deeply embedded in the clean eating movement despite the challenges from the community. I’m here to say it’s time for the food and beverage industry to evolve. “Gluten-free” alone isn’t enough anymore. Consumers—especially those managing chronic inflammation—are demanding gluten-free and seed oil-free foods, and brands that fail to get ahead of this trend will fall behind.

What’s the Problem with Seed Oils in Gluten-Free Products?

Seed oils like canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, and corn oil are ultra-processed and high in omega-6 fatty acids. While small amounts of omega-6s are essential, the modern American diet is overloaded with them—leading to chronic inflammation, gut issues, and metabolic dysfunction.

For those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, inflammation is already an uphill battle. Eating gluten-free products loaded with inflammatory oils undercuts our efforts to heal. It’s a false sense of “clean” that many brands are still selling.

The biggest offenders? Gluten-free breads, crackers, snacks, and frozen meals marketed as healthy but packed with refined seed oils. Not to mention anything fried such as popcorn, french fries and other fast food type of items you might be taking a risk on!  That’s not health. That’s misleading marketing for a quick snack or bite to eat. 

Why Gluten-Free Consumers Are Turning Toward Seed Oil-Free

Exploring the Vital Role of Food Trade Shows: A Gluten-Free Perspective

It's almost time for sampling and meeting brands!  As a gluten-free lifestylist, attending food trade shows isn't just an opportunity—it's a thrilling experience that offers deep insights into how brands within the gluten-free and health-conscious sectors market themselves. These events are more than showcases; they are vibrant hubs of innovation, networking, and education that shape the future of our dietary landscape. This weekend is The Specialty Foods Association's Fancy Food Show on June 23-25 2024. 

Spotlight on Innovation, Trends and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

For those of us committed to transparent gluten-free living, diagnosed with Celiac Disease, food trade shows are treasure troves of innovation but also risk. Here, we witness first-hand the latest advancements in gluten-free baking techniques, discover innovative plant-based ingredients, explosion of sodas, water, snacking, along with international specialty foods like meats, cheeses, oils, olives, and explore cutting-edge technologies that redefine how we approach dietary restrictions. These shows inspire creativity and drive the development of products that not only meet but exceed the expectations of health-conscious consumers like us. How will AI affect the supply chain, operations, data analysis, marketing and sales?

Building Connections 

Connecting at food trade shows is a highlight for me.

Navigate Your Gut Health By Understanding Prebiotic and Probiotic Foods

Hey, "Did you eat enough good bacteria today," said a few Influeners on Instagram this week.

What do the terms 'prebiotic' and 'probiotic' actually mean? They both play a unique role in supporting our digestive system, but for those of us on a gluten-free journey, deciphering the distinction between these two categories is crucial to our ongoing education and absorption of nutrient-dense food. Let's explore the difference between gluten-free prebiotic, such as bananas, and probiotic foods, such as yogurts, shedding light on their individual benefits, and provide a list of examples readily available at your local store.

Savvy Gluten-Free Living: Budget-Friendly Tips and Delicious Recipes

This world we live in requires expanding dietary choices. Yet maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle can sometimes be perceived as expensive, difficult and frankly annoying to others. However, with planning and creativity, you can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling gluten-free lifestyle without putting a massive dent in your wallet. Let's explore practical tips for gluten-free living on a budget, covering affordable ingredient alternatives and providing delicious budget-friendly recipes.

A Guide to Gluten-Free Safe Dining When Traveling

Traveling is supposed to be fun, right? Yet living with gluten sensitivity or Celiac Disease presents a unique set of challenges and a lot of anxiety particularly when it comes to finding something safe to eat when you're out of your comfort zone. Whether you are in a new airport, actually on the airplane, or in a new city or country of unfamiliar territory, the quest for safe and gluten-free dining can be akin to navigating a maze. Do not stress. Let's delve into the challenges of eating gluten-free, share strategies for minimizing cross-contamination risks, ensuring extremely low risk or walking away, and offer tips for a seamless reduce gluten exposure both at your travel home and during each leg of your travels.

A Beginner's Guide to Creating a Cozy Compost at Home

Embarking on the journey of composting can feel like stepping into a whole new world of sustainability and gardening joy. Don't fret and worry if you're a beginner – creating your own compost is a simple and fulfilling process that anyone can master. We all have to start from somewhere and try to optimize our lifestyle choices. As a Celiac or any type of gluten-free journey, you have a second chance at life. Your education on food ingredients, removing artificial foods and exploring the world of sourcing foods of all types includes composting to grow your own food in your backyard.  Now, let's explore the steps together and create a warm, nurturing environment for your composting adventure.