Peanut Allergy

GF/AF Expo!

Today began the GF/AF Expo in Schaumburg, IL.  This was my first time going and wow!  I arrived at 9:15 am for the bloggers breakfast.  The show did not open until 10am, and there was already a long line forming.  This expo is extremely popular and for good reason.  The amazing companies developing gluten-free and allergy-friendly products have lots to share.   I tried many different, delicious samples.  There are  names you may recognize, like EnjoyLife, Udi’s, glutino, and Ronzoni.  There are also smaller companies with great products to offer, such as Don’t go Nuts (nut free granola bars) and The New Primal (grass-fed jerky).

I also saw three great speakers.  Heather Wisniewski talked about Food Allergy and Gluten Sensitivity testing.  This was very interesting and reminded me how gluten can treat different people differently.  Dr. Paul Green from the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University spoke on the gluten-free diet.  I liked his presentation and learned some new information regarding diagnosis and treatment.  Lastly, Kim Koeller spoke on travelling with food allergies.  She has excellent tips for travel and especially for eating out.

If you did not go today, you still have time to stop in tomorrow from 10-3.  I highly recommend making the trip, there are great products and speakers.  You will not be disappointed!

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Fresh Thyme- Crystal Lake This grocery store has a huge selection of gluten-free, allergy friendly products. They gave a lot of great samples today. Thanks Ladies!
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The New Primal: Excellent jerky and meat sticks- grass fed and many delicious flavors
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Enjoy life exhibit: lots of great snacks that are free of the top 8 allergens. If you haven’t tried these, you need to!
Peanut Allergy

A Peanut-free Easter?

If you have been shopping lately, I am sure you have noticed there is no lack of candy on the shelves.  Bunnies, eggs, marshmallows, it’s all there!  Kids and adults alike look forward to these holiday treats. In our house, we have to read all the labels carefully and often have to throw out candy that isn’t peanut/tree nut free. The good news is that there are companies out there making candy safer for allergies.  Always, always read the labels.  Things change and even if something was okay last year, it may not be now.  What candy have you found to be allergy friendly?  Here are some peanut free candies to add to your list:

  • Hershey’s offers several options, including bunnies.  Some of their products are not peanut free so be sure to read labels
  • Tootsie rolls
  • Junior mints
  • Jelly Belly- note that these are peanut free but may not be tree nut free, read the labels carefully
  • Sixlets
  • Starburst

Other peanut free food ideas that are not candy

  • Applesauce pouches
  • Rice krispies treats
  • Goldfish
  • Some fruit snacks, read the labels
  • Oreos

Non-food ideas

  • Coloring books and crayons
  • Bubbles, chalk and jump ropes
  • Baseballs, other small balls
  • Sunglasses and flip flops
  • Play jewelry
  • Books
  • Small gift cards
  • Word finds and puzzle books

 

I know you have ideas, please comment with your allergy free Easter basket ideas!

Cheers-

Rachael