Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite places to shop for gluten free productsas well as my general grocery shopping. They seem to do a great job of offering high quality food at reasonable prices. Click here for a list of locations.

 Their website features a “no gluten free ingredients used” list. When I first saw this title, I asked myselfl why they avoided the term “gluten free”? The introduction to the list reminds us that “A set of universal dietary guidelines for celiac dies does not exist” so this title may be more honest and straight-forward than many I have read. The list is dated May 1, 2008. Unfortunately, this list focuses on the Trader Joe’s store brands so isn’t useful when you are shopping elsewhere.

 When shopping at Trader Joes, I’ve noticed many items that are not on their published list. Here are three of my favorites:

Snap Peas — these are simply roasted peas-in-the-pod. I find it hard to believe when I am consuming this healthy naturally gluten free snack that I am eating peas for the same reasons that I eat potato chips.

Trader Joe’s Brown Rice Bread — frankly, this is not the greatest gluten free bread in the world, but the price is definitely right so it has become my “everyday bread”.

Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Pancake and Waffle Mix — it tastes great and is easy to prepare.

Next Wednesay. I write about the Wegman’s supermarket chain, which supports the celiac community on the east coast.

 Published 05/07/08.