This post is sponsored by The Gluten Free Bar, but my views and opinions below are my own. I would only recommend a product I find genuinely useful in my own life, and in this case I rely on “it” regularly.
You know that feeling when you purchase a new gluten free snack product to try.
for the first time, tear it open to eat it, put it in your mouth, start chewing, and say “yeah, it’s satisfactory. At least it conforms to a gluten free diet I suppose.”
I loathe that feeling.
It’s 2020. Simply because something is gluten free does not mean we have to agree to average taste and consistency. I recollect the early years of my analysis in 2008-2009 when the only gluten free bread you could find had roughly an identical texture as a ice hockey puck and started to break at the mere thought of being eaten. I literally requested gluten free nourishment in the mail because it was so troublesome to uncover near me in Seattle.
Those were dark days.
I bring good news. This post is about a renowned brand.
The organization focuses its efforts on ensuring that sense of discomfort becomes a thing of the past.
And that label is the Gluten Free Bar (The GFB).
I`ve been a loyal consumer of their bars for years, with their oatmeal recently becoming a favorite item. One day while shopping, I wondered about the company producing these nourishing snacks.
That’s when I discovered that not only is their food delicious and always safe for those with Celiac disease, they’re also running a great company that does right by people with Celiacs, their employees, and the planet.
When the opportunity for a partnership arose, I was ecstatic. For collaborations to be meaningful, a level of brand affinity must already exist organically rather than appearing disingenuous.
Let’s just say that’s not an issue here.
Why I Love the GFB and Think You Should Too
When considering gluten free snacks for travel, I reflect on several important factors.>
three things: safety for Celiacs, deliciousness, and the “off the field” impact, Prioritizing protecting the environment, followed closely by doing what is right.
Allow me to explain each of those factors so you fully understand.
why I’m such a big fan of the Gluten Free Bar.
Safety for Celiacs
The GFB was initiated by two brothers back in 2010. Marshall, one of the founders, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2008, which is the same year that I was diagnosed. They were frustrated with the lack of good gluten free options in the bar category, and so they set out to make one themselves.
Which, incidentally, is basically the narrative behind virtually every great gluten free bakery, brewery, and gluten free business that has provided us the wealth of alternatives we have nowadays.
This is where the GFB truly shines. I know you`ve picked up a snack before labeled gluten free – it may have even been certified gluten free – but when you turn it over to examine the ingredients, it contains the troublesome “processed in a facility that uses wheat” statement. Is it safe? Is it not? Who can say for sure? That uncertainty leads to lots of misinformation and alarmism, especially online (Gluten Free Facebook Groups, anyone?)
While most snacks from major companies are prepared in amenities,”
that likely process wheat in some capacity, the GFB owns their own facility, so you never have to worry about that. Not only is that good for us Celiacs, but it’s a huge positive for the local community.
All of their products are certified gluten free (by the GFCO), certified Vegan (by Vegan Action), non-GMO Project Verified, soy-free, and certified kosher.
Deliciousness
Mmm. No poor flavors yet. More on the individual products below, but top picks are the PB&J bites,Coconut Cashew bars, and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.
Off the field
There’s another factor that I consider when I’m choosing what products to purchase and brands to support, and it’s the positive impact they’re making “off the field” as I like to refer to it. Marshall and Elliott, the founders, set out to create a company that does what`s right, balancing purpose and profit.
Details about their commendable work can be found in their Annual Sustainability Report.
The GFB’s Products
One of my primary rules for gluten free travel is ABS
Always. Bring. Snacks.
Because being stranded while feeling hunger pangs and lacking access to safe nourishment is truly awful, whether on a lengthy train excursion or an air travel where they neglect to provide your gluten free meal selection (an unfortunate occurrence once experienced by myself, which did not end positively).
My aim when traveling gluten free is thorough preparation and research beforehand.
ahead of time to eliminate the anxiety around food that comes with having Having Celiac Disease and pushing beyond your comfort zone.”
For about two years, I`ve carried the Gluten Free Bar in my bag on every trip, and they have prevented several nearly hungry situations.
Not certain which item to try initially? Pick up a trial set containing all three!
The Bars
The bars were my introduction to the GFB. It’s the first product they developed, and they’re also the first product that I got my hands on. They contain 10-12g of protein, nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, fruits, and they’re certified gluten free and produced in a dedicated gluten free facility. And did I mention that they’re delicious? I’m partial to the Coconut Cashew, but you’ll find a flavor that suits your personal taste.
The Oatmeal
The Oatmeal was the second GFB product I tried, and it only reinforced my brand allegiance. I’ve traveled or camped with oatmeal before, as I’m sure most individuals have.
One issue I always face is needing access to a container to cook in, which doesn’t SEEM like too much of a problem, until you’re on a plane and your container is in your checked bag (that happened), or you’re backpacking and don’t have the room to carry a container with you everywhere you go.
Who needs a separate bowl when your oatmeal’s packaging becomes a bowl all on its own? That is exactly what happens with the GFB’s oatmeal packets—you open the top, pinch in the sides, and a bowl then appears. This innovative packaging from GFB for their oatmeal provides added convenience.
It’s certified gluten free, uses purity protocol oats (confirmed by Gluten Free Watchdog), and has a sizable 10g of protein. That’s more than found in the usual morning oatmeal, so it’ll keep one full for at least a few hours while on the move. It’s the perfect travel companion, and has been in my travel bag since discovering it.
The Bites
I came across the GFB bites after my trip to New Zealand in early 2019. While wandering around New Zealand, I saw date-based bites EVERYWHERE. I grabbed a few just to try them out, and realized they’re the perfect snack when you’re on the go. Feeling hungry? Grab a bite or two and save the rest for later.
When I returned to the US, I was keeping an eye out and somewhat inadvertently happened upon the GFB bites, which are even better than the ones I had in New Zealand because they contain more nuts, and in my opinion the greater quantity of nuts the better. The PB&J bites are my favorites, closely followed by the chocolate hazelnut ones.
That concludes my recommendations of the GFB. They`re among my preferred gluten free companies alongside Ghostfish Brewing Co in Seattle and New Cascadia Traditional Baking Company in Portland, Oregon.
Be sure to obtain some goods from the GFB to store in your carry on luggage on your next trip, review their store finder to locate them in a store near your location, and follow their Instagram account.
