GLUTEN FREE ALLERGEN FREE EXPO

I had the pleasure of attending the Gluten Free Allergen Free Expo sponsored by Send Me Gluten Free at the Del Mar Fairgrounds on February 20th and 21st.

The expo hall was full of gluten free and allergen free vendors as well as courses offered to learn more about various aspects of living gluten free.

Among the many vendors, there were four specific companies that stood out to me most.

1. Daura Damm Beer - I love myself an ice cold adult beverage and giving that up with gluten has been difficult for me. This beer is available at Whole Foods and tasted no different than a regular beer, with alcohol content varying from 5% to 7% alcohol.
2. Milton's Crafter Bakers - I had tried these before from Sprouts, but did not know that their company went beyond crackers! Milton's also offers delicious gluten-free chips and cookies. My favorite thing I sampled were their Snickerdoodle cookies! I was disappointed that they were not available for purchase at the expo and will be keeping an eye out for them as I grocery shop. (Sprouts is a bit far for me, but next time I am in the area I will have to pop in and see if they have these cookies!)
3. Rickaroons - Besides founder, Rick, and his son, Grant, being two of my favorite people I met at the expo, their "dessert fuel" is great. This cross between an energy bar and a macaroon are a great pre and/or post workout snack. My favorite was the chocolate blonde. Another item that is not local to me in L.A., but is to San Diego, and I will have to keep my eyes peeled for.
4. Spinato's Pizzeria - This is the best gluten free pizza I have ever come across. My mouth is salivating thinking about it. (No joke.) The sad part is that they are not yet sold in stores (Get it together every grocery store across America!) I would actually consider a road trip to Phoenix for their pizza. It's the bomb. Besides mouth-watering pizza, Spinato's also makes gluten free sauces and dressings.