The Big Gluten-free Christmas Post

Although it’s only the beginning of November, this time of year always goes so insanely fast. So I thought I’d put together a guide to help you plan for a gluten-free Christmas and have an overview of all the gluten-free Christmas products out there. I have tried to make it as comprehensive as possible, but of course I will have missed out things, so if you have any recommendations or tips, please feel free to get in touch or comment below and I’ll update accordingly.

Warning, this is a seriously long post! Bookmark it or pin it or something.

I’ve listed things under the following categories:

• Books – everybody loves a cookery book for Christmas. Take your pick from one of these.
• Supermarkets – what do the major and online supermarkets offer?
• Sweet treats – where can you find Christmas treats to order?
• Savoury – what about the savoury gluten-free bits?
• Advent Calendars – what brands are gluten-free?
• Hampers – where can I get entirely gluten-free hampers from?

Books

Firstly, I hope you all know about the book that I wrote last year, called Gluten-free Baking at Christmas. It’s heavily influenced by my grandma’s baking throughout my childhood Christmasses, and I’ve been making some of the recipes for most of my life. When I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, I set about translating some of the recipes to be gluten-free, and this is the result. Contains 20 festive recipes and is available as a hard copy or a pdf (viewable on most tablets, e-readers and smart phones). It makes a great gift for the coeliac (or coeliac feeder) in your family, plus you get to support your favourite blogger! 😉

If you’re feeling vindictive and you don’t want to buy my stinkin’ book, why not try some of these? (All descriptions are from the Amazon blurbs, not written by me!)

Gluten free for the holidays by Jeanne Sauvage. 60 recipes for baking gluten-free for the holidays; organised by type of baked good: cakes pies, cookies, etc. Includes classics like pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, rugelach, pepparkakor, gingerbread, and Buche de Noel. Buy the Kindle edition here.

Gluten free Christmas Cookies by Elle Brown. Who Knew Gluten-Free Could Be So Yummy!? Whether you re one of the three million Americans with celiac disease or one of the millions looking for more healthful food choices during the holidays, Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies is for you! Along with 25 yummy recipes including chocolate chip, butter cookies, peanut butter, and more, this book gives information on gluten-free basics, creating a gluten-free kitchen, information on gluten-free flours, and more.

Celebrating Holidays Gluten-free by Karen E. Ruckman. This book is for anyone who wants to live well without gluten. It is amazing how good the recipes are and how easy they are to make. I hope this cookbook inspires you to be creative and to enjoy your holidays living your best, most healthful life.

Honeybuns Gluten-free Baking by Emma Goss-Custard. Gluten-free bakes can be every bit as delicious as traditional treats. With a little know-how from Honeybuns, you can enjoy gorgeous cakes, muffins, brownies, flapjacks, biscuits and puddings that contain no wheat or gluten. You’ll find all your favourite teatime bakes, from Lemon drizzle cake and A very chocolatey cake to Baked apple muffins and Heathcliff brownies. There are lots of puddings too, including Baked lemon cheesecake, Chocolate and raspberry tartlets, Peach and raspberry roulade and Chocolate lime pie. Packed with practical tips and with a with a guide to ingredients, this book gives you all the inspiration and advice you need to make your baking gluten-free and gorgeous!

Seriously good! Gluten-free Baking by Phil Vickery. Baking is the most difficult aspect of the gluten-free diet to overcome, as it is gluten that gives bread its elasticity and cakes their spring. Phil Vickery has developed a collection of over 70 recipes especially for those with gluten intolerance. He offers gorgeous gluten-free versions of family favourites such as Pancakes with Maple Syrup, Strawberry Tart with Meringue Topping, and Rich Chocolate Slab Cake. The Bread chapter includes Breakfast Brioche and Rosemary and Garlic Focaccia, while those with a sweet tooth will love Buttermilk Muffins and Roasted Hazelnut Cookies. The chapter devoted to Celebration Cakes provides welcome inspiration for birthdays and other special occasions. With a photograph for every recipe, this book is a godsend for all coeliacs.

Paleo cooking from Elana’s Pantry by Elana Amsterdam. Elana Amsterdam has established herself as an extremely successful gluten-free author and blogger; her simple recipes offer busy cooks streamlined techniques and short ingredients lists. While her first two books emphasized gluten-free recipes, Elana has eaten a grain-free diet since 2001. Her paleo recipes have become the most popular on her site, embraced by readers looking to not only eliminate gluten–but also dairy and grains–whether because of allergies or to generally improve their health. Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry offers nearly 100 recipes featuring lean proteins and simple vegetable dishes, plus classic desserts–all free from grain, gluten, and dairy, and made with natural sweeteners.

The Gluten-free Baker by Hannah Miles. Baking is the most difficult aspect of the gluten-free diet to overcome, but using clever substitutes and ingenious baking methods, experienced baker Hannah Miles has created a delicious selection of gluten-free versions of everyone’s favourites. Cookies, Brownies & Bars include Ginger Cookies, Caramel Shortbreads and White Chocolate and Walnut Brownies. A chapter devoted to Cakes provides inspiration for birthdays and other special occasions – try Apple and Pecan Cake; Caramelized Lemon Polenta Cake or Carrot and Coconut Cake. Small Bakes for every day include Buttermilk Scones and Apricot Cornmeal Muffins. Fantastic Breads to try are Perfect Pizza Dough, Bagels and Sunshine Cornbread. Pastry treats to try include Chocolate Profiteroles, Blackcurrant and Blueberry Millefeuille and Nectarine and Cream Choux Rings. Finally, Desserts include Plum and Amaretto Crumble and Toffee Apple Cheesecake. This book is a must for the gluten intolerant or for those who bake for gluten-intolerant family members or friends.

Gluten free Baking by Michael McCamley. Increasing numbers of people are following a gluten-free diet for health reasons, but many find home-cooking, especially baking, a real challenge. Michael McCamley was the 2010 UK Gluten Free Chef of the Year and runs his own Gluten Free Cooking School, and this book includes his tried and tested gluten-free recipes for all your favourite baked goods, from delicious cupcakes to wholesome breads, pizza bases, focaccia and sweet pies and desserts.

Simply Gluten & Dairy Free by Grace Cheetham. For many, the prospect of making gluten-free and dairy-free food seems utterly daunting. And they will either buy ready-made produce (which is usually low in nutritional value and high in price) or sometimes not bother at all. But Grace Cheetham reveals that it’s possible to make wonderful gluten-free and dairy-free food easily. Whether you’re suffering from allergy-related IBS, eczema, asthma, migraines or chronic fatigue, or if you are celiac, this book will show you how to use substitute ingredients and simple cooking techniques to make mouth-watering meals. With power-packed breakfasts such as Brioche with Caramelized Peaches, sustaining lunches such as Artichoke, Parma Ham & Olive Pizza and delicious dinners such as Salmon en Croute or Lasagne, as well as sweet treats such as Raspberry & Rosewater Cupcakes and heavenly desserts such as Chocolate Fondant, here are tried and tested recipes for you to cook for yourself, your family and your friends – and all stress-free!

Gluten-free Baking at Christmas by Samantha Stein. No seriously, get this book! I promise you it’s awesome!

Supermarkets

In recent years, the major supermarkets have really stepped up their Free From Christmas ranges as the market grows and retailer fight for our money. Luckily for us this means significantly more choice than there was 5 years ago.

Marks & Spencer

In my book, M&S really come out top in terms of the Christmas meal itself. A large amount of their sausages, stuffings and other accoutrements are gluten-free. Their gluten-free range is called “Made Without Wheat” and includes mince pies and christmas pudding, but they now also do a range of gluten-free party food to order, such as this turkey crown with pork, sage and onion stuffing, and you can order a gluten-free party selection for £27.50 which comes with, among other things, gluten-free chicken kievs! (Thanks to @glutenfreeadele for finding that) You can also order gluten-free food (bread, crumpets, teacakes etc) and pick it up at your local M&S, so don’t be worried if you don’t see much out on the shelves.

Tesco

Tesco’s Free From Christmas range includes mince pies, Christmas puddings and Christmas cakes. However, I did try their mini Christmas puddings last year and couldn’t even eat half a spoonful. Then again, I’ve always been a bit iffy about their own brand products, but I know some people who love them. Tesco do stock Udi’s now, which does some yummy looking mince pies.

Waitrose

Waitrose don’t have a huge Free From selection, but it’s generally nice quality. The products come under the “LOVE Life” brand, and they do gluten-free mince pies, iced Christmas cake bites, Christmas cake slices and Christmas puddings. Thanks to Kirsty (@CurlyB56 on Twitter) for the reconnaissance.

Asda

As far as Christmas goes, Asda do a gluten-free Christmas pudding, and stock Lovemore mince pies. Their website search bar is a bit hit and miss, searching for “gluten free mince pies” threw up several results that were definitely not gluten-free.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury’s really has a fantastic range of Free From products anyway, from chicken nuggets to spicy bean burgers. This Christmas, their range includes chocolate coins (gluten and dairy-free), iced topped mince pies, deep fill mince pies, an iced rich fruit cake (and slices), a Christmas pudding and mini chocolate logs.

Morrisons

Morrisons has a decent Free From range but I can’t find any evidence of special Christmas products. I’m almost certain they did mince pies last year though.

Aldi

The Aldi “Has No Gluten” range is relatively new, and they’ve been trialling gluten-free loaves in Scotland, the Midlands and the South Weststores this year. I shouldn’t expect to find Christmassy gluten-free things there… but you never know.

Online supermarkets

Sometimes, shopping online can be more fruitful in the gluten-free department, as I’ve found that dedicated gluten-free brands are generally of much higher quality than most supermarkets’ weak attempts to conquer the Free From sector. They do tend to be a bit more expensive though, although not always. But the most significant difference is the choice. If you normally hate shopping online, do consider making an exception for Christmas – you might discover some amazing products.

Deli Divine

Deli Divine is an entirely gluten-free online supermarket, with some lovely items. They have a small Christmas range, but really, all of their items feel like luxury Christmas gifts. Heart shaped organic Cheddar anyone?

Ocado

Ocado have an entire gluten-free section, currently stocking 668 products. They stock the Lovemore range of fruit cakes and mince pies.

Goodness Direct

Goodness Direct aren’t entirely gluten-free but stock many other Free From products so useful for dairy and egg allergy sufferers. You can set filters for the site so you can only see gluten-free products, which makes browsing a lot easier. (Go to the “special diets” tab)

Gluten Free Shop

Gluten free Shop is another entirely gluten-free shop (the clue is in the name), and they have a dedicated Christmas section. They also have a fantastic selection of gluten-free beers.

Real Foods

Real Foods has a Christmas section, which you can filter by allergy. They have a good range of Christmas puddings and various other Christmas food.

Sweet

In addition to the supermarket’s own gluten-free branded products, the following brands do traditional Christmas desserts:

Mince Pies

Udi’s Mince Pies website

The Monkey Poodles (London area delivery) website / Christmas flyer

The Foodamentalists frangipane topped mince pies (£3.99, box of 6). Available in store or online.

Christmas puddings

Burtree Christmas Pudding website

Hale & Hearty website

The Monkey Poodles (London area delivery) website / Christmas flyer

Baked to Taste webshop

Jenkins and Hustwitt Amazon

Everfresh, Rich Plum Pudding Amazon

Village bakery Amazon

Pudding lane Amazon

Cole’s Amazon

Christmas Cakes

Baked to Taste webshop

Livwell Christmas cake

The Monkey Poodles figgy orange Christmas cake (London area delivery) website / Christmas flyer

Incognito cakes are doing cranberry & cinnamon muffins, cake bars, and a 6″ fully royal iced Christmas carrot cake e-mail to discuss requirements

Other sweets & traditions

Moo Free Santa bars (also dairy free) Amazon

Slice of Heaven Gluten free Cakery They do a traditional fruit cake, mince pies, yule logs as well as the child-friendly decorate a gingerbread house kit website

Bruschetta – The famous gluten-free restaurant in Kingston sells GF panettone to order for Christmas webshop

Glutenvrije Webshop – For Dutch and German Christmas sweets webshop

Schär  – For other European Christmas food items website

Fria – For seasonal Vörtbröd (a savoury Swedish Christmas loaf), and Pepparkaksdeg (ready-to-bake gingerbread men) website

Savoury

While gluten-free cake might dominate the shelves, finding a really good savoury food can be a lifesaver. In general, gluten-free stuffings and sausages taste largely the same, meaning that everyone can enjoy the same food and the gluten-free member of your household doesn’t have to worry about cross-contamination. Christmas is enough of a belly buster without a glutening!

Hale & Hearty traditional stuffing mix website

Mrs Crimbles Sage & Onion stuffing website

The Foodamentalists’s cranberry and herb stuffing mix (£2.99 per pack. Contains egg & yeast) Available in store or online.

M&S – their full Christmas selection pdf

COOK does a range of gluten-free freezer products suitable for Christmas webshop

The Foodamentalists’ pork, venison and cranberry pie (£2.20 each) Available in store or online.

Advent Calendars

Moo Free (also dairy free) Amazon

Thornton’s advent calendars are all listed as “no gluten containing ingredients” website

Plamil organic Amazon

Choices (also dairy free) Amazon

Many commercial brands such as Cadbury’s may also be gluten-free, but I might go crazy if I had to list them all!

Hampers

I’ve never really understood Christmas hampers (I guess it’s a pretty way to give people some nice food?) but some people love them!

Really Truly Gluten Free specialise in luxury gluten-free gifts webshop

Gluten Free Hampers do some seriously deluxe hampers webshop

Deli Divine do a range of gluten-free gifts and hampers

Gluten Free Shop do some lovely looking gluten-free hampers, starting from £22.49.

Baked to Taste do two hampers with seriously yummy-looking contents

And finally…

Despite having driven myself crazy writing this post, I know that it is far from complete. If you know of any products I have missed, companies doing gluten-free Christmas specials, or any events coming up, please leave a comment below. Let’s make this a great resource for Christmas!

I’ve tried to provide links to buy the products where possible, but some are not available online. Links to Amazon products are through my affiliate account, so you pay the same amount but I get a small commission which helps towards the cost of running this blog. I have not been paid to endorse any product or brand, if you want your product on this list just leave a comment!

And finally finally…

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