Finding Free Gluten-Free Products And Savings For Celiac Disease Management

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Celiac disease affects more than 1.3 million Americans, requiring strict adherence to a gluten-free diet to prevent damage to the small intestine. Managing this dietary restriction can be challenging and expensive, as gluten-free products often cost more than their gluten-containing counterparts. Fortunately, various resources, free samples, promotional offers, and cost-saving options are available to help individuals with celiac disease maintain their diet without financial strain.

Free Samples and Giveaways

During Celiac Disease Awareness Month in May, various companies and organizations offer special promotions and giveaways to support the celiac community. Senza Gluten, a restaurant in Greenwich Village, NYC, hosts a giveaway where one follower can win a $100 gift certificate to their establishment. This opportunity provides not only a free meal but also the chance to enjoy dining out safely with celiac disease, addressing a common challenge for those who must avoid gluten.

MIGHTYLICIOUS Gluten Free, an award-winning brand of certified gluten-free cookies and flour mixes, celebrates National Celiac Awareness Month with several offerings. The company provides month-long discounts with the promo code CELIAC15, giving customers an opportunity to try their products at reduced prices. Additionally, MIGHTYLICIOUS hosts giveaways on Instagram and donates 10% of sales to Celiac.com during May. Founded by Carolyn Haeler, who was diagnosed with celiac disease herself, the company offers seven gluten-free cookie varieties and three gluten-free flour mixes, all certified gluten-free, kosher, non-GMO, and made with clean ingredients. MIGHTYLICIOUS products are available at nationwide retailers including Walmart, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Cost-Saving Resources

The Celiac Disease Foundation offers the Gluten-Free Marketplace 2.0, a comprehensive resource for finding gluten-free products, services, companies, and recipes. Available at celiac.org/marketplace and as an app for iPhone and Android, this marketplace showcases products and services from companies committed to supporting the celiac community. It's important to note that the Celiac Disease Foundation makes no representations or warranties about the products included in the marketplace, and their presence does not constitute an endorsement. Users should always verify that products meet their specific dietary needs.

The Gluten-Free Marketplace allows users to find and favorite gluten-free recipes, filter and search recipes by category and course, access dietitian-developed gluten-free meal plans for adults and children, and find important nutrition information for every product and recipe. Users can also research and order gluten-free products directly from Amazon through the platform. With hundreds of new products added monthly, the marketplace serves as a continuously updated resource for those managing a gluten-free diet.

For individuals seeking digital assistance, The Celiac Space app offers premium tools and support for those with celiac disease. The app provides 24/7 access to Celia, an intelligent assistant trained specifically for celiac questions using extensive knowledge from experts at The Celiac Space. Additional features include dynamically updated product databases, dining recommendations vetted by experts, gluten-free lifestyle guides, dining out translation cards, and medication and beauty databases. New users can take advantage of a 14-day free trial to explore all features before committing to a subscription. After the trial, the app costs $7.99 per month (billed monthly) or $4.99 per month (billed annually), with the annual plan offering over 29% in savings. Previously subscribed users are not eligible for the free trial unless they switch to a different subscription plan.

In the United Kingdom, individuals diagnosed with celiac disease may access gluten-free staple foods on prescription through their healthcare provider. Similar to obtaining medication on prescription, a general practitioner can write a prescription for gluten-free foods that can be collected from a pharmacist. The availability of specific items varies by location, and each different category of gluten-free food typically counts as one prescription charge. For those regularly obtaining gluten-free prescriptions on prescription, a prepaid prescription option covering all items for approximately £2 per week may be more cost-effective. It's worth noting that this option is specific to the UK healthcare system and may not be available in the United States.

Meal Delivery Services with Gluten-Free Options

Several meal delivery services offer gluten-free options, providing convenience for those with celiac disease. Freshly stands out as a 100% gluten-free meal delivery service, certified by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG). The service offers fully prepared meals that just need heating, with many dairy-free options as well. Freshly provides a solution for busy individuals or those who need quick meal options without the risk of cross-contamination, addressing a common challenge for those with celiac disease who have limited time for meal preparation.

ButcherBox delivers high-quality meat that can be incorporated into gluten-free meal plans. The service offers grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, heritage breed pork, and wild-caught/sustainably harvested salmon. While not a complete meal service, ButcherBox allows customers to change box sizes, adjust shipment frequency, or skip deliveries as needed. This flexibility can be particularly helpful for those managing celiac disease who want to ensure their meat is free from gluten contamination. By using ButcherBox along with other meal planning strategies, individuals can reduce their reliance on store-bought meat, which may carry a higher risk of cross-contamination.

HelloFresh, while not suitable for individuals with celiac disease due to potential cross-contamination risks, offers a limited number of gluten-free options each week that those with gluten sensitivity might incorporate into their diet. The service helps reduce meal planning time and delivers ingredients directly to customers' doors, though individuals with celiac disease should exercise caution when using this service. For those who choose to use HelloFresh, careful attention to ingredient labels and preparation practices is necessary to avoid gluten exposure.

Conclusion

Living with celiac disease requires careful management of diet and expenses. Fortunately, various resources are available to help offset costs and provide access to free or discounted products. From restaurant giveaways and brand promotions to digital tools and meal delivery services, options exist to make the gluten-free lifestyle more manageable and affordable. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals with celiac disease can maintain their dietary needs while enjoying a variety of foods and experiences. It's important to remember that while these resources can provide valuable support, individuals should always verify that products and services meet their specific dietary requirements to ensure their health and safety.

Sources

1. What the Fork Food Blog - Gluten Free Emergency Food List
2. Celiac Disease Foundation - Gluten Free Resources
3. Celiac Disease Foundation - Gluten-Free Marketplace 2.0 Released
4. Money Magpie - Gluten Free Food on a Budget
5. Senza Gluten NYC - Celiac Disease Awareness Month Gluten Free Giveaway
6. Nosh - Award-Winning Mightylicious Gluten Free Celebrates National Celiac Awareness Month
7. The Celiac Space - TCA