“Celiac disease (also referred to as celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is a serious, genetic autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley, and rye,” according to BeyondCeliac.org. Along with information about the disease, relevant research, and gluten-free living, the organization also provides four easy ways to get involved during Celiac Awareness Month in May.

You can also count on the Co-op for a wide-ranging selection of gluten-free options, including some made right here in Vermont. “As a buyer at Hunger Mountain Co-op, I try to make sure we have something for everyone! I want to serve the many, varied needs of our community, and make sure we have products that our customers with all types of dietary restrictions can enjoy,” says Olivia Dunton, Lead Grocery Buyer.

Vermont Gluten Free – South Barre, VT. Created by Jean Mudgett after she was diagnosed with Celiac disease, so she could continue to enjoy her favorite treats, using house-milled rice incorporated into a custom-made flour mix. Products include Honey Oat and Brown Rice Millet Breads, Vanilla and Chocolate Whoopie Pies, and Chocolate Brownies.

West Meadow Farm Bakery – Essex Junction, VT. Owner Lois Blaisdell started the bakery in 2003 and makes certified gluten-free products, including Challah, Cinnamon Raisin Bread, Super Seeded Bread, a selection of different muffins, brownies, carrot cake slices, a four pack of mini donut muffins, and a 10in pizza crust that can be found in our freezer. They are also the Co-op’s featured local vendor of the month for May.

Against the Grain – Brattleboro, VT. A Celiac diagnosed family runs this bakery, which specializes in pizzas and breads. The Co-op carries their Pesto, Cheese, and Pepperoni Pizzas, Rosemary and Original Rolls, and Rosemary Baguettes, all certified gluten-free and produced right here in Vermont.

Baby Bundts – Morrisville, VT. Certified gluten-free mini-Bundt cakes from a recent featured local vendor. Read our interview with them here.  

In addition to our great local vendors, we also sell a variety of other gluten-free options.

Simple Mills – their cookies, crackers, and baking mixes are low sugar, made with clean ingredients, and certified gluten-free. Try the bread mix for beautiful gluten-free rolls you can make at home.

Quinn Pretzels – pretzels made with Sorghum, a naturally gluten-free whole grain which is a drought-resistant crop and can be grown with very little water. They also have an exciting Farm to Bag system, where you can enter a four-digit code from your bag on their website, and find out exactly what farm every ingredient in the pretzel comes from.

Jovial – a wide variety of gluten-free flours and pasta made with ancient grains.

One Degree – Gluten-free cereals, made with sprouted grains, including Ancient Maize Flakes, Sprouted Brown Rice Cacao Crisps, and Sprouted Corn Flakes.