If you are gluten free and considering where to go to college, we may be able to help! This list will give you information about the top gluten-free accommodating campuses across the country.  From the east coast to west coast, from small schools to large schools, this list will hopefully provide everyone with some helpful information regarding the gluten-free college dining experience throughout the US.

#1 - University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

Size: 12,000 Students

Gluten free dining at Notre Dame is a piece of cake (gluten free cake of course!). Students have their own private dining area located within the main dining center where you can find everything you would ever need to eat gluten free. To gain access to this center, students first meet with the school’s registered dietitian to go over their personal needs and see what ND can do to accommodate them. Once they have access, their options are unlimited. Gluten free items are also available at all dining locations, convenience stores, and on-campus restaurants. In order to keep the students safe, all dining members are trained and understand the severity of food allergies. As a result everything is carefully labeled on recipes, ingredient containers, menus, and online databases.

#2 – Georgetown University

 Location: Washington, DC

Size: 16,000 Students

Fortunately for gluten free students, allergy safe eating is a high priority on Georgetown’s campus. Students have access to a gluten free designated station where they can find similar gluten free staples. Everything is labeled with a unique gluten free logo to ensure safety and to avoid cross contamination. Dining hall staff is trained repeatedly throughout each semester to understand dietary restrictions and how they can best accommodate each different food sensitivity. The registered dietitian on campus also works hand-in-hand with the Gluten-Free Foodies student organization to make sure students’ needs are being reached and ideas are being shared.

#3        Iowa State University

Location: Ames, Iowa

Size: 30,000 Students

Gluten free dining is available at all campus locations at Iowa State University in order to ensure that all students are receiving a proper diet. Dining staff is trained specifically to each dietary need and managers keep a close tab on all operations. Students have access to a designated area with its own refrigerator, freezer, dry storage, cooking utensils and small appliances. Besides the full service area, students are also able to request individually made meals or sign up for a gluten free meal schedule. ISU continues to work on creating an area for students with restricted diets to feel as unrestricted as possible when it comes to making dining choices.

#4        University of Arizona

Location: Tucson, Arizona

Size: 30,000 Students

Within the last several years, University of Arizona has continued to expand and improve their options for gluten free students on campus. When a student orders a gluten free meal, several steps are taken in order to ensure safety, including special colored gloves. The dining member serving the student will stay with them until their meal is completed to make sure no cross-contamination occurs. For the first time ever this year, an allergen fair was hosted on campus to help connect students with their campus dining staff members. Also, the UA Gluten Free Club is a very active student group both on campus and in the greater community.

 #5        Emory University

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Size: 14,000 Students

Emory’s dining staff truly enables gluten free students to feel comfortable at their home away from home. The staff stays in regular communication with all students with dietary restrictions and they are always looking for feedback on ways to improve their already great program. The gluten free station in the main dining hall is very inclusive, and includes hot meals, gluten free staples, and desserts. The staff has worked tirelessly to create as many naturally gluten free options as possible in the main dining area. For example, they ensure that everything on the salad bar and all salad dressing are gluten free. Also, the staff has been trained through the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness’s GREAT Kitchens Program.

 #6        University of Connecticut

Location: Storrs, Connecticut

Size: 30,000 Students

Thanks to dedicated staff members, gluten free students at University of Connecticut can have peace of mind during their on-campus dining experiences. There is always at least one gluten free meal option on the menu each day and students always have access to a gluten free designated area with several additional options. Menu items, ingredients, and food products are clearly labeled once they are brought in from off-campus areas to eliminate cross contamination issues.

 #7        Ithaca College

Location: Ithaca, New York

Size: 7,000 Students

Gluten free meals are available within all dining halls on campus at Ithaca College, as well as at all campus-wide events. Within the main dining hall, students can access a gluten free pantry which contains several products and meals as well as small kitchen appliances and cooking utensils. Special labeling is used on all products to ensure safety and to give students the feeling of security. There is also a Food Allergy Awareness Club on campus to support all students with dietary restrictions.

 #8        Carleton College

Location: Northfield, Minnesota

Size: 2,000 Students

At Carleton College, the dining staff believes that a food allergy/intolerance should not be a burden, but a teachable moment for students and staff. Staff members truly value students’ input and regularly meet with them to help learn how to accommodate their needs. All gluten free students who dine on campus have the same options as non-GF students and are offered one naturally gluten free entrée at every meal along with dessert.  Staff is trained yearly to learn how to properly handle the food provided at the dedicated gluten free station in each dining hall.

#9        University of New Hampshire

Location: Durham, New Hampshire

Size: 15,000 Students

University of New Hampshire has created an environment that makes gluten free dining easy. Students can access gluten free products at all dining locations on campus where a large variety of products can be found. In order for students to ensure a meal is available to them on time so students can leisurely eat with their peers, they are asked to call in to the gluten free phone service or fill out an online request form. Students are simply asked when they plan on arriving and which gluten free menu option they prefer.

  #10      Clark University

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts

Size: 3,500 Students

Looking for a truly “home cooked” meal? Students at Clark University will be excited to know that every meal served in their campus dining hall is made from scratch and most recipes are modified to be gluten free. There is also a separate “My Zone” area for students to access gluten free pasta and pizza, as well as cooking utensils and small appliances.  Students can find several resources within the dining center for addition dining options off campus and shopping in town. The staff at Clark University has a training session every morning when new meals are on the menu to help practice safe allergy food handling.  Being gluten free is considered a social issue at Clark and not just an allergy – if some students cannot eat it and there is no gluten free alternative for substitution, then that meal is not offered to any student.

* Note, this ranking is in no way connected to the sales of Udi’s Gluten Free products. Extensive research, including website reviews, student testimonials, and calls with dining staff employees, was conducted to create this list.

We want to commend these ten schools on their hard work and dedication for creating a unique environment which gluten free students can safely and successfully live and dine on campus!  Want to see your college on this list? We suggest starting your own gluten free awareness campaign on campus to gain better accommodation in the dining halls and overall recognition on campus!

How does your campus accommodate gluten free students?

Happy Earth Day!

Here are ten tips from The Gluten Free Yogi on how to be green AND gluten-free, simultaneously!

1. Support local farms & businesses.
• Food can sometimes travel a long way to get to your table. All that travel equals unnecessary fossil fuels in the atmosphere and an unhappy earth. Supporting local farms and business is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help the planet. Plus, it’s a nice way to connect to your community. Whenever I go to my local farmer’s market, I’m always amazed at how many gluten-free goodies I find— breads, baked goods, trail mixes, PLUS, vegetables, fruits and meats are all naturally gluten-free! Also, eating locally isn’t just confined the farmer’s market. The next time you’re at the grocery store, pay more attention to where your food is from and when you have a choice, choose local. The planet will thank you.
2. Eat in season. 
• As much as I’d love to eat watermelon or strawberries in February, they’re both really expensive because they are shipped from far, far away. They also don’t taste the same as they do in the summertime. When you buy foods in season, there’s a greater likelihood that you’re buying more locally, too. So it’s really a win-win!
3. B.Y.O.W.
• Bring your own water… Buying bottled water equals plastic bottles in our landfills, streets, and waterways. Investing in a few durable water bottles (that are BPA free if they’re plastic) and bringing filtered tap water with you or keeping a glass or mug at work if you have filtered tap water nearby, helps a lot!
4. Buy frozen produce.
• Buying frozen fruits and vegetables allows you to have certain foods out of season. For example, if you choose the frozen organic asparagus from California in the dead of winter over the conventional asparagus from South America, you’re helping the planet, supporting US agriculture AND getting your much-needed intake of vegetables, vitamins and nutrients.
5. Don’t forget your reusable bags and reusable food containers!
• We all go to the grocery store. A lot. Bringing your own bags equals less plastic bags blown into our waterways. Just make sure you have the reusable ones with you before you hit the road! Also, if you bring your gluten-free lunch to work with you, bring your lunch in reusable containers.
6. Go organic.
• As Joni Mitchell once sang, “Don’t care about spots on my apples, leave me the birds at the bees.” Buying organic produce AND packaged gluten-free goods is a great way to help your body and the planet. Organic foods aren’t produced with chemical food additives, industrial solvents or irradiation. And (bonus!) they tend to taste better, too. Make sure you’re always buying “the dirty dozen” foods organic, which are the foods that have the highest pesticide residue. For a complete list, click here.
7. Use earth-friendly cleaning products.
• While some cleaning products have miraculous ways of scrubbing sinks and tubs or polishing floors, they’re not always made with the planet in mind. Consequently, they can leach toxins. Children and animals can be especially sensitive to toxins but the truth is, we all are… and while the impact might not be apparent right away, some of these toxins can be carcinogenic. I recommend researching the most earth-friendly products OR making your own! Believe it or not, lemon juice and vinegar aren’t just good for your body!
8. Recycle your packaged goods.
• If you enjoy the occasional gluten-free cereal or beverage, just remember to recycle the containers when you’re done. All those packaged goods can add up over a lifetime all over the planet, so the more we can each do to help, the better. It also helps to repurpose glass containers as glasses, vases or food storage containers.
9. Compost!
• If you live in the ‘burbs or the country, or even in the city, composting is a great way to put all those apple cores and asparagus stems back into the soil. If you’re not willing or able to compost yourself, you’re in luck because composting services are popping up around the country, which offer compost pick-up right at your door!
10. Plant a garden, great or small.
• Whether you’ve got the land to plant a big garden or you live in an apartment that only has a window sill large enough for a few small plants, planting your own gardens let’s you enjoy your own home-grown produce! Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than eating food you’ve grown yourself.

How do you celebrate Earth Day?

Since April is Autism Awareness Month, it’s the perfect opportunity to turn our attention to this complex developmental disorder. In the last decade the occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children has increased drastically, making this month more significant than ever.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 88 American children are now identified on some level of the spectrum!

How much do you know about autism? Here are a few facts to help you learn more:

• Autism is 5 times more common in boys than girls.
• There is no medical detection for autism, currently only careful behavioral analysis and family history leads to diagnoses.
• The average age for diagnosis is around 3 years old
• Not all types of autism are alike; there is a very wide spectrum of autism and every child will have their own unique way of coping with it.
• Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment many symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and in some cases completely overcome.
• Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded

Can a Gluten Free and Casein-Free Diet Help?

If you’ve heard about autism you’ve probably heard about a Gluten and Casein free diet (GFCF) at some point. Although medical research has not been able to confirm a definite relationship between the two, many parents and physicians have seen improvements in speech or behavior after these ingredients were removed from their diet.

So how exactly can gluten and casein affect behavior? There isn’t a definite answer but some use Leaky Gut Syndrome to explain it. Many children with ASD suffer from a leaky gut, a condition where the incompletely digested proteins (or peptides) found in casein and gluten seep from the intestines into the blood stream. When a child with a leaky gut ingests foods that contain casein and gluten, the peptides enter the blood stream, head to the brain and attach to opiate receptors there, prompting the child to have sensory issues and to sometimes react with unmanageable behavior.

A gluten and casein free diet should not be attempted without consulting your doctor first but it may be worth a shot!

Have you seen any behavioral improvements after someone affected by autism went gluten-free?

For more detailed resources on Autism please visit the links below:

• Autism Society
• Autistic Advocacy 
• AutismWeb
• Huffingtonpost Autism Awareness
• National Autism Association
• Mayo Clinic – Autism
• MD Mama
• Parents – Autism

Thanks for helping us spread Autism Awareness!

Last week we were excited and honored to be part of the 33^rd annual Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. With 63,000 industry members in attendance and 2,428 exhibiting companies, the event was a whirlwind of exciting new companies, products, and special appearances.

This year Udi’s was fortunate to present more exciting new and delicious gluten free products than ever.

Our New Product Showcase consisted of…

Active Granola Clusters:

• Based off of our delicious gluten free granola, these clusters loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and omegas.
• 2 varieties: Blueberry Cashew with Antioxidants and Cherry Walnut with Omegas

Granola Bars:

• We have three new soft & chewy granola bars that are perfect for on the go or a quick snack! They’re also a great source of antioaxidants, vitamins, and omegas to help boost hearth health and fight illness.
• 3 Varieties: Chocolate Chip with Antioxidants, Cranberry Almond with Omegas, and Ancient Grain

Tortillas:

• Quesadillas, Fajitas, Burritos . . . Oh my! Finally, we’re excited to give you a soft and great tasting gluten free tortilla!
• 2 Varieties: Large (6-pack) and Small (8-pack)

New Cookies:

• These delicious new cookies are shelf stable and are made with non-GMO cereal grains. The flavor combinations are sure to blow you away!
• 3 Varieties: Peanut Butter Coconut, Sea Salt Caramel Cashew, and Chocolate Chip Pecan

Ancient Grain Crisps:

• Our new Ancient Grain Crisps are not only delicious but full of nutritious Amaranth, Quinoa, Flax, Sesame, Millet, and Black Seeds! They also have fewer calories, carbs, and fat than leading competitors.
• 3 Flavors: Aged Cheddar, Sea Salt, and Jalapeno Cheddar

In additional to the numerous new gluten free treats we got to share with the world, this particular Expo was special in another way; it marked the first time that we sponsored this event with our two sister companies, Glutino and Earth Balance. Together we hosted a delicious gluten free and vegan breakfast to kick of this year’s exhibition.

Throughout the weekend we also fed the hungry attendees with our Mighty Bagels and Everything Inside Bagels that were topped with Earth Balance’s Peanut Butter and Culinary Spreads.

And it didn’t end there! At our booth, attendees were able to sample some of our brand new products. The morning started off with granola clusters served with vanilla yogurt and our nutritious granola bars. Lunch was an absolute hit when we served cheese and roasted red pepper quesadillas using our soft flour tortillas. For those who were dairy-free, we were lucky enough to be able to offer a GoVeggie option. Our new ancient grain chips also made an appearance. Whether you preferred Sea Salt or Aged Cheddar, once you tried one your just couldn’t stop! We ended the day with our brand new and oh so delicious, cookies. All three flavors are irresistible which was proven by our continuous need to refill our sampling tray.

Overall the Natural Food Expo was a huge success! Although our bellies are full and our feet a little weary, we’re ready to start bringing these great new gluten free baked goods to stores near you. Aaaaand Expo East will be coming up fast!! Make sure to join us Sept. 25-28, 2013 in Baltimore, MD.

Which new products are you most excited about??

1980, Nancy and Ronald Reagan

When I hear the term “Presidents’ Day” I immediately think of elementary school crafts, including paper plate George Washington masks, tricorn hats made with paper towels rolls, and “powdered wigs” made of cotton balls.

President’s Day may not be the most celebrated holiday on our calendar, but it is fun to learn a few food related facts about the unique gentlemen who have held our highest office. Abraham Lincoln is said to have liked a plain cup of coffee and boiled egg for breakfast, which I can definitely relate to! Through a little research I also learned that he enjoyed fresh fruit, particularly apples and grapes.  It sounds like Mr. Lincoln and I could have had a nice Gluten Free meal together.

Reflecting on President’s Day made me wonder what some of our other Chief Executives liked to dine on, and I was pleased to find that many Presidential favorites are naturally Gluten Free.  George Washington often served green beans at his Mount Vernon home, while John Adams drank cider every morning.  Thomas Jefferson grew Virginia sweet corn in his Paris garden and James Buchanan was so particular about the quality of his food that special butter was brought to the White House from Philadelphia – in the 1850s!  Andrew Johnson’s family had popcorn parties at the White House while simple rice pudding was a favorite with Ulysses S. Grant.  Theodore Roosevelt’s breakfast consisted of hard boiled eggs and grits with a cup of coffee so large his son described it as “a bathtub”.

William Howard Taft liked steak, and lots of it, while his successor Woodrow Wilson often requested strawberry ice cream.  The Queen of England was served hot dogs by Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor.   Cooking was a favorite hobby of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was known to make beef stew for his friends.  John F. Kennedy enjoyed a lunch of New England fish chowder.  Ronald Reagan will always be associated with jelly beans, which he started snacking on to kick a smoking habit.  George H.W. Bush may have liked many foods, but broccoli was NOT one of them.

So what’s popular in the White House today?  President Obama enjoys trail mix and berry flavored iced tea, so if you are invited to join him, you can join him in Gluten Free stride!

However, not every reputed Presidential favorite would be popular with our modern palate.  James Madison’s wife Dolley supposedly often served oyster ice cream. Andrew Jackson was nicknamed “Old Hickory”, so he often served hickory nut soup to play on the popularity of the name.   James Garfield was shot by an assassin; his life delicately hung in the balance for eighty days.  Doctors tried a meal of squirrel soup to entice him out of his coma to no avail.

In conclusion, today we encourage you to treat yourself like a President! No matter if you choose a hot dog (on an Udi’s bun, of course) or a dish of strawberry ice cream, make sure you take a moment to indulge in your favorite gluten free treat.You get bonus points for singing “Hail to the Chief” while you do so.

Here some additional fun Presidential foodie links:

• JFK’s Fish Chowder: Presidential Recipes
• How to Stuff Your Face Like a President
• Plate of the Union: The Picky Presidential Palate
• Presidential Food Obsessions
• Presidential Foods and What They Say About Our Leaders

Happy Presidents’ Day!

  Udi’s at Sundance!    

We were so excited to be able to return to Park City, UT, for the 2013 Sundance film festival. Our goal this year was to spread gluten freedom even further by filling the ravenous stomachs of Sundance attendees with delicious, soul warming, gluten free treats.

In order to do this, we erected our very own temporary restaurant on Main St. called the Udi’s Gluten Free Table. It quickly became a popular venue  celebrities and other Sundance visitors looking for food, fun and a refuge from the cold weather. We offered an exclusively gluten free menu to celebrity guests and tastemakers featuring our signature products combined with a variety of high-quality produce, meats and cheeses that were produced locally.

Experience the Udi’s Gluten Free Table for yourself through this video and photo album!

If you want to recreate our exclusive gluten free menu for yourself, here are some of the dishes we served:

• Cinnamon Raisin French Toast Bites (Recipe)
• Cold Smoked Feta Flatbread (Recipe)
• Razored Beef Tenderloin Flatbread  (Recipe)
• Roast Utah Pear Flatbread (Recipe)
• Udi’s Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese (Recipe)
• Udi’s Sun Roasted Tomato and Cheddar Grilled Cheese (Recipe)
• Udi’s Cheddar and Apple Grilled Cheese (Recipe)
• Brownie Bites with Chipotle Butter Cream and Candied Jalapenos (Recipe)

We want to thank everyone for being so supportive and we hope to see you next year!

• Hollywood Life
• TheExaminer.com
• FoxNews.com
• ET News
• Celebtzer
• Soapcentral.com

We can feel it…2013 is going to be a great year for Udi’s! We’ve been adding more and more delicious gluten free baked goods to our line up and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.

Here’s a sneak peak at a few new soul warming items that you’ll be seeing on your store shelves soon!

Granola Bars; the perfect snack on the go from a Gluten Free brand you can trust!

• Cranberry Almond with Omega-3 ALA
• Chocolate Chip with Antioxidants, Vitamin E and Zinc
•  Ancient Grain with Probiotics.

Perfect for on the go or as a quick snack!

 Pizzas; we’ve revamped our recipes and added some delicious single serve options perfect for one!

• Spinach, Feta, & Mozzarella Pizza

Our delicious Spinach & Feta pizza starts with our creamy spinach sauce of spinach, feta, ricotta, cream, and spices spread over Udi’s baked-to-perfection thin and crispy gluten-free crust.  We top if off with our premium cheese blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses to create the perfect lunch or dinner.  You won’t want to share this one!

• Three Cheese Pizza

Our Three Cheese Pizza now comes in a personal size options as well! It starts with our savory sauce of vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and spices spread over Udi’s baked-to-perfection thin and crispy gluten-free crust.  We top it off with our premium cheese blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and romano and sprinkle fresh-frozen basil to create the perfect lunch or dinner.  Yummm!

Tortillas; they’re finally here!

We know you’ve been patiently waiting for us to whip up a great tasting gluten free tortilla. Well the wait is finally over!  Burritos, tacos, fajitas, wraps…where to start!? Udi’s gluten free tortillas are sure to turn any night into a Mexican fiesta.

Which new item are you most excited to try??

Did you know that today, November 15^th, is officially “National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day”?

This tedious chore is something most of us dread and often put off until that odd smell is simply no longer tolerable! But, that mystery dish hiding in the back right corner of your fridge that’s covered in a thin layer of fur and changing colors daily can be a serious health risk!

So we encourage you to see this national holiday as the perfect opportunity to de-clutter , sanitize and make room for those inevitable holiday leftovers.

Below are some steps to help you tackle your overflowing refrigerator and ensure it’s a gluten free haven for all your delicious grub:

Cleaning your fridge can be like going in to battle! You’ll need:

• A large, heavy duty, trash bag.
• Bucket with warm water and mild detergent
• A sponge
• A roll of paper towels or clean dry kitchen towel to wipe shelves after cleaning.
• Optional: gloves (may depend on how severe the state of your fridge is).

Ideally you should clean your refrigerator once a month or immediately after accidental spills.

• Wipe down all shelves and drawers with your warm water and soap mixture. Dry shelves with paper towels or dry towel to remove moisture and soap residue.
• Make sure to set your refrigerator temperature between 34 and 40 degrees.
• Don’t forget your freezer!

Chuck all foods passed their prime in your trash bag.

• Food experts say that fresh poultry, homemade dips, ground meat, and gravy should be stored in your refrigerator for no more than two days.
• Check all expiration dates
• To make sure your leftovers don’t spoil in the future, do NOT store food in paper bags. Instead, cover foods with foil, in airtight containers, or plastic bags.

When restocking your fridge, try to fill it with nutrient-rich foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits. These are also naturally gluten-free!

• Beans, eggs, milk, nuts, and potatoes are just a few items that are gluten free in their original form.
• Meat and fish (un-breaded), yogurt, butter, and cheese are also mostly gluten free, just be sure to read labels for additives and flavorings (including spices/seasonings that may contain gluten).

Avoid cross-contamination!

• If you have gluten-free and gluten-filled items in your fridge make sure to keep them on separate shelves.
• Uncooked meats should also be kept separate from produce, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods.

Organize your food items to make them easier to find (and consequently less likely to forget about)!

• Stackable or removable shelves and under shelf baskets are great for this.

Do you have any other tips or tricks for a clean & healthy refrigerator?

By Susannah Faulkner, Strategic Sales Manager

Have you ever considered the fact that having a food allergy means that you can be affected by some key pieces of legislation? When I was first diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2006, I had no idea that politicians had the power to make my life easier. So, since we are in the political spirit today, I am tapping into the

politician within me and I’m bringing you a cheat sheet on gluten related legislation that you should be aware of.

The Gluten in Medication Identification Act (H.R.4972)

Introduced on April 27^th, 2012, by Representative Tim Ryan from Ohio.

This bill would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify and label any starch-containing ingredients in medication. It is often difficult to get gluten related information on prescription medications and this bill has the power to make a very positive impact on lives. The bill currently has 26 Democratic co-sponsors, and is sitting in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Consider contacting your local representatives to encourage them to take action on the bill!

Recognizing May as National Celiac Awareness Month (H.RES.246)

Introduced on May 4^th, 2011, by Democratic Representative Nita Lowey of New York.

Unfortunately this is another bill that has stalled and is currently pending in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. As stated in the bill, the resolution would express “support for: (1) the goals and ideals of National Celiac Awareness Month, and (2) working toward an eventual cure for celiac disease through increased research and treatment.” It would also “recognize: (1) that awareness of celiac disease will have a significant positive impact on the quality of life of people with that disease, and (2) the importance of improving diagnosis rates through increased education about the disease.” This bill currently only has 9 Democratic co-sponsors, so it’s imperative we encourage our local representative to put it back on the table!

FDA Ruling on Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods.

Lastly, and one of the most important political involvement for those with a gluten intolerance, is the upcoming FDA ruling on Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods. This ruling by the FDA is four years overdue and we are still waiting for a conclusion. The Food Labeling and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law by former President George W. Bush in 2004 and stated that the FDA and Department of Health and Human Services must create standards for gluten free within the next four years.

Currently the Food Labeling and Consumer Protection Act covers only the top eight allergens (and requires labeling of these allergens) but gluten is not included. Thus, food companies are not mandated to label for gluten and there are no actual standards for what is gluten free.

The FDA has committed to ruling on the gluten free standards in the first quarter of 2013. This would require any food company wishing to label their product as gluten free to be tested to under 20 ppm for gluten content, just like the procedure for the European Union. This would be a huge win for celiac awareness, and we urge you to stay up to date on the ruling!

We hope that this quick guide encourages you to take action on issues that are very close those of us living with celiac disease, food allergies, and/or other dietary restrictions.

Are there any other gluten related issues you’d like to see members of Congress act on?

Sources:

American Celiac Disease Alliance

US Department of Health and Human Services

US Food and Drug Administration

You’ve probably seen some of our new products, like our brownie bites and muffin tops, on the shelves or in the freezer aisle of your local grocery store. We’re excited and flattered to have received TONS of positive feedback on them! There’s just something about chewy dark chocolate and fresh muffin tops that is simply irresistible. We are on a roll here and determined to bring back all of your favorite foods (gluten free of course!). So get ready for our new releases, many of which were inspired by our very own fans – thank you for your suggestion!

Look for our newest releases in your local grocer starting in January. In the mean time, which items are you most excited to try?

Udi’s Everything Inside & Mighty Bagels

Oh, are we excited about this! We know you have been craving a new bagel flavor, so we combined a delicious blend of millet, flax, and poppy seeds, onions, garlic and salt to create our new Everything Inside Bagel—no messy seeds falling off the outside because we put them inside. The Mighty Bagel has its name for a reason: it’s packed with nutrients! Whole quinoa flour, cranberries, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are a few new ingredients you can find in this bagel, so enjoy the new, power –packed Mighty Bagel.

Udi’s Harvest Crunch Muffins & Udi’s Double Vanilla Muffins

There couldn’t be a better way to head into fall than with two great new muffin flavors like Harvest Crunch and Double Vanilla? Paired with warm apple cider or vanilla latte perhaps? Our mouths are watering already!

Udi’s French Baguettes

Whether it’s a sub sandwich, a panini, or homemade bruschetta, our new French Baguettes are perfect for your homemade creation! With two baguettes per bag, make a one-on-one feast, or share with the family!

Udi’s Dinner Rolls

Now we know you have been waiting for these! You may have some gluten free pasta with a side dish, but sometimes you just want a dinner roll! Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and in case you have a few “practice runs” before Turkey Day, we thought you might want to practice gluten-free! Besides, who doesn’t like a Thanksgiving-style meal every now and then? But we don’t want to limit you – think Italian, or “mini sandwiches”, or even paired with a big leafy salad and side soup (dunk away!) Bring on the “bread basket”!

Look for dinner rolls and baguettes at your local grocer starting in October and November, and stay tuned…there’s MORE coming soon!