{"id":1082,"date":"2026-04-06T19:16:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=1082"},"modified":"2026-04-06T19:16:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T19:16:00","slug":"new-to-eating-gluten-free-in-the-pittsburgh-area-this-guide-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsura.com\/?p=1082","title":{"rendered":"New to eating gluten-free in the Pittsburgh area? This guide can help."},"content":{"rendered":"

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Should you or your child be on a gluten-free diet? If you have a child who has recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, or if you are trying to figure out how to go gluten-free yourself, it may feel difficult. I have your back.<\/span><\/p>\n

When I was first diagnosed with this disease celiac disease<\/span> When I was 12 years old, I was completely blown away by the idea of \u200b\u200bstarting a gluten-free diet. It felt completely impossible to make that change. But after five years, I’ve realized that it’s not as difficult as I thought, especially with the right information and a little support.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was no real moment. Over the years, with the support of my parents and doctors, I learned how to cope. Looking back now, I see that my life was never over.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you’re feeling as overwhelmed as I am, I’d be happy to share advice on lesser-known problems I’ve stumbled upon.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Blackbird Market is one of the places the author goes for gluten-free ice cream. Photo courtesy of Blackbird co-owners Melanie Vaughan and Dennis Muyter.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What you need to know when shopping for groceries<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Always research:<\/span> Gluten can be found in many unexpected places. I accidentally ingested gluten from both Lindt chocolate truffles and melatonin tablets (a common sleep supplement). Chapstick may also contain gluten. (When I need lip balm, I use the gluten-free EOS brand.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    There are only two ways to know for sure if a product contains gluten. Read the ingredient list or look for gluten-free labels that are regulated by the FDA. Anything labeled gluten-free is almost always OK. (If a food package says there is a possibility of cross-contamination, be careful if you are very sensitive.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • Learn important things to avoid<\/span>: When reading the ingredient list, the big ingredients to look out for are: wheat, barley, rye, <\/b>and malt.<\/b><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      For a more comprehensive list of ingredients to avoid, see click here<\/span> Check out this helpful article from the National Institutes of Health that I relied on during my first year. Also, if you have any doubts, search your question on Google for solid information. I still sometimes stand in the Walmart aisle, frantically Googling whether yeast extract is gluten-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      • Double check:<\/span> In some cases, companies may produce products that include gluten and gluten-free options. They may put those items in nearly identical packaging and display them side by side on the shelves. Therefore, read the packaging carefully. Once, I accidentally bought sourdough bread that had gluten added to it and was listed as an ingredient because the packaging was the same as the gluten-free version.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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        Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        What you need to know when eating out<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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        • Use websites like search gluten free<\/span><\/span>: People with celiac disease often post on this website about gluten-free options at restaurants in their area and what their experiences have been like. It may also refer to things like menu variety and risk of cross-contamination. If you’re looking for a place to eat and don’t know where to start, this is a great resource. I use it all the time when I travel.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Please call ahead:<\/span> Even if the website says a restaurant has gluten-free options, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Make it clear that you do indeed have gluten-free options and are happy to eat them. (As a very picky eater, this point is very important to me. Restaurants may have gluten-free salads, but I’m not going to eat them yet.) Also, ask if the risk of cross-contamination is high or low.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Look for the GF symbol in the menu<\/span>: If a restaurant has a gluten-free symbol on its menu, you can feel more confident. To me, I can tell they value their gluten free customers and are educated about gluten free.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Communicate with the server.<\/span> Even if a product doesn’t say it’s gluten-free, we may be able to make adjustments. Perhaps you could put the tater tots in a separate fryer or serve them with corn chips instead of bread. So it’s worth asking. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          My Recommendations for Gluten-Free Eating Out in the Pittsburgh Area<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

          The Pittsburgh area has many great restaurants for gluten-free dining. I have three favorites, all located north of the city. <\/span><\/p>\n

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          Springfield Grill (Mars): <\/b><\/span>The menu is marked gluten free and we have never had any cross contamination issues there. I recommend the spinach artichoke dip. If you’re in the mood for dessert, try our delicious gluten-free chocolate peanut butter pie.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Baked True North (North Hills): <\/b><\/span>Baked True North is a 100% gluten-free bakery. My favorite product is the lemon bar. Parmesan bread is also quite delicious.<\/span><\/p>\n

          Blackbird Market (Beaver): <\/b><\/span>Blackbird Market is an ice cream shop with a large selection of gluten-free and dairy-free ice cream. You can choose from a variety of flavors of bases, mix-ins, and toppings, as well as a variety of other gluten-free treats.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

          I hope my advice helps alleviate some of your fears. It’s an adjustment, but it’s a learning experience. i believe in you! Now, let’s go buy some lemon bars! <\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n