By Nadiya BeCoats, GMFTS Intern
Within the last year, I learned that I have a gluten intolerance that makes me extremely sick. So, over the past seven months, I’ve spent a lot of time shifting and curating my diet to find the best-tasting and highest-quality gluten-free foods. Thanks to recommendations from friends and family, I’ve discovered several products that I enjoy. Plus, they are all available through Farm Direct’s producer network. To help others like me find great, Vermont-made gluten-free products, I thought, why not highlight those producers?
True North Granola Company:
When I switched to a gluten-free diet, I was surprised that I had to change up my granola brand. I just assumed that all granola would come from whole oats, but there is a difference between gluten-free and regular oats. I started buying from True North because I knew they were a local business, and I love supporting local producers whenever possible. My favorite granola flavor is Coconut or Chocolate (pro tip: I love to pair them with Trader Joe’s coconut Greek yogurt). True North has other flavors like Cherry Vanilla, Maple Vanilla, Ginger Vanilla, and First Date. I’ve tried three and hope to try them all! Quick disclaimer: True North granola is packaged and produced in a facility that uses wheat.
Vermont Tortilla Company:
A staple lunch item for me was always quesadillas with black beans, peppers, and onions. So, I needed to find a good substitute for the flour tortillas. Vermont Tortilla Co. offers high-quality corn tortillas and chips that pair well with any guac or salsa you choose. One of my favorite things about Vermont Tortilla is that they offer 6” tortillas; often, when you buy tortillas, they are the smaller 4” ones (perfect for tacos, but you need multiple to feel like a meal). Completely organic, clean, and gluten-free, there are many great reasons to turn to Vermont Tortilla Co. for all your tortilla needs!
Vermont Bean Crafters:
Vermont Bean Crafters offers gluten-free falafel burgers, black bean burgers, veggie burgers, cookie and muffin batters, and “mockingbird nuggets.” Vermont Bean Crafters distributes their completely vegan and gluten-free products at different stores and restaurants in Vermont. My personal favorite is their falafel. It’s super yummy and works great as a burger substitute, diced up and served on a rice bowl, or chopped on a salad (with extra tzatziki). I can’t rave enough about the falafel, and I’m super excited to learn that the rest of their products are gluten-free too.
West Meadow Farm Bakery:
Like most people, I have an epic sweet tooth. Finding a gluten-free alternative for my cake, cookie, and brownie cravings was an absolute must. West Meadow has a special place in my heart. When I first found out I was gluten-free, I had a bit of a “mourning period,” realizing I couldn’t eat most of my favorite foods anymore. To cheer me up, my roommates brought me a bunch of sweet treats from West Meadow. They have so many things, from cakes, cookies, brownies, whoopie pies, breads, pastries, pizza crusts, and much more. Whenever I have a rough day, I find myself buying their chocolate whoopie pie; I just pop it in the fridge so it gets nice and cold and enjoy that before I end my day.
Shrubbly:
Although this isn’t food, I thought I would throw on another producer I’ve enjoyed since I moved to Vermont. I’m not a big soda drinker, but I really love carbonated drinks. I also like to make sure that what I’m consuming is good for me — Shrubbly fits the bill. Shrubbly offers two flavors, Pomegranate and Aronia Berry, or Lemon, Ginger, and Aronia Berry. Both are super good. I love to drink the lemon option on a Sunday morning as a reset. It’s my drink of choice while I clean my apartment and work on preparing for the week ahead. If you’re looking for a drink that makes you feel good about yourself, this is definitely it!
When I first learned I was gluten-free, I was nervous. I wasn’t excited to try new things or adapt to my new lifestyle. But now I know that gluten-free products can taste great, and there are plenty of local, gluten-free producers. I am very excited to continue my journey and find the best gluten-free products that Vermont has to offer.
