Top Ten Tasty Food Discoveries at the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo

Alisa Fleming ~ Last weekend I attended the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo in San Francisco. Though I was working for most of the event, with Tony’s help (scouting out good foods and bringing me samples) we discovered some great new products. To give you a taste of these delicious dairy-free and gluten-free foods, I’ve put together our top ten favorites from the show (in no particular order – it would take me too long to decide!).

You’ll notice a heavy focus on snack foods. This particular Gluten-Free Allergen Free Expo (they have others in Chicago, Dallas, Des Moines, and Secaucus) had a lot of gluten-free breads, baked goodies, and other “carb-like” foods. There were some great dairy-free companies there, too, but not many with new products out … yet. I’ll keep you posted!

All of the products I’ve selected are of course dairy-free, but they are also gluten-free. I’ve included other “free-from” notes as relevant. Note that products listed as “vegan” are naturally dairy-free and egg-free. Have you tried any of them? Feel free to comment on your thoughts …

Hail Merry Macaroons – New Caramel Sea Salt and Strawberry

I’ve always been a fan of Hail Merry, but these new product flavors just bumped them up a notch in my most loved companies. I expected to love the Caramel Sea Salt Macaroons, but the Strawberry were surprisingly delightful, too. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free.

Second Helping – Mama’s Meatballs and Corn Puppies

Second Helping was just about the only “meal-worthy” product at the show, so their table was swamped! They couldn’t churn out their Corn Puppies and Meatballs fast enough. All of the reviews were positive, and no one even blinked an eye about their gluten-free nature. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free.

Natural Decadence Cookie Dough

Yes, Natural Decadence was sampling out spoonfuls of cookie dough. We were in heaven. They are working on getting this product into stores nationally, and we have our fingers crossed for them. Gluten-free or not, it tasted just like the cookie dough of my youth. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free.

I Heart Keenwah Snacks

I Heart Keenwah is like a wholesome brittle. They use quinoa, nuts, and natural sweeteners to make an energy-style treat. My palate couldn’t decide if it was dessert or a very crunchy energy bar, but it was happy either way. I jumped on the Chocolate Sea Salt and Ginger Peanut flavors, but I’m sure the cranberry cashew and almond varieties are yummy, too. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free.

Bio-K Plus Dairy-Free Probiotics – Rice or Soy

These Bio-K Plus products are like little kefir (drinkable yogurt) shots that pack in a good dose of probiotics. I liked that they were lower in sugar than most dairy-free yogurts, but even lower would be great. The soy variety was mango-flavored, and definitely a bigger hit than the rice. But  the rice is a good option for those seeking soy-free and something organic. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free (rice version only).

Kettel Krakkers

Though many attendees were busy lining up for brownie bites and pizza slices, those who popped by the Kettel Krakkers table were rewarded with some rather tasty crackers. Hearty, yet still with a true cracker vibe, I truly enjoyed this savory and seedy option with or without a dairy-free dip. They are currently available in four flavors: Rosemary, Garlic, Caraway, and Rye. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free.

Coco-Roons

You might be thinking, “Another raw macaroon?” But Coco-Roons have their own special flare. What caught me most about these wholesome treats is their amazing scents. I even told Tony he had to smell the Apple Pie Coco-Roon because it was that scrumptious. Fortunately, they tasted just as wonderful – each bite was full of so much genuine flavor. I sampled (and loved) just the two flavors pictured above, but they have four other flavors, including Brownie and Lemon Pie, to choose from. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Soy-Free.

Cheecha Gluten-Free Puffs

 

Cheecha Puffs have this interesting pretzel shape, but are flat and somewhat puffed for a light and crispy flavor. I liked them and found them rather addicting. Only the gluten-free varieties are dairy-free, but they do have quite a few to choose from. I sampled the two flavors pictured, but they also offer Original Potato, Luscious Lime, Sea Salt & Spiced Pepper, and Mediterranean Ginger. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Nut-Free.

The Good Bean Chickpea Snacks

The Good Bean is another roasted chickpea snack company, and they do a pretty good job. The simple Sea Salt variety was a little too salty for my tastes, but the Sweet Cinnamon was spot on. I didn’t sample the Cracked Pepper and Smoky Chili & Lime, but I’m betting those bold flavors are delicious with these ultra-crunchy beans. By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, and Soy-Free.

Kind Bars – New Cashew & Ginger Spice and Madagascar Vanilla Almond

In an attempt to ward off the cookies and cakes at 10am, Tony turned to these new KIND Bar flavors on both days. I didn’t sample them at first, but once I finally had a taste, I understood his addiction. This is a great, hearty option that you can find just about anywhere – even drugstores! By ingredients (check on manufacturing processes if potential cross-contamination is a concern) this product is: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, and Gluten-Free.

More Soon …

I’m off next month to Expo West in Anaheim, followed by the larger Gluten and Allergen Free Expo in Chicago – so much more to report soon!

Tagged egg--free, food allergy-friendly, gluten free, nut-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian