It's winter: temperatures are dropping and we're all starting to crave those warm and familiar comfort foods that are loaded with wheat and flour, and other allergens.  For those following a gluten-free lifestyle, this can mean challenges to our health and a true test of our level of commitment to our diet. 

Our dietary choices directly affect our wellness and well-being, and this is even more evident for those of us who cannot tolerate certain foods, like gluten.  The good news is, there are many companies going out of their way to bring quality, natural, and health-conscious products to the food allergy community -- even those winter holiday classics we all know and love.  Boulevards, of Bradenton, Florida is one such company.  Brothers Steve and Don Meyers not only offer gluten-free varieties of their yummy hot chocolate, but other flavors are dairy-free and sugar-free (as well as naturally soy- and nut-free, and kosher).  The mix is also certified organic and the company is a member of the Organic Trade Association.

The hot chocolate is made using a blend of organic cocoa and sweetener.  Unlike other products that use fillers to bulk-up drink mixes (and, subsequently dilute the chocolaty taste as well as introduce unnecessary allergens, like whey or grains), Boulevards' organic mix is a most simple take on this famous winter drink; the taste is smooth and pure, with just a hint of sweetness, and the chocolate is the real star.

Boulevards' products are available for sale online, both via the website, www.BlvdsOrganics.com, as well as on Amazon.  All three varieties of hot chocolate are also available in various health food stores and natural markets nationally, as well as right here in the Tampa Bay Area, so you can feel good knowing your purchases are supporting a local business that has the best interests of the food-allergic community in mind.  (Though, one need not be gluten-free, vegan, sugar-free, or kosher to enjoy this product; it would make a perfect holiday treat for any hot chocolate or organics lover in your life.)

Connect with Boulevards on Facebook and Twitter.

The perfect accompaniment to a cup of hot cocoa?: Easy allergen-free pumpkin pie

UPDATE: Boulevards has closed down operations and their remaining stock can be purchased through Amazon.com.