Devastation struck at the age of 10 when I was told that I could no longer eat bread, waffles, and even doughnuts. Although my favourite foods were taken away from me, it didn’t stop me, and so began my love/hate relationship with bread. As a foodservice pr agency we thought we’d delve a little deeper into this.

Only 1 in every 100 people are affected by Coeliac Disease, but it’s reported that there are still over half a million sufferers who remain undiagnosed, resulting in a huge and ever-growing demand for gluten free products.

For years, I and many others have been living off prescription bread, which looks, feels and even tastes like the sponge from your great aunt’s old sofa cushion. For us gluten intolerant people there is always a need for more recommendations on products, places to eat and recipes – something I can now hopefully help with through this blog!

Firstly, a product; One of my all-time preferred snacks is the pretzel. In particular, a bag of pretzels that in my family’s opinion tastes better than your average gluten-packed snack, from well-known gluten-free brand Schär. They are the perfect treat to have in the house, not only because they’re gluten-free, but also due to my brother’s egg and dairy allergy.

Having such an allergy-ridden family means eating out can be difficult. But it’s not impossible. A place I’d recommend for the whole family is London-based bakery ‘Beyond Bread’. It’s easy to find something for me due to the 100% guarantee of no gluten, as well as food for my little brother. Even my parents don’t feel left out, because the food tastes the same, if not better, than everyday gluten-packed baked goods – mum will often make a bee-line for the banoffee pie. Ever since this life-changing discovery, the bakery has been supplying me with an abundance of yummy treats – as well as insta-worthy pictures.

Another piece of advice to keep your gluten-free diet going is to always look for inspiration. I’d say my top tip is to follow bloggers who share the same struggles that face a coeliac on a day-to-day basis. Seeing others in the same position celebrating food will motivate you, and you might even learn something new. The blogs usually have loads of helpful hints and tips, and could include breakfast ideas, meal prep and what to avoid when out and about. A few of my favourites include ‘Fork & Beans’, ‘Elana’s Pantry’ and ‘No Gluten, No Problem’. Happy reading!

Hopefully these recommendations will keep you on the right track to living a healthier, and easier, gluten-free life!

Find that interesting? Why not read our Guide to Foodservice PR