3 Yr Old Son Just Diagnosed With Celiac

[robbiesmom]

My son Robbie was justed diagnosed with celiac and I need to know some good snack foods and bread to try for the first time. He is in preschool and I will need to provide his snacks. Also, i Have a question about Ketchup, mustard and some dressings with vinegar-my Husband wants to know if he needs to even avoid these tiny amounts of wheat derived ingredients-I said yes, he should not have these things-am I right? Confused, Sara

[Hennessey]

My son Robbie was justed diagnosed with celiac and I need to know some good snack foods and bread to try for the first time. He is in preschool and I will need to provide his snacks. Also, i Have a question about Ketchup, mustard and some dressings with vinegar-my Husband wants to know if he needs to even avoid these tiny amounts of wheat derived ingredients-I said yes, he should not have these things-am I right? Confused, Sara 

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Go to www.fritolay.com and there is a long list of frito lay products that are gluten free.

Mustard: French's mustard (except honey mustard), Gulden's Spicey Brown, Plochman's (all types)

Ketchup: Del Monte (All)

Mayonnaise: Hellmans

All Mr. Spice brand condiments are safe

All Mr. Steak sauces are safe

All Vlasic Pickles are safe

Lea & Perrin's original and bold & spicey BBQ is safe

Candy: After Eight dinner mints, Almond Joy, Jolly Rancher hard candy, hershey kisses, Hershey's milk chocolate, junior mints, mounds, reese's pb cups & pieces, skittles, starbursts, sugar babies

Ice Cream: (except with obvious ingredients, eg. cookie dough) Baskin Robbins, many Breyer's & Edy's flavors, Haagen Daas,

Margarine: Blue Bonnet, Brummetl & Brown, Benecol, Fleischman's, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, Imperial

Tuna: Bumblebee, Chicken of the Sea, Starkist

Spices: (single spices not mixes/blends): Durkee, Frenc's, Kroger's Lawry's McCormick, Schilling

Yogurt: Brown Cow Farm, Columbo, Kemp's, Stoneyfield Farm, Yoplait (except with obvious ingredients, ie granola)

Good Luck!! And I'm sure you will get other idea from everyone else!

[Jnkmnky]

Kinnikinnick Tapioca white rice is my children's choice. The slices are large, chewy, not sticky. Looks like regular bread, tastes like regular bread. Lightly toasted or just warmed up. Keep frozen. Breaks apart easily. Some breads are solid bricks when frozen!

Kinnikinnick makes great donuts, bagels *we don't like the cinnamon raisin ones*, pizza crusts. I order lots at a time and store in a fridge in the garage. Shipping at Kinnikinnick is $10 flat fee and they have a points program. Of course, if you can find this product at a local health food store, that's always good.

www.kinnikinnick.com

Tinkyada pastas....they're king of the gluten free pastas. None are better.

Chebe bread is great. www.chebe.com Look at their recipes. We made "hot pockets" today with diced ham and cheese. Wrap it around a hot dog for a gluten free "corn dog".

Lays Stax potato chips. Says gluten free on the container!

Do you have a WholeFoods or a store like that near you? There are many great gluten free snacks available through them. My kids like Ener-G pretzels. I send my celiac disease kid to school with a small tupperware of peanut butter and a bag of pretzels. He likes to dip them.

Glutano makes great cereal bars. Pricey, though.

Of course, you'll find cookies etc in the heathfood stores that are gluten free, but he can also have grapes, apples, bananas, fruit cups, Jello, carrots, celery/peanut butter, that sort of thing.

He can have ketchup and mustard. Regular vinegar is fine. Check what it's derived from. I use the balsamic which is derived from grapes. Check all ingredients for dressings. Kraft products will list gluten containing ingredients. If the product has "Modified Food Starch", Kraft will let the consumer know (in parenthesis) if it is from wheat, barley, malt, etc.... So dressings from kraft are ok as long as you're reading ingredients carefully.

Cold cuts from a deli need to be read. Slicer wiped down for your order.

TINY amounts of gluten are enough to make a celiac SICK. NO amount of gluten is acceptable. Many here would advise you to get your son his own foods. I've always used a sharpie marker to write my son's name on his foods. No one in the house would dare use his foods as a crumb is enough to make a celiac sick. This means his own peanut butter, jelly, butter, mayo, cream cheese, and so forth. Don't doubt he'll get sick if you cheat on this standard.

Post fruity and Cocoa pebbles are gluten free.

Old el Paso Taco sauce is gluten free

Taco shells are gluten-free

Classico sauces, ALL, are gluten-free

Breyers is mostly gluten free. Never skip reading ingredients, though. Companies change ingredients all the time and gluten is in the weirdest things. Your son cannot have Malt. That's found in some of the Breyer's.

It's best to buy 'regular' foods. Skip the reduced fat, chemical concoctions. They're more likely to have gluten, or Modified Food starch. Modified food starch CAN be gluten free, but you have to call and check (unless it's a company like kraft.)

Oscar Mayer hotdogs, bologna, bacon are gluten-free

Snickers are gluten-free...not the poppables, though.

Hershey's kisses are gluten-free

recess peanut butter cups are gluten free.

[Jnkmnky]

oh, yeah. Velveeta is gluten free. Get the brick of velveeta and melt into your Tinkyada pastas for Mac and cheese.

[KaitiUSA]

Yes, you need to avoid all of gluten in any amounts. Even products like shampoos, soaps, and any other products that have any way of getting into his mouth need to be checked. Following the diet is a all or nothing thing. If he is on a little bit its just like not following the diet because any amount will do damage.

Don't throw the stuff with vinegar out until you know if it has gluten because it coule be safe.

There are some good mainstream brands that will not hide anything on the label, even under otherwise questionable ingredients. They will clearly list gluten in the form of wheat,rye,barley, and oats on the label and if it is not there on thosebrands then it is safe. With other brands you need to call whenever there is a questionable ingredient.

That list of brands is on the site numerous times. If you can not find it let me know and I can either email it to you or post it here as well.

I don't know if you know everything gluten can be hidden in but this list of safe and forbidden ingredients should help you.

https://www.celiac.com/st_main.html?p_catid=12

[jenvan]

Here are other gluten-free snack ideas for you... some of these might be in your local stores:

www.enjoylife.com (cookies, bars etc that are free of the top 8 allergies and gluten-free)

www.phillyswirl.com (gluten-free/cf frozen desserts--just not the icecream sandwiches though)

Midel's makes some good gluten-free cookies--my favorite are the arrowroot (animal cracker) cookies.

Envirokids makes some good 'kid cereals'. Go here to view: Open Original Shared Link

The Midels, Enjoy Life products and Envirokids would be sold at a local 'natural' food store, or online. I have seen Envirokids at Meijer before too. Walmart sells the Philly Swirls.

To see other good gluten-free cookie/snack ideas go to the Gluten Free Trading Company's website: www.food4celiacs.com and print off their catalog. It is divided up into sections and has an extensive list of products.

PS--If you are interested, there is a gluten-free food list on the Delphi Server you can get for free (directions below) and there is also a list on the Clan Thompson site you can purchase--it goes into your palm pilot. I use it when I go shopping. Info is below:

To get the Delphi Forum gluten-free Food List, Go thru the following:

1) Go to the website, Open Original Shared Link

2) Click on "messages" or "start reading"

3) Select the folder "gluten-free Product List"

4) Click on the topic called "Downloadable files word"

5) Of the four options, choose the one in the upper right.

You may need to register (the basic version is free) in which case, just register first, then complete the steps above.

To view the Clan Thompson gluten-free Food Palm Software, go here: Open Original Shared Link

Lastly, go here and scroll up to Kaiti's post to read a list of manufacturers that won't hide gluten ingredients on their labels...

Open Original Shared Link

[robbiesmom]

Here are other gluten-free snack ideas for you...  some of these might be in your local stores:

www.enjoylife.com  (cookies, bars etc that are free of the top 8 allergies and gluten-free)

www.phillyswirl.com  (gluten-free/cf frozen desserts--just not the icecream sandwiches though)

Midel's makes some good gluten-free cookies--my favorite are the arrowroot (animal cracker) cookies. 

Envirokids makes some good 'kid cereals'.  Go here to view:  Open Original Shared Link

The Midels, Enjoy Life products and Envirokids would be sold at a local 'natural' food store, or online.  I have seen Envirokids at Meijer before too.  Walmart sells the Philly Swirls.

To see other good gluten-free cookie/snack ideas go to the Gluten Free Trading Company's website:  www.food4celiacs.com and print off their catalog.  It is divided up into sections and has an extensive list of products.

PS--If you are interested, there is a gluten-free food list on the Delphi Server you can get for free (directions below) and there is also a list on the Clan Thompson site you can purchase--it goes into your palm pilot.  I use it when I go shopping.  Info is below:

To get the Delphi Forum gluten-free Food List, Go thru the following:

1) Go to the website, Open Original Shared Link

2) Click on "messages" or "start reading"

3) Select the folder "gluten-free Product List"

4) Click on the topic called "Downloadable files word"

5) Of the four options, choose the one in the upper right.

You may need to register (the basic version is free) in which case, just register first, then complete the steps above.

To view the Clan Thompson gluten-free Food Palm Software, go here:  Open Original Shared Link

Lastly, go here and scroll up to Kaiti's post to read a list of manufacturers that won't hide gluten ingredients on their labels...

Open Original Shared Link

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Thanks for the great advice! I went shopping today and was even more confused by labels-I found a cookbook that talked about vinegar being "ok" so I was a little relieved about ketchup, mustard and mayo! My son's doctor has celiac and she said rice chex and rice crispies were okay but there was malt flavoring listed as an ingredient when we looked today-what the heck is that? We didn't buy any yet as we want to be sure. I am going to learn to make my own bread and cookies, etc-I couldn't believe the prices! 4.29 for four hot dog buns-nuts! My father is helping us each month as I have to quit work to get this thing under control! When my husband gets his next promotion we will have a little more to spare so we hope it will be soon! Sara

[Guest Lucy]

They are NOT okay. Some organic brands might be, but not kelloggs. NO MALT FAVORING.

[Guest nini]

it still amazes me how little Dr.s know about the gluten-free diet (even Dr.s with Celiac)... Rice Krispies and Chex are NOT ok. Health Valley makes Corn Crisps and Rice Crisps that are just like Chex ONLY gluten-free. And Erewhon makes several versions of Rice Krispy style cereals... make sure you get the gluten-free ones.

The only major label brand cereals that are currently safe that I know of, are Quaker Instant Grits, Post Fruity Pebbles and Post Cocoa Pebbles. But always double check ingredients because they can change.

[robbiesmom]

They are NOT okay.  Some organic brands might be,  but not kelloggs.  NO MALT FAVORING.

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Thank you!!! We thought so-and my Husband and I were so stressed out by the time we discovered this ingredient that we were ready to run out of the store screaming! Maybe she doesn't eat these items personally or something-at least she was able to give me a few brands to look for and what store to shop at-we have one here in West Virgina- Do you benefit with a savings by buying in bulk from the manufacturer? How long can you freeze the breads and flours, etc..?

[Jnkmnky]

I know some of the products are pricey, but the Kinnikinnicks are good. I used to make my son a half a sandwich rather than a whole one. That makes the bread last longer. You can suppliment a half sandwich with cheese sticks, apples w/peanut butter, yogurt, a smoothie....etc. The donuts from Kinnikinnick are really dense. My son used to eat a half a donut at a time. That made the cost very reasonable. Of course, he's seven now and getting larger. He eats whole sandwiches and whole donuts. I would recommend the Chebe to you as it comes in 7.5 oz mixes that are really easy to prepare and you can do so much with them. I order by the case for my chebe supply. It stores in a pantry, so no over stuffing your freezer. Tonight we made regular chebe with diced ham, red peppers/green peppers, garlic salt, pepper. Mixed up and baked. You can also make "hot pockets" with Chebe. You can prepare chebe balls or sticks, bake what your son needs and freeze uncooked dough for another meal. I think chebe is a must have. No need to buy those expensive buns when you have Chebe. I wrap chebe around hot dogs for "corn dogs".

I usually order 10-15 loaves of Kinnikinnick breads at a time. They last as long as we need them too. Never had one go bad. Actually, the Robin's brown bread was the only bread I've ordered from them that we didn't like.

[Kasey'sMom]

I usually order 10-15 loaves of Kinnikinnick breads at a time.  They last as long as we need them too.  Never had one go bad.  Actually, the Robin's brown bread was the only bread I've ordered from them that we didn't like.

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Hi, I was looking forward to trying the Kinnikinnick bread but my daughter has egg allergies and it seems that most of their breads have eggs in them. I noticed that the Robin's Honey Brown Bread was the only one that didn't. I was wondering if you could help describe the bread. I've tried making some bread without egg and the only gluten-free bread we've tried so far are Food for Life & Ener-g.

Thanks for the info.

[Jnkmnky]

Hi--

I think there might have been a problem with the bread that isn't typical. When I used it, I toasted it very, very lightly. I made my daughter a sandwich and she began complaining that it was too difficult to bite. The bread had been soft when I made the sandwich, but it became a hard, impossible to chew shingle as it cooled. I couldn't bite through it. I could have gotten a bad loaf. I toasted another piece and it was the same way. Like leather. I threw out the rest of the loaf *gasp*. But it was inedible. I have to think this isn't how the bread usually is. It simply can't be normal for it to be so impossible to eat. I mentioned in that other post that we didn't like it, because we didn't. But I would try it if I were you. Kinnikinnick WILL REFUND your cost if you're unsatisfied. My head is usually spinning in five different directions, so I'm just too busy to bother with that over the one loaf. But I would if I'd bought more than one.

Could you let me know if you order it and have a better experience? Thanks!

[tarnalberry]

Distilled vinegar is safe, but check the condiments; I have seen at least two mustards that have gluten-containing ingredients that were not vinegar.

[Kasey'sMom]

Sure, I think I will give it a try next month. I'm looking for some bread that would hold up in a lunch box. The co-op I purchase from is starting to carry the Kinnikinnick products and I' so excited. Thanks for the information!

P.S. I'm hoping at some point I can re-introduce dairy and eggs and what fun we'll have.

[robbiesmom]

Thanks for all of your great advice and suggestions! I feel very important just since I posted 2 days ago-everyone seems to really care about everyone else on this board-its nice to know we're not alone. I had never heard of Celiac until my son was diagnosed so I am going to get tested as well. I think I might have some of the same issues as him just not as often. After talking to my Aunt today she has decided to get tested also. She has had issues as well but thought her fibromyalsia was causing it all. Hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it all!

[Hennessey]

Thanks for all of your great advice and suggestions! I feel very important just since I posted 2 days ago-everyone seems to really care about everyone else on this board-its nice to know we're not alone. I had never heard of Celiac until my son was diagnosed so I am going to get tested as well. I think I might have some of the same issues as him just not as often. After talking to my Aunt today she has decided to get tested also. She has had issues as well but thought her fibromyalsia was causing it all. Hopefully we'll get to the bottom of it all! 

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It's too bad you have to quit your job, I know how you feel though it is very overwhelming. My son is 11 months and on top of celiac is allergic to egg, egg whites, dairy, soy, beef, pears. I am not working and feel like for the next year even if I wanted to I couldn't for fear he will be given something he shouldn't have. For the first few weeks I cried everytime I went to the grocery store, but it does get easier. I am still looking for a good bread myself..I have all the other allergies to look for as well when buying. If you go to www.peapod.com you can see on line all the ingredients in any item you want, it would atleast save you the time before you get to the store instead of standing in the isle reading every label.

Good luck, I wish you well.

[Katydid]

My husband, who is celiac, used to love grits. When he became ill a few times after eating them, he called Quaker.

The individual responding stated they couldn't guarantee them to be gluten free due to possible cross contamination in the equipment.

Just thought I'd pass this along.

[tarnalberry]

My husband, who is celiac, used to love grits.  When he became ill a few times after eating them, he called Quaker. 

The individual responding stated they couldn't guarantee them to be gluten free due to possible cross contamination in the equipment.

Just thought I'd pass this along.

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While I'm not sure what grain you're referring to for the grits, there are a number of other grains available in the same cut to produce a similar cereal. Bob's Red Mill has the following (as separate grains): soy, millet, buckwheat, corn, and rice.

[Guest arnelwendy]

My son Robbie was justed diagnosed with celiac and I need to know some good snack foods and bread to try for the first time. He is in preschool and I will need to provide his snacks. Also, i Have a question about Ketchup, mustard and some dressings with vinegar-my Husband wants to know if he needs to even avoid these tiny amounts of wheat derived ingredients-I said yes, he should not have these things-am I right? Confused, Sara 

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i would try and avoid all glutten . My daughter is six and was recently diagnosed. I have seen there is a program for palm pilots.

i use a book by the csa gluten free product listing 1 877 csa 4 csa

the book costs 30 i like the book it has a alot it could be better but it is the best i have seen

[lbsteenwyk]

Hi Robbiesmom and welcome to the board!

My daughter is also 3 and goes to preschool. At her school everyone brings their own lunch and they have a policy that there is no food-sharing. The school provides snacks, so I do send a snack with her everyday. Some of her favorites:

Glutino pretzels and cheese cubes

MiDel Animal Crackers

Blue Diamond Nut Thins & Cheese

Snyder of Hanover Eat Smart Veggie Crisps

Lara Bars, cut into small squares

Balance Bar - Peanut Butter or Choc Raspberry (they do make wheat containing products on the same equipment, so use your judgement)

EnviroKids Crispy Rice Bars

(on all the bars, I only give her 1/3 of a bar and cut it into squares)

Also, here is a pamplet from the Gluten Intolerance Group of North American (GIG) designed to explain celiac disease to teachers. I've given this to my daughter's teachers and the director of her preschool.

Open Original Shared Link

Good Luck and don't hesitate to ask more questions as they arise.

[ryebaby0]

Just adding to the bread-thread: we eat EnerG tapioca, which is much preferred here to the others, but the most popular "bread" for sandwiches is RealFoods Corn Thins. They come in a few "flavors" (soy, soy/flax, corn and something), are relatively cheap, indestructible, and don't get soggy with pb/j. It has been a big help; we have one celiac, and one celiac/egg allergy so a lot of the simply gluten-free bread is not okay.

Joanna

[Merika]

Joanna,

Have you tried Food For Life rice breads? How does the ener-g one compare?

Thanks,

Merika

[ryebaby0]

Joanna,

Have you tried Food For Life rice breads? How does the ener-g one compare?

Thanks,

Merika

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Yes, we have. I think it depends on what kind of texture you prefer ~ the tapioca has a "give" and "chew" more like traditional bread, and it doesn't come apart as much --- but it also doesn't IMHO _taste_ like anything. (I was raised, myself, on whole wheat stuff). The FFLife _taste_ alittle better but my son, especially, did not care for the rice bread-y texture (too grainy) My husband would eat styrofoam.....

[tpineo]

The only mainstream gluten-free cereals that I am aware of are:

Post Fruity Pebbles

Post Cocoa Pebbles

Malt O Meal Fruity Dyno Bites

Wegman's grocery store brand cereal has some gluten-free cereals which are marked on the front of the cereal. One is Corn Bursts (like Corn Pops).

Rice Krispies contain barley malt and are NOT gluten-free.

Other good kid cereals are the EnviroKids cereals- Koala Crisp, Panda Peanut Butter something, etc.

Good luck- Tania Greenville, Pa