Gluten-Free News
Gluten-Free Events
10% Storewide Discount every Sunday
- excludes eggs, milk, and advertised sales
• Urban Grocer’s Gluten-Free Flyer!
• Urban Grocer’s Complete Weekly Flyer – Friday to Thursdays
• Subscribe to Urban Grocer’s news & receive a 10% off coupon!
Urban Grocer! Your better every day grocer!
Reviving the grocery tradition at the Junction of Oak Bay Ave and Fort Street! The people behind Urban Grocer have been in the grocery business on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for more than 50 years.
1625 Fort St (see map) • 778-265-0934
Open 7 Days a Week 7am to 10pm
www.urban-grocer.ca • Facebook • Instagram • TikTok
community@urban-grocer.ca
- 10% Seniors discount every Thursday *,**
* excludes eggs, milk, and advertised sales
** must be 65 years+
Vegan, Vegetarian & Dairy Free Foods
Urban Grocer supports Island Brands – Look for the Island Good logo on product tags, signs, and in our weekly flyer!
Product requests! Always looking to stock shelves with the products we want! Contact garth@urban-grocer.ca
Urban Grocer wants to hear from you!
- Store Manager: garth@urban-grocer.ca
- Assistant Store Manager: sarah@urban-grocer.ca
- Grocery Manager: sylvia@urban-grocer.ca
- Deli Manager: peter@urban-grocer.ca
- Produce Manager: produce@urban-grocer.ca
- Meat Manager: meat@urban-grocer.ca
- Contact Form: https://www.urban-grocer.ca/contact
University & College Students – enjoy 10% off EVERY DAY with provision of student ID card.
- Some restrictions apply. No discount on sale items.
Click Here for Pepper’s Foods ONLINE STORE
Gluten-Free Products ONLINE!
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
3829 Cadboro Bay Road • 250-477-6513 • info@peppers-foods.com
SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!
Follow Pepper’s Foods
- Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
- Peppers-foods.com/inside-peppers
- Pepper’s Foods Delivery • email delivery@peppers-foods.com • email pickup@peppers-foods.com
- Peppers-foods.com
- Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List
- Pepper’s Foods’ Complete Flyer
- 10% Senior’s discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Pepper’s has received Surfrider Vancouver Island Ocean Friendly Business in 2022 for actively stewarding local beaches and waterways by reducing unnecessary single-use plastic waste and Gold Award as a Vancouver Island Green Business in 2022.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Awards 2022
- Award for Achieving 60 years of Independent Excellence
- 2022 Award of Merit
- Bronze Award in the Small Surface Category for Canada
- Gold for the BC/Yukon Regional Award in the Small Surface Category
The annual awards recognize youth leadership and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and their contributions to their communities. Pepper’s Food Store, helmed by second-generation owner Cory Davits, was founded in 1962 and has grown to be a full-service grocer.
- “Our goal is to maintain the small community-store feeling while providing all the services of the larger chain store,” said Davits.
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.” Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
• Enjoy the Mexican versions of the beloved donut. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside.
• Created in a 100% gluten-free, vegan setting by the beloved Churros and Mor Food Truck in Cook Street Village.
• Call Moka House at 778-433-6652 ahead of time to make sure they have arrived!
• Find Moka House at the corner of Cadboro By road and Penrhyn
CHURROS & MOR 100% Gluten-Free, Vegan Food Truck
What are churros? Think Mexican donuts, only better! A crispy exterior with soft, chewy insides, Jorge uses gluten-free flour to make them. Deep-fried, then rolled in cinnamon and sugar, topped with your choice of strawberry, chocolate or caramel sauce. Ask for ‘Roses’ if you love (vegan) ice cream’
churrosandmor.com • Instagram • Facebook
contact@churrosandmor.com (250) 986 9455
325 Cook St in the Food Court
Mon & Thurs Noon – 7.00. Fri – Sat – Sun 10.00 – 20.00
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Hours may vary by season.
Now available via Uber Eats, DoorDash & SkiptheDishes!
When the CHURROS & MOR Food Truck is not parked at the Food Court. find them at community gatherings, festivals, public events & exclusive celebrations. Vegan & gluten free, there’s always something for everyone!
CHURROS & MOR MENU (click on images for more information)
ADD-ONS: Chocolate Dip | Strawberry Dip | Caramel Dip | Marshmallows | Graham Cookies | Chocolate Chips | Sprinkles
BEVERAGES: Chocolate Drink | Drip Coffee | Pop | Bottled Water | Tea
NEW! CATERING & MOR – Book the Truck
- Perfect for events of all sizes! Weddings. Birthday Bash. Corporate Event. Simple celebration. Surprise Party.
- Customizable Delights! Tailor your churros to suit your event’s theme and preferences: classic cinnamon sugar, gourmet dipping sauces & toppings.
- Guilt-Free! Dedicated to always be vegan and gluten-free! A delicious experience for everyone.
- Stress-Free! Professional team ensures a seamless catering experience from setup to cleanup.
- Interactive Sweet Station! Skilled ‘churreros’ craft delectable delights right before your eyes.
- contact@churrosandmor.com
When the CHURROS & MOR Food Truck is not parked at 325 Cook St in Food Court find them at community gatherings, festivals, public events & exclusive celebrations. Vegan & gluten free, there’s always something for everyone!
TESTIMONIALS
- “We just visited the Food Truck this morning. Amazing food & amazing service!! My husband is not celiac so he’s tried churros multiple times in Mexico and locally. I ‘allowed’ him a couple of bites and he said they are the best he has ever had!” Kathy P.
- “To die for! What’s not to love … cinnamon … sugar… crunchy … strawberry sauce … marshmallows … chocolate chips … he even has a little baby flame thrower to roast the mallows! Family run business, so sweet. Very kind folks!” Tanja Blondin, B-glutenfreevictoria
About Jorge
While pursuing a poli-sci degree, Jorge (pronounced ‘Hor-he’) was inspired to start his own business. What better motivation than to share the recipes that his grandmother developed for his celiac father. CHURROS & MOR was born!
Yes! Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet literally run through Jorge’s veins. His niece in England also shares the diagnosis. Her family has chosen a vegan lifestyle, so Jorge knows first hand how challenging it is to find delicious gluten-free AND vegan delicacies!
Epicure is offering the gluten-free community its own discount code. Use ‘ THESCENE-1027 ‘ at check out until 11:59pm Friday, May 31st.
- Applies to all sales – even those already discounted.
- For direct purchases from Epicure website. Not available via Epicure Ambassadors.
- * 15% off (before taxes/shipping)
- * The Celiac Scene does not benefit financially from Epicure sales.
Everyone loves Epicure because it’s delicious! But did you know?! All of Epicure’s products are gluten-free!
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Epicure NEVER uses eggs, shellfish, crustacean, sulphites or pork in any of their products. Even if a product’s name or recipe seems geared towards meat, the dish can be easily adapted for use with veggies, tofu and fish instead! Learn more here!
Click here to view Epicure’s ‘Never Ever Ingredient List.’
Epicure.com • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest • Blog • LinkedIn
Epicure Guarantee: “We know you will love our products! If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Epicure products within 90 days of your purchase, we will exchange or fully refund your purchase.”
Epicure’s Customer Experience team can be reached at customerexperience@epicure.com or 1-888-595-6363 for any and all questions from recipe ideas to shipping concerns.
Read all about The Celiac Scene’s Epicure Tour!
Epic Box Program ALL 100% GLUTEN-FREE food subscription box! Take the guesswork out of safe-for-celiac cooking!
Sign up month to month or for 3, 6 or 12 months
Discover the joy of effortless cooking. Subscribe to Epicure’s Monthly Epic Box Program and solve your dinner dilemmas with epic meal solutions, exclusive surprises and endless inspiration.
Packed with the ingredients to make healthy and delicious 20-minute meals, delivered right to your door each month, it’s never been easier to decide on dinner with a variety of customizable meals that feed four people or more.
Step 1: Subscribe today and get your Epic Box delivered monthly
Step 2: Choose from on-pack directions or find recipes online
Step 3: scan the QR code on the package and access tons more recipes
- Each Epic Box includes:
- Seven Tasty Products: Some months may feature a jar in place of a sachet, or even an exclusive product for an extra-special treat!
- One Printed Recipe Card: Follow along with an inspiring and easy-to-understand recipe card, putting your new ingredients to good use.
- Recipe eBook containing fun themed recipes for each month.
- Save time & money
- Your monthly Epic Box ships for free! Use the ingredients to make healthy and delicious meals in 20 minutes at less than $4/serving. Pause your subscription at any time for up to 2 months, forward to a friend or purchase a subscription as a gift.
- Eat good food
- All of our ingredients are gluten free, sodium and sugar conscious, and lovingly created in adherence to our Never Ever List®.
- Enjoy the flexibility
- Your Epic Box is non-perishable – you can enjoy the meals at your own pace. With customizable recipes, cook with the fresh ingredients you have on hand or what’s in season/on sale to reduce food waste.
- Give back with your subscription: For every Epic Box you receive, Epicure donates 7 meals to families in need across North America.
SO MANY WAYS TO EXPLORE EPICURE!
- Delicious images, clear ingredient labeling, allergen listing, recipe ideas and coming soon, how-to videos, ratings & reviews!
New Arrivals • Best Sellers • Biscuits & Breads • Broths • Burgers & Fries • Collections • Condiment & Sauces • Cookware • Desserts & Baking • Dips • Epic Life • Herbs & Spices • Pantry Staples • Rubs & Dry Glazes • Salad Dressings • Smoothies • Summer Sippers • Sweet Seasonings • Toppers • What’s For Dinner • Wings
Epicure’s Summer 2023 Catalogue – 52 pages of products, recipes & inspiration.
Search Epicure by Product – Alphabetical
EPICURE RECIPES – ALL RECIPES ARE GLUTEN FREE!
- Meal Type: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner, Dessert, Appetizers, Small Bites, Side Dishes, Beverages, Sauces & Condiments. Learn more …
- Dietary Preferences: Dairy-free, Garlic-Free, High Protein, Sugar Conscious, Low Sodium, Onion Free, Vegan, Vegetarian. Learn more …
- Cooking Method: Air Fryer, BBQ, Microwave, No-Cook, One Dish, Programmable Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot™, Sheet Pan, Slow Cookers, Roasts, Steamers, Stove Top, Wok. Learn more …
- Protein: Beef, Chicken, Poultry, Pork, Vegan Vegetarian. Learn more …
- Product Name. Learn more …
Search Recipes by Occasion (within each category – shop by price!)
- Better Than Take Out • Birthday • Canada Day • Cinco de Mayo • Christmas • Community Events • Easter • Father’s Day • Game Day • Hallowe’en • Hanukkah • Independence Day • Lunar New Year • Mother’s Day • New Year’s Eve • St. Patrick’s Day • Thanksgiving • Valentine’s Day
Search Recipes by Requirements: Low Sodium • Nut Free • Vegan • Kosher
Search Recipes by Meal Plans – Complete with Shopping Lists
- Join the Epic Life Challenge to achieve healthy, lasting weight loss—no potions, magic bullets, or deprivation required. Backed by science, this program will help you learn new eating habits and provide training from nutrition, fitness, and mindset experts. Plus, there are hundreds of dollars in weekly prizes! Participants lost more than 70,000 pounds in our last challenge. Learn more …
More About Epicure
- Epicure’s Story
- Founder & CEO, Sylvie Rochette
- Ingredients – What we’re made of
- FAQS
- General Resources
- In the News!
- Giving Back
![Sylvie Rochette & Amelia Warren](https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sylvie-Rochette-Amelia-Warren-271x300.png)
Sylvie Rochette & Amelia Warren
Since day one, Epicure has embraced its vision to inspire good. Sylvie Rochette founded Epicure in 1997 with a passion to answer every family’s eternal question: What’s for dinner? Sylvie’s response has given rise to a food movement that today has nourished and changed millions of lives. Now, Sylvie and her daughter, Amelia Warren, continue that legacy, helping time-starved families connect across the table to share epic food, eat healthier and live better lives. 100% women-owned.
ADDED MAY LONG WEEKEND APPEARANCE: Sunday, May 19 – Holden Lake Farm from 3-5pm :)
Upcoming Standard Events
- Fridays – Spectrum School in Victoria – May 3, May 10, May 17, May 24 & 31 | June 7 & June 14 from 5:30 – 8:30
- Mondays & Tuesdays – Transfer Park in Ladysmith – starting May 13 & 14. Time to be determined.
- Tuesdays – Parksville Summer by the Sea 6-9pm June 4 – August 27
- Thursdays – Commercial Street Night Market, Nanaimo Thursdays 5 – 9pm June 13, 20, June 27 | July 4, 11, 18, 25 | August 22
- Saturdays – Duncan Farmer’s Market from 9am – 2pm unless otherwise
- Sundays – Cedar Farmer’s Market 10am to 2pm May 12 to October 27
A taste of New Zealand in the heart of Vancouver Island!
Jamie has switched to ORGANIC fruit, taking her soft serve flavours to a whole new level!
Mix your favourites – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mixed berries, banana, mango or pineapple – with ice cream or vegan soft serve made with coconut and cashew ‘milk.’ Served in a gluten-free, vegan waffle cone. No added colours, flavours or sugar.
NEW! Pre-order ‘Pints-to-Go’ via https://mizu-real-fruit-ice-cream.square.site!
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Book the Mizu Trailer for your special event! Contact Jamie at Mizurealfruiticecream@gmail.com • 1-250-319-5212 • Instagram
Mizu’s Real Fruit Ice Cream trailer is often at Nanaimo’s Departure Bay Beach, but please confirm today’s location via Mizu’s Facebook Page or Instagram Account for daily locations and times!
For years, Jamie Lynn has been obsessed with owning her own ice cream trailer. Lucky for us, she made her dreams – and ours – come true! Catch her before she flies away to chase another dream – obtaining her pilots’s license!
Jamie and her husband Vinny, a heavy-duty mechanic by trade, built the ice cream trailer from scratch, then decorated it with images ofd beautiful berries. You can’t miss it at Departure Bay Beach in Nanaimo or at a host of special events. Look for the line up!
- Gluten-free, 100% Canadian, vanilla ice cream soft serve is made with premium ingredients by Island Farms.
- Gluten-free, vegan, vanilla soft serve is made with coconut oil and Nora’s Creamy Cashew Milk.
- Mizu dedicates a scooper, an auger and freezer for vegan, dairy-free soft serve.
- Choose your favourite fruit. Mizu is happy to offer combos or mixes!
- Enjoy your soft serve in a gluten-friendly cone, a gluten cone, or in a bowl!
- NEW! Pints of Mizu are now available for purchase! Enjoy strawberry, strawberry-banana, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry & mixed berry!
Coming soon! Special flavours like Hokey Pokey Toffee in a pint, special orders & pre-ordering.
The Cones!
- ‘Unique Cake (gluten) Waffle Cones’ and ‘Gluten-Friendly Waffle Cones’ are dairy-free, egg-free and ‘vegan-friendly.’
- Made in a facility in Metro Vancouver that has been making waffle cones since 1982.
- Gluten-friendly cones are made with documented to be gluten-free rice flour, arrowroot, soy lecithin, canola oil & cellulose.
- Shared equipment is blown off and thoroughly scrubbed between gluten and gluten-friendly production.
- Packaging is colour-coded to clearly identify gluten & gluten-friendly cones.
The Trailer!
- On the trailer, gluten-friendly cones are stored in a sealed, labelled bin, entirely separate from gluten cones.
- When you make your dietary needs known upon ordering, staff will wash their hands and put on clean gloves before handling the cone.
- Choose your fruit flavour, mixed with ice cream or vegan soft serve.
- Named after Jamie & Vinny’s beloved Belgian Malinois!
- Got a pup? Ask for Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ made with a Sugar-Free Cake Cone, scoop of ice cream and a dog treat on top!
- 50% of Mizu’s ‘Pet-Friendly Dog Scoop’ sales are donated to Sooke’s Raincoast Dog Rescue.
What is the New Zealand connection?
- Mizu’s Little Gem Mixer has made New Zealand famous for its soft serve! Components are easy to remove and completely washable. What’s not to love!
Gluten-Free Deals
Gluten-Free Recipes
Gluten-Free Restaurants & Shopping
Welcome to Gluten-Free Paradise!
Gluten-Free FAQs
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition for making antibodies to gluten. When gluten protein – found in wheat, barley and rye – is ingested, autoimmune antibodies not only attack the gluten, they also damage the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms may include digestive pain, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue. The resulting malabsortion of nutrients can lead to slowed growth and development in children and anemia, osteoporosis and fertility issues in adults. Untreated celiacs are also at an increased risk of developing digestive cancers and other autoimmune diseases. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. The world-wide incidence of Celiac disease is estimated at 1 in 100. Of the number of people with Celiac disease in Canada, less than 5% will be properly diagnosed in their lifetimes despite the existence of a simple, prescreening blood test. Learn more …
Is there a test for Celiac disease?
Yes! There are two pre-screening blood tests that can determine whether your body makes the antibodies that are associated with Celiac disease:
- tTg: IgA anti-transglutaminase antibody test
- Total Serum IgA
While these blood tests are very sensitive, they are not 100% accurate. If the tTg test is positive or the IgA test shows a deficiency, a duodenal biopsy is required to make a diagnosis. Collected under mild sedation, evidence of damage to the lining of the small intestine is definitive proof of Celiac disease.
*Blood tests and intestinal biopsies are diagnostic services that are provided at no charge to residents of British Columbia. See Medical Services Plan.
Ask to be tested if you have unexplained iron deficiency, osteoporosis, brittle type 1 DM, a family history of Celiac disease, have experienced 3 months of frequent diarrhea, weight loss, dairy intolerance or exceptional gas and bloating. Learn more …
Can I be diagnosed if I’ve already gone gluten free?
It is essential that prescreening blood tests and the biopsy be performed while a person is consuming gluten in order to measure the antibodies associated with the disease and observe associated damage to the small intestine. Test results may appear falsely negative if gluten has already been removed from the diet.
Adults should consume 10 grams of gluten (4 slices of bread or equivalent) for at least 1 month prior to testing. Children should consume 5 grams of gluten (2 slices of bread or equivalent).
It may take 2-3 months on a gluten challenge to turn the tTg and biopsy positive. Because it can be very uncomfortable to reintroduce gluten to one’s diet – the gluten challenge is truly a challenge – consult your medical care provider about being prescreened for CD BEFORE choosing to go gluten free. Learn more …
Can I view my test results online?
Yes! My e-health offers a fast and secure method for patients to receive their results electronically. As soon as results are released from the performing lab, they’re available online in my ehealth. A variety of secure technologies and procedures to help protect your information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. My ehealth is a free service available to residents of British Columbia registered with the Medical Services Plan and is available in 4 languages. Learn more …
What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Individuals with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) experience digestive symptoms that are similar to those experienced by individuals with Celiac disease. Like celiacs, their symptoms improve when gluten is eliminated from their diet. Unlike celiacs, their bodies do not create antibodies to gluten, nor do they exhibit the damage to the small intestine that is the hallmark of Celiac disease. People with NCGS are at no greater risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions or digestive cancers. At the moment, there are no tests that can prove whether one has NCGS. A diagnosis of NCGS can be made when tests for Celiac disease are negative. It is estimated NCGS affects 6-10% of the population. Learn more …
Dermatitis Herpetiformis – Little Sister to Celiac Disease
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is an inherited autoimmune disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters. Like Celiac disease, ingesting gluten triggers an immune system response that deposits inflammatory lgA antibodies under the top layer of skin.
The lgA deposits result in eruptions similar to the beginning of a pimple. This painfully itchy rash may progress to red, raised patches of skin that develop into small, watery blisters. The itching and burning of the eruptions are severe and the urge to scratch them is intense. Eruptions commonly occur on pressure points – around the elbows, the front of the knees, the buttocks, back, shoulders, face, and scalp and typically occur on both sides of the body. Sixty percent of those diagnosed are men and the most common ages at diagnosis are between 15 and 40 years old.
A small biopsy of unaffected skin, next to an eruption that reveals the presence of IgA deposits confirms a diagnosis of DH. A strict gluten-free diet for life is the only treatment, but the diet should only be started once a diagnosis has been made. The medication Dapsone may be prescribed to ease symptoms until the gluten-free diet reduces the severity and frequency of eruptions. Learn more …
Why can’t I just go gluten free?
Knowing whether or not you have a chronic autoimmune disorder is important to your future health and the health of your family. There may be a price for choosing not to know.
• Screening for Celiac disease is free in British Columbia
• Blood samples can be collected at your local out patient laboratory
• A diagnosis will tell you how strict your diet needs to be
• In conjunction with a lifelong commitment to the diet, health complications may be reduced
• Your doctor can better monitor your health for other autoimmune disorders
• Celiac disease is genetic. A diagnosis confirms for your family that they may also be at risk
• Familial screening provides an early diagnosis for those with latent (asymptomatic) Celiac disease
• A diagnosis offers eligibility for future therapies that require a definitive diagnosis
• You may qualify for a Medical Expense Tax Credit
• If Celiac disease is ruled out, your doctor can proceed to test you for other disease(s)
• You can save money on gluten-free food if celiac disease is ruled out! Learn more …