Gluten-Free Breads and Treats You’ll Love! Available in the Philippines

Many of you know us at GERALD.ph for our freshly baked breads and pastries. But I have also heard from some customers  to make some gluten-free options options for them. That’s why  we also started introducing gluten-free food items so that these customers can also enjoy bread, cookies, muffins, pizza, and more.

In simple terms, gluten constitutes about 80% of the protein in common grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. Some people can have an allergy or intolerance towards gluten, so they must follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons.

Our gluten-free items are prepared in a separate facility from our regular breads and pastries, so there is no fear of cross contamination. Most of our gluten-free items are also vegan (except the gluten-free salami pizza) and dairy-free!

To give you an idea of the substitutes for flour in our gluten-free products, here’s the list for our top 5 best-selling gluten-free items:

Gluten-free chocolate chip cookies (vegan)  All-purpose gluten-free flour, baking soda, xanthan gum, flaxseed, coconut oil, coco sugar, vanilla extract, salt, cocoa nibs or dairy free chocolate chips

Gluten-free banana carrot loaf Brown rice flour, sorghum flour, white rice flour, cassava starch, carrots, banana, eggs, brown sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon, baking soda

Gluten-free bread (round) (vegan) brown rice flour, sorghum flour, cassava starch, flax seeds, (with sesame seeds sprinkled on top)

Picture of Gluten-Free Baguette

Gluten-free baguette (vegan) All-purpose gluten-free flour, coconut oil, flaxseeds, yeast, xanthan gum, sugar, salt

Picture of Honey Almond Mini Muffins (GF)

Gluten-free honey almond muffins   All-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, GF flour mix, egg white, honey, vanilla and almond extract, coconut oil.

It’s part of our commitment towards offering better and healthier food choices to people in Manila. We soon hope as well to serve everyone in the Philippines!

Order your gluten-free food for delivery in Metro Manila today.

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7 Things You Never Thought Could be Gluten-Free

With wheat, barley and rye out of the picture, what do you eat? (Buh-bye, pizza, pasta, bread… and so much more.) We’ve scoured the internet for gluten-free food, and surprisingly found these products  that we never thought could be gluten-free. Not all these are available yet in the Philippines. But it’s nice to know there are creative ways out there by which the gluten-free community can still enjoy their favorite meals.

1. Gluten-Free Corn Dogs

Corn dogs, who doesn’t want a delicious soft breaded meat on a stick?  But these treats are typically made with flour made of wheat. And so we thought we’d never see the day corn dogs off a shelf can be gluten-free.  Foster Farms Gluten-Free Corn Dogs, Chicken Franks Dipped in Honey-Cruchy batter: doesn’t that just sound delicious? And gluten-free, thank you very much.

gluten free corn dog
Photo: Fosterfarms.com

2. Gluten-Free Gravy

Feels a bit unfair that just because you cannot have gluten, delicious things such as gravy become forbidden. What with its usual wheat containing thickeners and flavorings. But McCormick created a solution so your sauces and meats do not have to go gravy-free. (Seriously, McCormick, you’re golden.). 

McCormick Gluten Free Gravy
Photo Credit: McCormick.com

3. Gluten-Free Couscous

Aside from pasta, which we already know  have gluten-free versions, Couscous also has a big red flag for the gluten-intolerant. A pasta like product which is a staple in the North African cuisine, it is traditionally made from crushed durum wheat. Woolworths the popular grocery store in Australia carry San Remo Gluten-Free Couscous. It’s made instead of corn flour and water. Add it to your vegetables meals, meats and fish. Cooks in only 9 minutes.

san remo gluten free couscous
Photo: San Remo
  1. Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread

You don’t need wheat to get nutrition and tummy pleasant fiber from whole grain bread. Whole wheat breads are usual things we see in stores, but more types are actually out there.  Genuine Bavarian Breads brand makes gluten-free whole grain breads: organic whole flaxseed bread, whole grain bread made mostly of whole cereals and whole rice. These can be ordered from iHerb to ship to the Philippines via UPS, DHL or via local post. If you want other breads like whole loaf, baguette and sliced breads, we also know where you can get some

Gluten Free Whole Grain Bread
Photo: iHerb
  1. Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

You would think that soy sauce, soy being the operative word, should naturally be gluten-free. But lo and behold, the ingredients list of most soy sauce out there contain wheat in its primary ingredients. Even Kikkoman, the naturally brewed soysauce, still contains gluten in undetectable amount below 10 parts per million. For Gluten-Free soy sauce then, try the Tamari style soy sauce that don’t use wheat. Kikkoman also has it. FilStop may ship internationally to you. You can also shop online locally for Skinny Protein Aminos from 7grains, for your marinades, and dish seasonings, and have it delivered to your home.  

Gluten Free Soy Sauce Alternative
Photo: 7grains
  1.  Gluten-Free Pizza

We used to believe the only way you can have gluten-free pizza is to make it from scratch. But our good friends from Amy’s made these pizzas with rice crust for our enjoyment.

amy's gluten free pizza
Photo: Amy’s

Kroger also has these pizzas with fantastically extra thin crust made from tapioca starch, brown rice flour among other gluten-free ingredients.

  1. Gluten-Free Beer

For alcoholic beverages, we can have the gluten-free alternative, all the time. Wine, it’s called. But sometimes we really just want beer. Bad news for us since barley equals beer, right? Well, not all the time. Check Shape’s list of 12 Gluten Free Beers made from alternative ingredients like sorghum , gluten-less barley malt, hops, fruits, chestnuts. I’ll drink to that.

gluten free beer
Photo: Green Brewery

It’s fun finding out about these, isn’t it? Suddenly the gluten-free diet doesn’t seem at all that limited. Do you have your own Gluten-Free food discovery? Feel free to share with us in the comments!

Spread this: We’ve just had great a discovery!

A lot of items can be a cause for concern to those who are looking for gluten-free options.

Spreads like peanut butter may have extenders in them or flavorings that may have gluten containing ingredients. Thankfully, options are available out there which are totally 100% made of  natural ingredients, with no gluten content.

One we have discovered which fits the bill is Fix and Fogg Peanut Butter from New Zealand. Not only is it gluten-free it is also crafted with high quality ingredients.  It is made with Hi-oleic peanuts . These are a special type of peanut known for their great flavor and high levels (39%) of monounsaturated fats – the good stuff, fats like what is found in olive oil – linked to reducing cardiovascular disease and lowering cholesterol. It is also non-GMO, and ketogenic diet compatible to those looking for food fit for these diets.

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The flavors are also interesting. We’ve tried dark chocolate peanut butter and it is really super rich, chocolaty, with nice spreadable texture. Other interesting flavors are also available like their spicy Smoke and Fire.

GERALD.ph offers them for home delivery.  Click here if you want to try them.

If you have any fantastic gluten-free discoveries of your own, feel free to share them with us in the comments!  🙂

 

Gluten Free Homemade Popsicles!

Homemade Fruit Popsicles

A great way to cool off on a Gluten-Free diet is to create fun fruit Popsicles! Moms, this is a fun project for you and your kids! You can avoid too much high fructose corn syrup of store-bought ones and make sure you only have fresh fruit in there (no extenders, and no risk for gluten contamination ;-). And it’s super easy! You can even let them do it and simply lend a hand when they need it.

Ingredients and Materials:

3 Cups Pureed Fresh Fruit or Ready Made Fruit Puree

Popsicle Molds

Popsicle Sticks

Pure milk (optional)

Steps:

Choose from a variety availabe at GERALD.ph’s
Fruit Puree’s section
, or create your own fruit puree by blending fresh fruit. I find naturally sweet and colorful fruits are the best: strawberries, mangoes, cherries and bananas.

Position the sticks in the mold. You can use a plastic wrap to hold the sticks in place by covering the mold, and poking a whole through each section.

Pour fruit puree into the molds. To make fun patterns, add 2 tablespoons of pure milk in between the same amount of fruit puree. Dip a spoon in and lightly swirl it around to make swirly patterns.

Place in freezer for at least 5 hours. When ready, take molds out and run the outside under warm water for 10 to 15 seconds and pop the popsicles out. Enjoy!

Where to Get Gluten Free Ice Cream?

Let’s face it! It’s always HOT in the Philippines no matter the rain or typhoons. Even if we’re gluten intolerant, we need to keep cool, eh? Ice creams are one if not the best and most delicious way. It’s tough that gluten can sneak up at us in processed food and can be stealthily there even in frozen treats that we buy. It’s not so easy to spot that chocolate chip cookie dough or brownie chunks are gluten laced, when they are lumped into delicious creamy goodness.

Again, as gluten free stamps are not ubiquitous in groceries locally, you need to be smarter in identifying the gluten ingredients in ice cream. All natural fruit ice creams are a safe bet, or go one better with purely fruit cold treats like sorbet as they would be naturally gluten free. But if you are craving for the creamy and the chunk packed, there are options. GERALD.ph offers gluten free ice cream among its list of gluten-free items that are sure to satisfy.

Here are some new Gluten-Free Ice creams and cool treats you can enjoy!

Click here to see all products.

     

     

Try them out and let us know your experience in the comments! 🙂

Gluten Free Mixed Mushroom Carbonara


Edamame Mixed Mushroom Carbonara
Edamame Mixed Mushroom Carbonara
For a delicious creamy and gluten-free pasta recipe that has less carbs but high protein and fiber, try this quick and easy recipe. Notice that this would no longer need additional meat like the typical Carbonara with bacon or chicken, since you can already enjoy nice protein from the pasta that you use.
It saves you cooking time and would also be very well within your weekly meal budget planning. Try this for your family this weekend. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from 7 grains.
Ingredients:

1 pack 200 grams Edamame Beans Pasta


2 cups sliced Mixed Forest Mushrooms
1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup milk

2 tsp chopped fresh thyme

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

3 tbsp fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Directions
Boil one 200 gram pack of Edamame Beans Protein Pasta until al dente. In a separate pan, sauté garlic and onions for 3-5 minutes or until soft. Add mixed forest mushrooms and sauté for another 5 minutes. Stir in soup, milk and thyme. Bring to simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes to bring the flavors together.
Remove from heat. Stir through parsley. Serve sauce over cooked Edamame Beans Pasta and top it with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Hooray for New Gluten-Free Pasta!

Anyone with special dietary needs know that it takes effort to acquire the habits and lifestyle, in order to keep eating healthily. Whether it is mild allergies or severe reaction to food,  we would need to accommodate some degree of change in our day to day life. (Anyone can relate?)  One great help in this area is to find one place that worries about our own specific type of intolerance to food.

And so, great news to our friends who are worried about gluten in  their diet! GERALD.ph with its partner brand for healthy food substitutes, has added two great new items to its shop, which can dramatically widen your menu options for gluten-free food to help support a healthy lifestyle. 😉

Yellow Soybean Protein Pasta

This organic gluten-free pasta is made from USDA organic yellow soybeans.

Unlike typical  pasta, it is not made from starch  nor wheat (no gluten!), but protein packed yellow soybeans. You can enjoy your pasta meals, and usual pasta recipes with high protein, more fiber, and that’s right, less carbs! This is made with only with Yellow Soybean and water, so you know you are getting healthy plant-based protein, with no additives.

Edamame Beans Protein Pasta

This organic gluten-free protein pasta is also a fantastic choice. Made from edamame beans, this is another pasta that can give you healthy protein plus fiber, and much less carbs that is typical in wheat pasta. This is made with edamame beans and water.

Both are available in 200 gram packs and are:

-USDA Organic

-Certified Gluten-Free

-Non-GMO Project Verified

-Kosher Certified

No other food can provide you with flexibility and variety than pasta. Mix it with your own special gluten-free sauce, or light olive oil and your own concoction of spices and you’ll surely have safe, healthy hassle free entrees you can whip up in a flash.

GERALD.ph has more items for your gluten-free needs and so make sure to check their gluten-free selection here!  They also conveniently deliver within Metro Manila. Make sure to check it out and let us know your experience! 🙂

Gluten-Free Food Swaps on GERALD.ph!

As part of its continuous pursuit to an accessible holistic approach to achieve a more nutritious regular and gluten-free diet to every Filipino, GERALD.ph widens its selection of pantry goods and gourmet products by introducing the Healthy Food Swaps option, courtesy of its newest partner 7grains.

The list includes a new variety of day to day pantry needs such as seasoning, ketchup, noodles, chips, and other healthier food swaps that guarantee denser nutrient concentration, lower calories, and gluten-free ingredients compared to their commercial counterparts.

Snacking on guilt-less chips

Composed of a variety of 7 vegetables per crisp, the Skinny Veggie Chips boasts the nutritious benefits of cassava, malunggay, squash, carrots, water spinach, saluyot, and sweet potato tops. The 50-gram crispy vegetable party-in-a-pack also proudly highlights no MSG, no food coloring, no preservatives, and no wheat flour, making it a perfect addition to a gluten-free diet meal plan. Skinny Veggie Chips comes in plain and cheddar chive flavor.

Go skinny with the zero carb shirataki noodles

Considered as the “holy grail” of dieters in the US and Europe because of its almost zero calorie property, shirataki noodles, also known as konjac noodles, has successfully made it to the shores of the Philippines laden with its beneficial properties including a good amount of dietary fiber, low glycemic index, and gastrointestinal regulation coming from its primary ingredient glucomannan. Since the noodles comes from the konjac plant and not from wheat, barley nor rye, adding it to the gluten-free food list would definitely make weight-loss for gluten sensitive individuals far more easier than ever.

Umami-er meals with Gluten-free Seasoning

Aside from having high sodium content, some commercial flavor enhancers in the market are also virtually not gluten free at all. 7grains however took the initiative to introduce a gluten-free seasoning which enhances the flavor of Filipino dishes even more. Skinny Seasoning with its 16 amino acids concentrate produces the sought-after umami taste while providing potent antioxidants making it 10 times more powerful than that of red wine’s per serving. You can use this as alternative to your regular not gluten-free guaranteed soysauce. It is also packed with oligosaccharides which support good bacteria in our digestive tracks while yielding only about 1.16 calories per serving compared to the 15-25 calories per serving  of reduced sodium soy sauce.

Other products in store also include sweetener and gluten-free 7grains Calamansi Purée (Lemonsito) from freshly squeezed 1 kilo of calamansi making it a good source of Vitamin C; gluten-free Skinny Healthy Tomato Ketchup which, unlike its commercial counterpart, has no preservatives, artificial flavors, low in calories, high in soluble fiber inulin and an antioxidant called lycopene; and gluten-free Skinny Soup Base Paste essentially made from an assortment of real vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a healthier substitute to your regular bouillon cubes, marinades, and soup bases.

Try these now for a more convenient gluten-free meal and healthy diet planning!

Gluten-Free Products Now More Available Than Ever

For the Gluten intolerant, it’s quite a sad moment to find out that typical food items we know and love, we have to give up due to gluten-free sensitivity. Quite a number of breads, pastas, desserts as we know them, contain gluten. But how refreshing would it be if we could still manage to have these delights but  don’t even have to bother with the question “What is gluten-free?”.

Would you love it if you can can have gluten-free desserts, gluten-free snacks easily and conveniently?

GERALD.ph online grocery home delivery, provides the convenience of grocery shopping all done online. They provide you with a selection of gluten-free items that you can have sent to your home. Let’s have a look at some items you can readily add to your go-to shopping list for following your gluten-free diet.

Gluten-free Plain flour and other Gluten-Free Dessert Mixes

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We know that flour is the most infamous source of gluten. But with this gluten-free variety, preparing your personalized pastry and other baked products such as gluten-free pie crust, gluten-free pizza dough, gluten- free crackers, or even gluten-free tortilla  is easy.  You can also find some other delights like variety of cake and dessert mixes.

Trivia: Did You Know?

Technically speaking, there is no such thing as gluten-free oats, much more gluten-free oatmeal? Well, because oat and oat products are all gluten-free! The only reason why we are being careful with oats is because of the potential “contamination” of gluten sources during its processing. [1]

Gluten-Free Jams and Preserves

Perfect to pair with your gluten-free crackers. This gluten-free strawberry preserves can also serve as a guiltless topping or filling to your dessert goodies and pastries.

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Gluten-Free Ice Cream

Ice creams should be gluten-free, generally speaking. However, certain ice cream products may have some gluten depending on the flavor or other ingredients used. Some brands may also use some extenders that may contain gluten.  So, if you want to be more careful with the usual products around, GERALD.ph would make a perfect option for you in different flavors that you love. Find great variety of ice cream flavors that are all natural and are guaranteed gluten-free.

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Gluten Free Pasta

How can you run out of recipes when you have easy-to-cook pastas on hand ? Find a selection of pastas for your dishes, and whip up your favorites, simply substituting your usual wheat pasta, with the gluten-free alternative.

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Going gluten-free should not be such a hassle. There is now  a wide variety of products for you to choose from, that you can share even with non gluten-free sensitive family and friends. Try some and let us know what you think in the comments!

Source:

  1. “QUAKER® GLUTEN FREE FAQs.” quakeroats.com. n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2016.

Gluten-Free Sausages by The Butchery

 

Avail of The Butchery’s organic sausages on the shop. All lean organic meat & herbs, no preservatives, no MSG, no chemicals or mysterious ingredients.
No extenders in the sausages means no breadcrumbs, which also means no gluten! That’s right, all of The Butchery’s artisanal, organic, lean sausages are gluten-free.
The Butchery is known for using organic meat and making sausages in unique flavors that you can’t find anywhere else.
Click on the images to start shopping!