This year's National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show brought over 17,000 people to San Francisco's Moscone Center. With over 80,000 products represented from over 35 countries, the show can be overwhelming. There were samples of chocolate, spice blends, chips, sauces, coffee, oils and more.
For the past few years, the presence of gluten-free foods at the show has been on the rise. There are certainly more "gluten-free" (GF) labels than ever before. However, there seems to be two levels of gluten-free; those products which claim it on their label and those which are certified. What many manufacturers don't realize is that gluten can sneak into spices and other ingredients in their products. So while they think their product is gluten-free, unless it's tested, it actually might not be.
For those with Celiac Disease or a severe gluten intolerance, a product which claims to have 20 parts per million (ppm) or less of gluten might not be acceptable; it can still make some people sick. Products that have the "GF Certified" label have been tested by Gluten-Free Certification Organization and ensure levels of gluten are below 10 ppm. If you are extremely intolerant of gluten or if you are cooking for someone who is, look for this label or check with the manufacturer.
There were many more gluten-free products at the show than what is below. Here are some of the gluten-free highlights from the 2013 Winter Fancy Food Show. View the slide show for more photos:
- Marion's Smart Delights: Cookie, muffin, and bar mixes. Certified GF.
- Cup 4 Cup flour mix: this San Francisco area company has created this excellent mix for baking. Simply substitute this mix in your baking recipes. Certified by Celiac Sprue Association. Mix contains dairy.
- Conte’s bake in a bag pizza: worry no more about cross-contamination. Conte's, who has been making gluten-free foods for over 5 years, has designed a pizza which comes in a bag. For those with a severe gluten intolerance, this prevents their pizza from being contaminated with flour that might be in the oven from other products. Produced in a dedicated gf facility.
- Lucky Spoon Bakery: this bakery produces muffins and cookies.
- Tru Roots: a San Francisco area company which is known for their organic quinoa and other grains is now making pasta and cookies.
- Star Anise Foods: a San Francisco area company which produces Vietnamese-inspired foods such as brown rice noodles, pho soup starter and now brown rice wrappers for spring and egg rolls.
- Passage Foods: this company has created a gluten-free line of stir-fry sauces, Passage to China, which include Honey, Soy and Garlic as well as Black Bean.
- One Planet granola: a San Francisco area company which produces a line of organic granola. Two of their products are gluten-free. Working on certification.
- NaGo Dressing: a San Francisco area company which produces salad dressings and sauces.Working on certification.
- Viviana pasta: a new brand from Colorado, they produce homemade pasta which is also dairy, nut and soy-free. Certified GF.
- Real Simple Delicious soups: a San Francisco area company, these soups are delicious and made with real ingredients. Certified GF.
- Gratify pretzel snacks: part of Osem and Nestle, these snacks are new to the market. They will be available for purchase via amazon.com.
If you found other gluten-free foods at the show, feel free to comment. Please share whether or not the product is certified.
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