Local Voices
GIANT offers easy ways to incorporate gluten-free into your diet
GIANT/MARTIN’S features blue and green labels on the shelf immediately below a gluten-free product to help customers easily identify gluten-free items as they shop the aisles of the grocery store. Currently, thousands of Own Brand and national brand products are identified as gluten-free throughout the perishable and nonperishable departments.
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The team of GIANT/MARTIN’S nutritionists is also sharing several tips to help go gluten-free:
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- Try gluten-free muesli for breakfast. Rich in whole grains, this cereal packs a punch to your morning routine.
- For a sweet treat, bake apple slices in the oven with a bit of cinnamon until soft and top with a light drizzle of agave and walnuts.
- When looking for gluten-free baked goods, look for high-fiber, watch out for sodium and keep portion control in check. Gluten-free doesn’t mean calorie-free.
- Make your own gluten-free trail mix by combing dry roasted edamame, almonds, dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
- Quinoa is a nutrient-dense source when it comes to gluten-free grains. It’s rich in fiber and protein to keep you feeling full longer.
- Wheat-free products may still contain rye, barley or other gluten-containing grains. Read the ingredient list and when in doubt, go without.
- Perk up the flavor and texture of gluten-free breads, rolls and muffins by toasting them. Warming these products can result in a better flavor and texture.
- Crushed gluten-free corn flakes or raw quinoa make a great crunchy topping for fish, chicken or anywhere you’d use breadcrumbs. Spray the top with cooking spray to help it brown.
- Instead of bread or wraps, use romaine or kale leaves, add your favorite sandwich ingredients such as tuna or turkey, tomatoes, avocado, etc. and roll up.
- To replace pasta, experiment with zucchini or eggplant. Thin strips for spaghetti (cut with a knife) or wide ribbons for lasagna (made with a vegetable peeler).
- Xanthan gum can help improve your gluten-free baking. This thickening agent imitates gluten and provides elasticity that will help hold your baked items together.
- Let your pharmacy know you are following a gluten-free diet. Fillers in medications can have gluten-containing products.
In addition, GIANT/MARTIN’S nutritionists are hosting several informational classes on gluten-free. A complete schedule is included below:
- Cooking with Gluten-Free Grains - Tuesday, May 6 from 5 – 6 p.m. at Eldersburg MARTIN’S, 1320 Londontown Boulevard
- Gluten-Free Basics – Thursday, May 8 at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Flourtown GIANT, 1874 Bethlehem Pike
- Gluten-Free Store Tour & Tasting - Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Chesterfield Towne Center MARTIN’S, 11361 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond
- Gluten-Free Outside the Box – Tuesday, May 13 at 4 p.m. at Flourtown GIANT, 1874 Bethlehem Pike
- Gluten-Free Store Tour & Tasting - Wednesday, May 14 from 4 – 5 p.m. at John Rolfe MARTIN’S, 2250 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond
- Gluten-Free Store Tour & Tasting - Thursday, May 15 from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Crossridge MARTIN’S, 10250 Staples Mill Road, Glen Allen
- Gluten-Free 101 - Tuesday, May 20 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Camp Hill GIANT, 3301 Trindle Road
- Gluten-Free Product Sampling - Tuesday, May 20 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Linglestown Road GIANT, 2300 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg
- Gluten-Free Made Easy – Wednesday, May 21 from 1 – 2 p.m. & 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Montgomeryville GIANT, 1201 Knapp Road in North Wales
- Gluten-Free Tasting – Wednesday, May 28 from 1 – 2 p.m. & 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Montgomeryville GIANT, 1201 Knapp Road in North Wales
- Gluten-Free Summertime Picnics - Thursday, June 19 from 1 – 2 p.m. & 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at Willow Grove GIANT, 315 York Road
For more information or to register for any of these classes, please visit giantfoodstores.com/healthyideas or martinsfoods.com/healthyideas or call your local GIANT/MARTIN’S store.