New! From the author of one of my very favorite gluten free resources, Cecelia’s Marketplace Gluten Free Shopping Guide, is this great new book called Cecelia’s Marketplace Easy 30 Day Gluten-Free Diet. This is a great way to begin a gluten free diet with no guesswork needed. Just follow the easy guides.

Dr. Mara Matison has created this 30 day plan, not as a weight loss diet, but to determine if gluten is negatively impacting your body. Step-by-step instructions, a 30 day gluten free menu plan, mini GF grocery guide, kitchen and cooking tips, and 30 delicious gluten free dinner recipes are all included in this beautiful book full of full color photos. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and drink ideas are also included, along with possible symptoms you may be experiencing that could be attributed to gluten and testing options to check for celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

This really is an EASY way to begin a gluten free diet, get more ideas and recipes for your own gluten free cooking, or buy a copy for a friend or relative. Each Day’s menu includes a full day of meals and snacks, with the dinner recipe, photos, and of course the substitution list if you want to swap something out. Check marks next to each item indicate to refer to the gluten free shopping guide pages for specific brand ideas that are gluten free.

Starting a gluten free diet has never been easier. This book lays it all out for you! Here’s an example of what you’ll find on one of the thirty days:

Breakfast:
Banana Pineapple Smoothie (Recipe included)

Optional Snack:
Roasted Nuts (Gluten Free brands listed)

Lunch:
Turkey Sandwich with Potato Chips (GF brands listed for both items)

Optional Snack:
Apple Sauce

Dinner:
Stir-Fried Chicken & Vegetables in Gluten Free Teriyaki Sauce with Brown Rice
(Recipe, Photo & GF brands listed)

Optional Snack:
Fresh Pineapple Slices

The author states in the beginning of the book that this plan is not for weight loss purposes, but that whole day sounds like many weight loss diet plan menus to me. I bet you would lose weight on this plan.

You’ll find other dinner recipes such as Shrimp Kebobs with Grilled Vegetables and Quinoa, Grilled Steak with Vegetables and Sweet Potato Fries, Chicken Pasta Primavera in Garlic Sauce and many more yummy recipes and ideas.

This is the easiest way to go gluten free – no guessing about menus, recipes or ingredients. Just follow the menu for each of the 30 days or swap things around using the handy lists provided. No guesswork at all! This would also make a great gift – it’s full of gorgeous photos on glossy paper and is the helpful, quality book I’ve come to expect from Cecelia’s Marketplace.

Follow along with Cecelia’s Marketplace on their 30-Day Gluten Free Diet Challenge, beginning February 1^st

Click here to order the book or find out more. (available for international orders from Amazon.com)

Find out more about Cecelia’s Marketplace International Classics: Gluten-Free Mexican

Find out more about Cecelia’s Gluten-Free Shopping Guide 2011/2012 Edition: A MUST HAVE book for everyone new to a gluten free lifestyle.

Visit the Cecelia’s Marketplace Store with all their books/products and bundle deals.

Thanks to all who entered to win a copy in our random drawing. Congratulations Laurie Powers, Lisa (lovetolink), and Luanne Julian!

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader. Note: Cecelia’s Marketplace is a current Gluten Freeville advertiser.

You’ve probably tried some different variations of veggie chips, as I have. Some are Styrofoam-y and flavorless, some just taste like veggies with oil and salt on them. Eat Your Vegetables™ is a real veggie snack offering that tastes like a mainstream chip. These are addictively crunchy and chip-like, but each ounce contains a whole serving of vegetables! Genius!

Eat Your Vegetables, Vegetable Chips are made with a unique blend including sweet potatoes, carrots and navy beans. 1 full serving of vegetables in just one ounce, They are gluten free, all natural, vegan and 1 ounce contains 35% of recommended daily vitamin A.

I tried all 3 of the flavors at the Fancy Food Show in San Francisco and I found them to be one of the best gluten free products featured at the show, and there were tons of products there! I’m not usually fond of powdery flavoring adding to the top of chips, but thee Jalapeno Ranch and Sour Cream & Onion flavors have just a hint of flavoring – not the kind that gets all over your hands. All 3 flavors are amazing! I’ve listed ingredients on each flavor below in the order of my preference.

Sea Salt Flavor:

Ingredients: DRIED POTATOES, NAVY BEANS, RICE FLOUR, EXPELLER PRESSED SUNFLOWER OIL, CANOLA OIL, POTATO STARCH, CARROT, SWEET POTATO, MALTODEXTRIN, SEA SALT, ONION POWDER, SUGAR, KONJAC FLOUR, GARLIC POWDER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR.

Jalapeno Ranch Flavor:

Ingredients: DRIED POTATOES, NAVY BEANS, RICE FLOUR, EXPELLER PRESSED SUNFLOWER OIL, CANOLA OIL, POTATO STARCH, CARROT, SWEET POTATO, BUTTERMILK SOLIDS, SALT, WHEY, NON-FAT DRY MILK, ONION POWDER, GREEN BELL PEPPER POWDER, SUGAR, SOUR CREAM POWDER (CULTURED CREAM, NON-FAT MILK), GARLIC POWDER, NATURAL FLAVOR, MALTODEXTRIN, KONJAC FLOUR, JALAPEÑO PEPPER POWDER, CITRIC ACID, LACTIC ACID, DRY VINEGAR, SPICE, PAPRIKA EXTRACT

Sour Cream & Onion Flavor:

Ingredients: DRIED POTATOES, NAVY BEANS, RICE FLOUR, EXPELLER PRESSED SUNFLOWER OIL, CANOLA OIL, POTATO STARCH, CARROT, SWEET POTATO, WHEY, SUGAR, MALTODEXTRIN, SALT, ONION POWDER, SOUR CREAM POWDER (CULTURED CREAM, NON-FAT MILK), NON-FAT DRY MILK, KONJAC FLOUR, CITRIC ACID, SPICE, LACTIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR (INCLUDING MUSTARD), YEAST EXTRACT.

You can order the chips directly online, or print the coupon and look for them in a store near you. I checked my local Whole Foods today and they have all the Snikiddy products except these, but I’ll keep checking back for the Sea Salt flavor!

Click here for an Eat Your Vegetables Coupon

Click here to buy directly from Snikiddy
(Click on the product and then questions/help for a live chat button to get all your questions answered!)

Click here for their store locator

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader.

I first reviewed these in March of 2010, but was recently reminded of just how much I love these!  Raquelita’s Tortillas calls them Flatbread, but they are more like large, extra flavorful tortillas. What makes them better than gluten free tortillas is that 1. They taste much, much better, and 2. When heated for a few seconds in the microwave, they are soft and pliable, and can be rolled without cracking and breaking. These are perfect for making some creative school/work lunches that won’t fall apart like tortillas or get soggy like most GF breads by the time you eat them.

They are made from a proprietary blend of 10 grains- corn, flax, sesame, buckwheat, brown rice, sorghum, millet, quinoa, teff, and amaranth. They are low glycemic, have 3 grams of fiber and allergy friendly- no soy, dairy, egg, wheat or nuts.

I was trying to decide which flavor I would report as the best one, and I couldn’t narrow it down. They are all great and any of them would make a great meal or snack. I have some interesting ideas of what I want to make with each flavor, so I can’t possibly pick just one. They have recipes online since theses are so versatile.  They’d be great for wraps, pinwheels, enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, pizzas, baked chips – they even suggest that you can use them for lasagna.

The Agave flavor is slightly sweet and makes for an awesome dessert or breakfast – add some bananas, cashew butter, honey, nutella, berries and yogurt. . .  you are limited only by your imagination! I use the Chimayo Red Chile flavor, which is slightly spicy, in Mexican recipes for burritos, casseroles, fajitas and more. The Spinach Garlic Pesto flavor goes great with chicken or turkey, veggies, fish, as a “lasagna” type layer . . . if you can think it up, you can make it!

I’m thinking the Agave Flavor with cashew butter, bananas, and honey sounds outstanding about now.

By the way, they can be stored on the counter and stay fresh for 30 days – no refrigeration or freezing needed.

They have a free shipping special for online orders, or click here to order them online or use the store locator to find them nearby.

Special Offer for Gluten Freeville Readers: 20% off all web orders for one month (November 21, 2011 – to December 21, 2011) Use the coupon code “GFVILLE” when you check out to get the discount.

If you live in Oregon or Washington, you may be fortunate enough to find Oregon Cracker Company gluten free products in a local store near you. Living Earth Bakery, makers of these awesome crackers and granolas sent me some of their best treats to try out recently, and they are outstanding!

Baking gluten free since 2006, Living Earth Bakery bakes up gluten free goodies in their dedicated gluten free facility in Corvalis, Oregon for shipment to local stores, or directly to your home (US or Canada.)

Crackers

These 3 flavors of crackers are some of the best gluten free crackers I’ve had! I’m sad they are not yet sold in stores near me, but they can now be purchased online – so worth it! They are nicely crunchy and super flavorful. In fact, when I tasted them, I hid them away to save for the upcoming holiday, though I could have eaten most of them on the spot.

All 3 are thin, hearty little one-inch squares of rustic, crunchy goodness. You can order by the flavor, or try the variety pack.

The Sharp Cheddar Cheese flavor crackers are full of aged Tillamook Sharp Cheddar for a fantastic cheesy taste. They are similar to a Cheez-it, but not quite – richer and heavier. These are my favorite of the 3, yet I love them all. Gluten Free, Corn Free, Soy Free, non-GMO.

Harvest Bounty Multi-Grain Crackers are a satisfying blend of millet, sorghum, flax, amaranth, rice, tapioca, potato, and some subtle spices. They are perfect for topping, dipping or spreading your favorite extras. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free, Soy Free, non-GMO.

Garden Vegetable are tangy little crackers that pack 12 vegetables and herbs for a big taste in a little package. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free, Soy Free, non-GMO.

Granola & Granola Bars

Oregon Cracker Company also sent me some of their yummy granola to test out. Honestly, I’m never excited when companies offer me granola. There is so much gluten free granola in the world – most of it very good, that I rarely see anything different to report, with a few exceptions to that rule.

Well, here is a granola exception! Tropical Bliss Surprisingly wonderful and full of soft, chewy, tangy pineapple, sweet papaya, and a hint of rich coconut and honey. I took this bag and hid it as well – but not for the family. The fruit mixed with honey and gluten free oats makes large clusters you can eat right out of the bag. Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free, Soy Free.

There are 2 more flavorful granola varieties as well, Cran Raisin Crunch and Ginger Zinger.

The granola bars, also in these 3 flavors, are very large and as tasty as the granola in the bag, yet more convenient. The company claims these bars are large and hearty enough for the occasional meal replacement, and I believe they are correct! These also can be ordered by the flavor or in a variety pack.

When I let the guys at Oregon Cracker Company know that I would be sharing a review with you all, they generously offered a month long discount to all Gluten Freeville readers who want to try their products!

Special Offer: 20% off all web orders for one month (November 21, 2011 – to December 21, 2011) Use the coupon code “GFVILLE” when you check out to get the discount.

Click here to visit their website.

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader.

Jules Gluten-Free Thanksgiving e-Book is updated from last year and is over 50 pages of soup-to-nuts guide that will walk you through how to plan and execute your most successful Thanksgiving. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find:

*     When you are the host – Planning, suggestions for guests and helping guests understand gluten contamination

*  When you are a guest – GF dishes to share, helping hosts understand gluten contamination and ingredient substitutions for other food allergies.

*  RECIPES (with nutritional information)!

• Breads – 5 easy bread recipes, from muffins to dinner rolls and biscuits.
• Sides – You know the ones, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole…9 recipes in this section
• Desserts – Pie crust, pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie, apple cider cake, etc., etc. – 9 recipes here.

*    Planning checklist – will help you not overlook anything – a great stress reducer.

*    Bread Baking Tips – to make super-certain your day is awesomely delicious.

*    Product and substitution suggestions – Jules favorite brands and allergy friendly recommendations

*    And more…..

If you’ve never hosted a gluten-free Thanksgiving, or if you just want some delicious, proven recipes for this year’s holiday, Jules’ Thanksgiving e-Book will show you how – without stress, without compromise and without a doubt that a gluten-free Thanksgiving can be just as memorable, just as delicious, as the ones you remember.

Jules Gluten Free’s free giveaway of this eBook has ended, but you can still purchase it through the Jules site (below) for the reasonable price of $12.95. It’s well worth it.

US Residents:
To buy the book
Visit http://www.julesglutenfree.com
Click on Products
Click on the Thanksgiving E-book and Add to Cart

If anyone has technical difficulty, send an email to Jules Customer Service: support@julesglutenfree.com

Visit Jules Gluten Free for other outstanding ebooks, gluten free mixes and flour.

Visit Jules Shepard’s great blog for other fantastic recipes.

In marking the awareness day, the Senate resolution “recognizes that all people of the United States should become more informed and aware of celiac disease.” That’s about all it means. The rest is up to us -  to educate and spread the word.

In honor of National Celiac Awareness Day, the makers of LUNA bars have offered 2 Gluten Freeville readers all five flavors of their gluten free LUNA Protein bars. Read the review and see below for how to enter.

What’s a good Gluten Free Protein Bar? I get that question a lot. Who doesn’t love a pocket sized energy boost for the office, the car, hiking, biking, traveling, etc?

I know a lot of my Gluten Freeville friends avoid soy (about 9% according to my last poll), but a lot don’t. I’ll warn you here at the top that these bars derive a lot of their protein from non-GMO soy, so don’t read on if you’re not interested. LUNA Protein bars are certified kosher, but not vegan because of the whey protein (from milk.) All contain soy, dairy and may contain nuts.

LUNA Protein bars are gluten free high protein bars for women that provides 12 grams of soy and whey protein and 3 grams of fiber to satisfy hunger, all in under 200 calories per bar. They are free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup; artificial sweeteners, flavors or preservatives; and ingredients sourced from GMOs.

Yes, they say LUNA Protein bars are appropriate for men, too, but, LUNA Protein bars are specifically formulated to provide women with the nutrients they often lack.

According the Luna site, “Clif Bar & Company is committed to sourcing ingredients that are not genetically engineered in all of our products. We have stringent protocols for GMOs which includes requiring affidavits from ingredient suppliers demonstrating they can meet our non GMO requirements.”

Here is their gluten free statement: “At the beginning of 2011 we started to transition the entire LUNA Protein line to be gluten free. To do this, Clif Bar & Company has looked at all aspects of making our bars. Our ingredient suppliers have confirmed that all ingredients are gluten free, so they contain no gluten from wheat, rye or barely. Where we make our food is capable of making a gluten free food and we test our finished products to confirm that they are gluten free. As of March 2011, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Cherry Almond transitioned to be gluten free, as well. You can tell if your LUNA Protein bar is gluten free by looking at the packaging.”

LUNA sent me allt 5 flavors of their new gluten free protein bars to try out. I’ll tell you about them in the order of my preference.

Mint Chocolate Chip

This is a super delicious soft and chewy dark chocolate bar with chocolate chips in light chocolate nougat with a hint of cool mint and a tiny bit of a crunch as you chew. The taste reminds me very much of a Girl Scout Thin Mint Cookie, and that’s a nice memory! This bar is filling, and although not meant as a meal replacement bar, it would certainly hold you over until your next meal, even if you have quite a while to wait.

Click here for more information including ingredients/vitamins & minerals.

Chocolate

This yummy, chewy chocolate dipped bar is filled with chocolate nougat with a bit of a crunch. It reminds me a bit of a Three Musketeers Bar and tastes much more like a treat than a healthy blast of protein, vitamins and minerals.

Click here for more information including ingredients/vitamins & minerals.

Chocolate Peanut Butter

This bar is a thin chocolate coating over soft peanut butter nougat with a very delicate crunch. This is a very tasty way to get a power-packed protein boost with some much-needed vitamins and minerals. Love this bar.

Click here for more info including ingredients/vitamins & minerals.

Chocolate Cherry Almond

Soft nougat filled tiny bits of tangy cherry and chopped almonds, all wrapped up in chocolate make this bar a really delicious way to get your daily vitamins!

Click here for more information including ingredients/vitamins & minerals.

Cookie Dough

I list this one as my least favorite, although I love this one, too.  This gets last place for the slightly overpowering vanilla flavor, yet the chocolate-coated chocolate chip-filled soft nougat is a winner. These bars are all great and members of the short list of delicious gluten free protein bars.

Click here for more info including ingredients/vitamins & minerals.

LUNA Protein can be found at many Whole Foods, Kroger, Target, REI, Albertsons, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, Frys, Raleys, Smiths, Ralphs, A&P, Pathmark, Walmart, Wegmens, Publix, Safeway, drugstore.com, amazon.com and your local Natural/Specialty food store, as well as in some locations worldwide.

Use their store locator to find a location that carries these bars near you – US, Canada & UK.

In honor of National Celiac Awareness Day, the makers of LUNA bars have offered 2 Gluten Freeville readers all five flavors of their gluten free LUNA Protein bars. Thanks to all who entered to win! Erica Stokes & Tara Duvall were the winners of our random drawing.

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader.

Simply Organic

They are not kidding! I made my first batch tonight, and as I write this a couple of hours later, they’re gone and my testers and I loved them. These yummy cookies made the house smell like fall. They are a little heavy on the cloves, but it works in this mix. That nutmeg and clove smell makes me long for a cool breeze, boots and scarves and those amazing smells and tastes of the season.

The soft texture is enhanced by the vibrant flavors of these incredible cookies. I cooked for the minimum 8 minutes for a super soft result – not crispy, though that could be achieved with another couple of minutes in the oven, if you prefer. After tasting them, I began to think of all the places I am going to be taking these over the next few months and I went straight to the store locator to see where I could buy them. It looks like I’ll be ordering them online since the stores nearby don’t carry them, but I’ll definitely have to have a few boxes on hand.

The mix makes about 2 dozen cookies, and the box has several variations on it. Make it the regular way by adding 1 egg, 2 tsp of water, and 2 TBSP of butter. You can also use the information provided to make a vegan variation, a spice cake, or a spice cookie pie crust (Ooh. That one sounds great!) These are so easy to make, that as soon as your little one can stir, they can make them. No mixer and no complicated ingredients or instructions. Tip: I always bake gluten free cookies on parchment paper to avoid sticking for a perfect result each time.

Ingredients: Organic Brown Rice Flour, Organic Fair Trade Certified Cane Sugar, Organic Fair Trade Certified Sucana (Organic Dehydrated Cane Juice), Baking Soda, Xanthan Gum, Organic Cinnamon, Monocalcium Phosphate, Organic Corn Starch, Organic Ginger, Sea Salt, Organic Nutmeg, Organic Cloves.

Besides being great tasting and convenient, this mix is certified gluten free, certified organic, vegan, and certified fair trade. 1% of Simply Organic sales go toward organic agriculture and education.

They have a pretty extensive line of gluten free mixes that I’ll be working my way through and that are listed below.

Banana Bread Mix

Gluten-free Simply Organic Banana Bread Mix combines cinnamon with the intriguing warmth of allspice and wholesome brown rice flour to create flavor that never loses its appeal. The rich, fruity flavor of Banana Bread will make consumers … go bananas.

Carrot Cake Mix

Gluten-free Simply Organic Carrot Cake Baking Mix is a classic brought up to date with robust maple granules and wholesome brown rice flour. An alluring taste treat for any occasion—special or everyday—spicy, moist Carrot Cake will leave them wanting more.

Chai Spice Scone Mix

Gluten-free Simply Organic Chai Spice Scone Baking Mix is a traditional dessert with a spicy new attitude. Carefully blended with warming cardamom and black pepper, a sassy touch of ginger and cloves, and just the right pinch of cinnamon, this unique flavor sensation will wake up your taste buds!

Cocoa Brownie Mix

Gluten-free Simply Organic Brownie Mix is built around great-tasting Fair Trade Certified™ organic cocoa. While many brownies hide blasé cocoa behind oil, artificial flavorings and additives, our brownie mix is all natural, plain and simple. After you taste the cocoa-richness of our brownie, you won’t settle for anything less.

Cocoa Cayenne Cupcake Mix

Gluten-free Simply Organic Cocoa Cayenne Cupcake Mix boosts the rich flavor of Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa with a little kick of cayenne. The unique flavor of this robust treat is a favorite of all ages. The enticing taste of Cocoa Cayenne Cupcakes goes perfectly with a cup of your favorite organic coffee or tea, or with a glass of milk for little ones.

Devil’s Food Cake Mix

Simply Organic® Devil’s Food Cake Mix is built around sinfully delicious Fair Trade Certified™ organic cocoa. And while the devil didn’t make us do it — we think he would approve of the tempting chocolaty richness of this decadent treat.

Golden Vanilla Cake Mix

Simply Organic® Golden Vanilla Cake Mix uses organic Madagascar vanilla bean powder to create a delightfully sweet and enticingly aromatic dessert. Rest assured, there’s nothing plain about this vanilla cake — and anyone who says otherwise just doesn’t know beans!

Pancake & Waffle Mix

Simply Organic Pancake & Waffle Mix is out to keep the American griddlecake reigning supreme in the world of pancakes. Organic, gluten-free, and vegetarian, our cakes have been proven in home tests to coax even stubborn teenagers out of bed. So, cast aside your crepe; brush away your blintz, and celebrate the greatest pancake in the world.

Pizza Crust Mix

Mama Mia — that’s Italian! Simply Organic® Pizza Crust Mix is infused with six Mediterranean herbs to give your homemade pizza real Italian flavor. Thin and crispy, this crust complements any toppings and enhances the flavor of both white and red sauces. Easy, versatile, delicious — Mama herself couldn’t do it any better.

Click here to order these on the Simply Organic website and click on the store locator link there to find Simply Organic Gluten Free Mixes near you.

Have you tried any Simply Organic Gluten Free Mixes? Leave a comment below and tell us about the ones you’ve tried.

Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new products we have found as a resource to you, the reader.

I tried this crust at Expo West gluten free trade show in February and it made my Top 10 New & Noteworthy Products List. I have been anxiously awaiting its arrival since then. I loved the taste and texture, and I also loved the delivery of this crust! Before my household went gluten free, I used to use those super convenient Pillsbury crusts that come 2 in a box and fold out into the pie pan. Here is that crust in gluten free form – just as tasty and convenient!

In addition to being gluten-free, the new pie shells are also free of dairy, tree nuts, peanuts and preservatives, making the product ideal for consumers with special dietary needs. The 100-calorie per serving pie shells can be used to deliciously mimic any traditional single crust or double crust pie, which you can’t do with the pie crusts that come in a foil pan, and is even difficult to pull off with a crumbly gluten free pie crust mix or recipe.

With a suggested retail price of $4.99, each package of Kinnikinnick Pie Crusts contains two 8” pie shells and will be available starting in September at health food and traditional grocery stores in both the United States and Canada. A variety of recipe ideas for working with the pie crust can be found on the recipes tab of the Kinnikinnick website, www.kinnikinnick.com.

Jerry Bigam, President & CEO of Kinnikinnick, knows that dietary restrictions can make satisfying simple cravings a challenge: “We hope that with our ready-to-fill crusts, baking gluten, dairy and nut-free is fun, delicious, and easy as pie.”

Ingredients:
White Rice Flour, Non-hydrogenated Palm fruit or Canola Shortening, Whole Egg, Tapioca Starch, Water, Corn Starch, Potato Starch, Defatted Soy Flour, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum

Direct customers please note: Because pie crusts are sold frozen & uncooked, they will not be available through the Kinnikinnick home delivery program

It’s a hotly debated topic among experts whether or not shampoo and lotion seep into the bloodstream. Some say no, Green Beaver says yes. In any case, it’s my personal policy to avoid gluten in all products, not just food. Those with contact allergies and topical reactions definitely must avoid certain ingredients, but there are certainly enough choices to be found with no gluten ingredients so that I see no reason to buy those that definitely contain gluten.

The first thing I find interesting about the Green Beaver products is what’s NOT in them. I learned so much reading this page on their website that tells about commonly used ingredients in personal care products.  Green Beaver claims that 1/3 of all personal care products contain one or more ingredients classified as possible human carcinogens and that the average adult uses 9 personal care products daily – exposing them to 126 chemicals every day. After reading this information, I actually feel a little guilty that I have not more diligently sought more natural care products for my family before now, but I will certainly strongly consider a switch.

Why choose certified organic personal care products? Besides being good for the environment, organic based ingredients have been shown to contain more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-fighting antioxidants than non-organic ingredients. There are no synthetic chemicals, no artificial chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers, and no GMO’s in the Green Beaver products.

They have a large range of products including shampoo, lotions, gels, lip balm, sunscreen, a nice children’s line, deodorant, toothpaste, cleansers, acne products, and more – and all would make great gifts, too!

They sent me a variety of their products: Lavender Shampoo & Conditioner, Lavender Shower Gel, and Lavender Lotion, Natural Toothpaste, Natural Lavender Deodorant. I love most of what they sent me, and I also love the cool square bottles that look great in my bathroom.

Here’s the rundown on each product I tried:

Lavender Rosemary Shampoo
I love this rich mix of lavender and willowherb from the Rockies, and protein. It’s a bit less foamy than I’m accustomed to due to the lack of foaming chemicals, but my hair feels squeaky clean after using this. It smells great, but not perfumy and is enriched with indigenous Canadian yarrow, carrot and sweet fern. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable.

Lavender Rosemary Conditioner
This thick conditioner is almost a cream and isn’t greasy at all. It contains lavender, willowherb from the Rockies and protein. It says it adds body and volume, and volume is the last thing I need. I love this, though. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable

Lavender Rosemary Body Wash
This rich body wash reminds me of what you find in those tiny bottles at an upscale hotel. The scent is super nice, but not too heavy. I had my husband try it, and although he thought it was a little flowery, he liked it a lot. This plant-based biodegradable complex contains wild carrot and organic Prairie borage and flax seed emollients. It’s enriched with wild Canadian yarrow, willow-herb, sweet fern and Labrador tea. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable

Lavender Rosemary Body Lotion
This thick and rich lotion is not greasy like many natural products, but moisturizes well and smells great, but not perfumy. It features wild eastern Canadian carrot and organic Prairie borage and flax seed emollients and is enriched with wild Canadian yarrow, willow-herb, sweet fern and Labrador tea “for skin with a healthy, natural glow.” Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan, biodegradable

Frosty Mint Toothpaste
This toothpaste is fluoride free and all natural. I’m not sure I will give up my extra whitening brand, but I do like this toothpaste. I would definitely buy it for my small children, if I had any. The minty taste lasted a while, as if I had chewed some great gum. It contains natural cleansing agents: Xylitol, lemon and tea tree extracts, natural mineral whiteners: Silica and calcium carbonate, and natural vitamin C: Contributes to the normal development and maintenance of teeth and gums.

Natural Lavender Deodorant
This is a solid, clear gel that works well and has a light lavender scent. “Unique anti-odor complex composed of natural citrus enzymes and lichen provides extra protection for active people,” and is aluminum free. It contains soothing chamomile and aloe to help soothe sensitive, damaged or burning skin resulting from shaving. They have several scents, but also offer an unscented version. Biodegradable, vegan, gluten free, nut free

Check their store locator for locations you can get these products across Canada. They are in the process of setting up their US store locator.

Buy them online if you are in the US or Canada.

WINNERS: Thanks to Green Beaver for sending 2 Gluten Freeville Readers some great products and thanks to all of you who entered. The winners are: Angie (@kbkattle) and Jennifer Phythian. Enjoy!

About Gluten Freeville Product Reviews: Products are either purchased by us or sent to us for sampling. If we don’t LOVE it, you won’t see it reviewed here. No money is ever accepted in exchange for a product review. The sole purpose of our product reviews is to introduce you to great new gluten free products that we have found, as a service to you, the reader.

What will you find in this handy book? It’s over 500 pages packed with alphabetized categories of products and brands that are, at the time of the publication of the book anyway, gluten free. It is, however, small enough to take to the store if needed, or use it to make your list ahead of time. Besides grocery items (which is the majority of the book), there is a small Gluten Free Over the Counter Pharmacy Guide, including soap, deodorant, hair color, vitamins, medicine, and more.

“This easy to use 4.5″ x 6.5″ book lists over 37,000 thousand gluten-free products that are available nationwide. Popular brands like Heinz, Kraft, Del Monte, Frito Lay, as well as supermarket chains, such as Kroger, Wal-Mart, Publix, Safeway, Wegmans, Albertsons, Hy-Vee, Meijer, and more. Just pick a product, look it up, and all the gluten-free brands are at your fingertips. This comprehensive gluten-free food list has helped thousands of grocery shoppers that are on a gluten-free diet. This guide is designed for people with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity.” (from their website)

If you are an experienced gluten free shopper, it may be a little more than you need, but even so, you may just find some brands you didn’t really consider were gluten free. For example, the chip section lists many commonly found brands that are gluten free by ingredient, but not necessarily marketed as gluten free products.

It’s pretty easy to see right away which breads are gluten free, if any, in your grocery store, but maybe you’d like help with things like seasonings, sauces and salad dressings. Turn to “S” and you have hundreds of products right at your fingertips! You don’t have to buy the expensive specialty seasonings when you know which Durkee or McCormick spices are okay. In case of ingredient changes, you still have to scan the label and check, but it’s easier than reading every bottle on the shelf or constantly calling manufacturers if you have a list you can start with.

As an example – there are about 21 pages of gluten free ice cream products! Maybe more than you want to know if you have your favorite GF items already scoped out, but if you are starting out or even trying to expand your horizons, this book is a great study guide until you get your bearings in the gluten free world.

Especially if  you are avoiding multiple ingredients as listed in one of the versions below – I would call these books a MUST HAVE.

Cecelia’s Shopping Guides are available in three awesome variations:

• Gluten-Free – All products listed are gluten-free and wheat-free.
• Gluten/Casein Free – All products listed are gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, milk-free, and lactose-free. Perfect for anyone on a gluten/casein free (GFCF) diet.
• Gluten/Casein/Soy Free – All products listed are gluten-free, wheat-free, casein-free, milk-free, lactose-free and soy-free.

I recommend this book all the time, and I also refer to this book often!

Buy one online at Cecelia’s Marketplace.