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If you have not heard of Gluten Free Cart, it is a unique website that provides gluten-free products to customers across Canada. Founded as a result of seeing a loved one struggling with food allergies and finding suitable, quality food.
The site has become one of the best sources of both purchasing and locating gluten-free products in Canada. with a wide selection of gluten-free food and products. With its extensive selection of products, it has become a go-to destination for those who are looking for special dietary options.
I caught up with Nikhil from GFC to get the inside scoop on his company and learn more about what makes it work.
Q: Tell me a little bit about GFC.
A: is Canada's First online marketplace of ready-to-eat food items. The food items cater to consumers who prefer allergen-free, alternative diet & lifestyle food choices (gluten/ dairy/ soy free, vegan, etc.).
Q: What inspired you to launch The Gluten Free Cart?
A: This idea took shape when I experienced a loved one struggling with food allergies in finding quality food.
Q: Who can benefit from shopping on Gluten Free Cart?
A: The website caters to people with celiac disease, as well as those who simply want to avoid gluten in their diet. It offers a variety of products ranging from baking ingredients to snacks and ready-made meals. Customers can also find recipes, tips, and resources related to living a gluten-free lifestyle on the website.
Q: What Makes GFC Unique?
A: GFC aka GlutenFreeCart is Canada's first marketplace that offers: Allergen-free & Ready to eat/ mix food for its customers.
Q: Does GFC have a mission and if so, what is it?
A: To bring affordability and choices to our customers
Q: Does GFC have any long-term goals in the marketplace?
A: Yes. To become the largest online marketplace of gluten-free food.
- 1. Build the largest community of consumers who have special food preferences. This will bring economy of scale and hence AFFORDABILITY.
- 2. Build the largest community of sellers to provide several CHOICES to consumers. This will help in attracting more consumers and make the marketplace more popular & integral part of sellers, and consumers' life.
Q: What does GFC specialize in?
A: gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, tree nut-free, peanut-free, gluten-free food, allergen-free, local, bake mixes, cooking mixes, mixes, ready-to-eat, platform
Q: Why should people choose GFC for their dietary needs?
Going gluten-free can be a challenge at first, especially if you are used to eating gluten-containing foods. But it doesn't have to be difficult! With a little bit of planning and some helpful tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle much easier. Here are some tips to help get you started:
Read labels carefully: When you are shopping for gluten-free products, it is important to read labels carefully to make sure that the product is truly gluten-free. Look for products that are labeled gluten-free or that have a gluten-free certification logo.
Know your gluten-free grains: There are many grains that are naturally gluten-free, including rice, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, and oats. Make sure that you know which grains are safe to eat and which ones to avoid.
Learn to cook: Cooking your own meals is one of the best ways to ensure that you are eating gluten-free. You can control the ingredients that you use and avoid cross-contamination. These days there are many wonderful gluten-free cookbooks and websites that can help you get started.
Be careful when eating out: Eating out can be a challenge when you are gluten-free. Make sure that you communicate your needs to the restaurant staff and ask questions about the ingredients in the dishes. And when in doubt, go without.
Use gluten-free substitutes: There are many gluten-free substitutes available for your favorite gluten-containing foods, including bread, pasta, and flour. Experiment with different substitutes to find the ones that you like best.
Stock up on gluten-free snacks: Having gluten-free snacks on hand can help you avoid the temptation to eat gluten-containing foods. Keeping a few snacks in your bag can also help you to avoid being hangry during those sometimes all too common moments when no safe gluten-free options are available. Some good options include dried fruits, nuts, and gluten-free crackers.
Be patient: It may take some time to adjust to a gluten-free lifestyle. Be patient with yourself and don't be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally. Remember that every small step counts in this very adventurous learning curve.
Going gluten-free can be a challenge, but it can also be a rewarding experience for anyone who has trouble digesting gluten.
With these tips, you can make the transition to a gluten-free lifestyle easier and more enjoyable.
Need a little extra help on your gluten-free journey? Grab a copy of My printable Gluten Free Workbook here
"Allergen living does not need mean restrictions. It CAN and SHOULD offer choices at affordable prices."
Let's talk about how GFC keeps costs down for both shop vendors and customers.
So how does it work?
Sunday
Gaming To Escape
Do YOU like to game? What are your favorites?
So what's The Foodie Bag all about?
The four backgrounds are the perfect size to flat lay dishes and props while adding a burst of life to the background. As my photos depict, The Foodie Bag is not just for food photography - the creative possibilities are endless!
This was my first time using any kind of photographic reflector or diffuser, so I've got some learning to do on my end, but I'd say it was a great first attempt! I'm excited to continue using The Foodie Bag and learn more from the tips on the included postcards.
The photos I've taken are from my phone, but you could use a professional camera if you have access as well.
I love how convenient The Foodie Bag is for pictures on the go and for easy cleanup and storage at home.
Pros & Cons of The Foodie Bag
Would I Recommend The Foodie Bag?
Some quick facts about Delicious Without Gluten
- Everything is made without gluten, dairy, peanuts and tree nuts
- They are certified by the Canadian Celiac Association, thus bearing the logo
- Products are Kosher
- They have expanded into the Foodservice industry, offering a variety of goods to cafeterias, hospitals, convention centers, and restaurants
- A Canadian company, based out of Quebec
- They offer custom orders
- You can find their products throughout Ontario and Quebec
- Everything freezes and defrosts beautifully
So What Did I think?
Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Chocolate Chip Muffins
Thursday
Review: Red Apple Lipstick
Are there any Gluten-Free Makeup Brands?
Enter Red Apple Lipstick. They take serious pride in using only the finest, highest quality ingredients to create their products. On top of being certified Gluten-Free, Red Apple ingredients are Vegan, Soy Free, Paraben-Free, Lead-Free and Vitamin E Enriched. All products are created in small batches to ensure freshness.Exfoliate Stick and Magic Momint Lipgloss |
I tried out a lipgloss and an exfoliate stick.
This was my first experience with an Exfoliate Stick so I wasn't really sure what to expect. It comes in an elegant lipstick tube and has coarse-grained bits all throughout the product. The coarse grainy bits are what scrub the dry patches from your lips. Using it is quite simple and not messy at all. Just apply like you would lipstick and then wipe off with a small cloth or some water. The creamy texture is really enjoyable and I adore the cooling mint flavor - so refreshing! As someone who regularly endures chapped lips, the Exfoliate Stick has earned a fan in me!
With all of the information out there today, it can be difficult to weed out fact from fiction. The internet is a continuously growing source of unmoderated information and strong opinion. While different points of view can be a good thing, they aren't when it comes to managing Celiac. Scientific facts from medical professionals trump personal opinions on the internet ( looking at you Facebook Groups, Twitter, and Instagram ) one hundred percent!
So Who Do We Trust?!
What to look for
Look for support groups which are low on animosity and focus on the positives. While we all need to vent once in a while, it can be emotionally draining to be constantly surrounded by negativity. It's not hard to find a silver lining when everyone you connect with is searching for it too. Support networks big or small, are important to successfully manage Celiac.
Red flags
Anyone who promotes Cheerios as a suitable option for those with Celiac.
See more on why that is a no-no here. This is a hot topic still and I cannot for the life of me wrap my head around why. The main problem here is cross-contamination and lack of transparency about the gluten-removal process from General Mills.
Stay far away from anyone promoting gluten-removed beer as a Celiac safe.
It's not. Heres why: current technology is not reliable as it can't accurately measure the amount gluten in beer. It doesn't matter if it has been treated with enzymes or your Aunt Betty said she drinks it and is fine. Bartenders are not medical professionals and should not be relied upon for accurate information on the gluten-freeness of a drink. Beer made with malt a.k.a gluten-removed beer is not safe for any Celiac, nor is Corona for that matter.
Watch out for anyone who neglects to disclose sponsored material.
This has been an ongoing problem on the interwebs for some time. It's sketchy, in poor taste and lacks authenticity.
Stay away from people who want to sell you essential oils, tonics and cleanses.
None of this will "heal" you and most of them tend to be MLM situations. Don't get caught up in it and you won't be sorry.
Avoid anyone who tells you that they know a "cure".
Although therapies are actively being trialed and researched, there is nothing to date which will allow you to safely consume gluten. There is zero proof that anything currently on store shelves will help with cross contamination or accidental glutening. ZERO. Side note - those pills in health stores that "aid in the digestion of gluten" are not regulated by the FDA and not even meant for people with Celiac.
Advocacy groups and Expos that are sponsored by companies that are not Celiac safe. This is a major conflict of interest. How can we be sure that money hasn't bought a favorable opinion here? Safety first!
Be wary of anyone who relies strictly on the Nima Sensor.
The Canadian Celiac Association recently released a statement cautioning anyone with Celiac or gluten sensitivity against using the device. While Nima could potentially be a helpful tool, it's not flawless and the opportunity for error is simply too risky.
Research and Support You Can Count On
Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
Gluten-Free Certification
One of my go-to meal solutions is pasta. It's hearty, healthy and versatile. Another plus is how quick and easy it is to make. When GoGo Quinoa asked me if I'd like to give their new Super Grains Fusilli Pasta a try, I had to say yes! Let's talk about what has this pasta standing apart from the crowd - the ingredients.
Ingredients:
Organic sorghum flour, organic white quinoa flour, organic amaranth flour, organic chia flour.Nutritional Values:
What IS Sorghum Flour?
GoGo Quinoa’s sorghum is grown in Bolivia. This small grain is an edible hull which is rich in antioxidants. Sorghum is very nutritious, packed with carbohydrates, fibre, iron, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. Eating it can help maintain a healthy balanced diet.What Did I think?!
With school back in session and Fall weather upon us, I decided to cook up a little comfort dish with the GoGo Quinoa Super Grains Fusilli.
Butternut Squash Autumn Supergrains Pasta
Pasta Cooking Instructions: Bring 3-4 litres of water to a boil. Add salt if desired. When the water is boiling well, add the pasta and cook for 9 minutes for an Al Dente texture while stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse promptly with cold water. Serve immediately with your favourite sauce and condiments.
While the pasta is boiling: puree a butternut squash and add it to a saucepan.
Then add 1/4 cup of milk, 3 Tablespoons Butter, 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 2 Tablespoons Paprika,1 Teaspoon Nutmeg and Salt & Pepper to taste. After giving everything a good stir, add some diced celery (3 stocks) and some finely chopped bacon (5 strips). Give everything another stir and add in the pasta.Then add a handful of grated parmesan cheese and gently incorporate the pasta into the sauce. Once plated, top with some fresh chives.