Allergy Friendly Bars

Enjoy Life has improved the taste of their chewy bars and added ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat flour to the recipe. I appreciate food products from Enjoy Life because they are made in a dedicated factory, so there is no risk of cross contamination of the top 8 most common allergens. Their products are also free of casein, sesame and sulfites. 

Cute Vera Bradley Lunch Bag!

The chewy bars make a great lunchbox addition and travel well for an anytime snack. They come in four flavors: SunButter Crunch (my personal favorite!), Cocoa Loco, Caramel Apple and Mixed Berry. There are five in a box, and since they have a long shelf life, feel free to order several boxes to take advantage of Enjoy Life's free shipping offer (on orders over $49). 

Food Allergy Assistant readers have a special incentive to try the new bars-  a 10% discount! Simply go to Shop Enjoy Life Foods and enter CHEWY10 at checkout. I'd love to hear your thoughts after trying them.

Invitation to a Food Allergy Party

It's irreverent and hilarious! Check out Michael Bihovsky's "One Grain More", a parody of the challenges faced by the food allergy community. This video,  highlights celiac disease and the difficulties making and finding gluten-free foods. The music is divine, the singing fantastic and the message is clear: It's tough having food allergies!
After you finish laughing, don't start to cry, there are some wonderful gluten-free resources available:

• National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
• Books like  "Gluten - Free Makeovers" and "Paleo Comfort Foods Homestyle Cooking in a Gluten-Free Kitchen"
• Products like Gluten Free Pantry 26556 Beth All Purpose Baking Flour and Augason Farms Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix - 6 pk

Great Deals For Food Allergy Friendly Foods

With the kids back to school, some of our favorite food allergy companies are offering some fall deals:

• Divvies has free shipping on all products ($30 minimum purchase through September 10, 2011.
• Amanda's Own has their fall and Halloween products available.
• Chocolate Emporium is offering High Holiday specials for Rosh Hashana and Sukkot.
• Peanut Free Planet is offering free shipping on orders over $100.
• Vermont Nut Free also has their Halloween goodies out.

Some sad news for food allergy families- The Allergy Grocer has been forced to close. Their Miss Roben's mixes will reportedly be available soon through another distributor. I'll keep you posted. I'll miss those Barry Callebaut dairy free chocolate chips!

Amazon.com can be a Great Resource for Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Foods

For Celiac Awareness month, Amazon is offering up to 30% off many gluten free products through the end of May. Check out this selection of cereal, snacks, bars and baking mixes.

I've been able to save money over the years purchasing other allergy safe foods for our family from Amazon. From Enjoy Life chocolate chips to Soynut Butter to gluten free Mary's Gone Crackers, buying in bulk through Amazon is easier on the wallet. Many of these products are available for free shipping too. I also like the customer reviews on the site which help me decide if I should buy a particular food.

So, check out Amazon to see if some of your favorites are available and make a few comments on products if you get a chance because that helps all of us!

Gluten Free and Allergen Free Expo to be Held in Chicago

Living Without, a magazine for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity and food allergies, has become the title sponsor of the 4th annual Gluten & Allergen Free Expo, to be held April 29 - May 1 in Chicago.

Editor of Living Without, Alicia Woodward says “This Expo features a variety of experts, valuable information about great tasting specialty products, cooking and baking tips, recipes, and much more.”



More than 70 vendors will showcase their products.  Attendees can sit in on cooking and baking classes taught by well-respected chefs, nutritionists and cookbook authors to learn tips for preparing gluten free/allergen free meals and snacks.  Participants will enjoy lively presentations, taste recipes and have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with experts.

The Expo also features a designated nut-free area, kids’ activities and performers, and a special allergen-friendly cooking class for children.

For registration information, hotel deals and to sign up for e-mail notices, visit the Gluten and Allergen Free Expo site.

Anyone already registered or planning to attend?

Food Allergy Ball at Waldorf Raises Millions

The 13th annual Food Allergy Ball was held Monday, December 6, 2010 at The Waldorf-Astoria in New York. The evening raised over $4.5 million, which will benefit the Food Allergy Initiative’s research activities and educational programs.

Gift bags featured items like cupcakes from Izzi B's, cookies from Sweet Loren's cookies, and chocolate bars by Divvies. All food served had clearly displayed labels listing all ingredients.
Check out these beautiful pictures from Black Tie magazine showcasing the 13th annual event. What a great way to raise money and awareness for food allergies.