Finding Celiac Safe Food on Road Trips

If your family is like mine and you take a lot of road trips, there is always that discussion of where we should stop to eat. I usually pack my own food before I leave so I know I will be able to have something I like along the way. It's always the safest option too when I prepare the food myself. I will make my own sandwich and pack lots of snacks in ziploc bags (chips, carrots, celery, cookies, GF granola bars, GF pretzels, ). But, there are times when it's not possible to pack my own food and we want to stop for a meal break. This always begins with a search on the Find Me Gluten Free App but we are often left with fast food options. And even when it's not mealtime, we always have to stop for gas and that usually means a trip into the convenience store. What can I get to snack on?

As I said, it's always best to pack your own food for a road trip. You just never know and better to play it safe. If you find yourself looking for a place to stop for a meal, the Find Me Gluten Free app is an amazing app you can use anywhere you are. Just make sure you are on Current Location and restaurants near you with GF options will pop up. Read the reviews - they are often very helpful - and, as always, make sure you confirm with the restaurant that the dishes you want are, in fact, GF.

If you don't have access to the app or you are just pulling off to an exit, there are some go-to places where I know I will be able to eat. My favorite is Jersey Mike's. They are amazing with GF. The staff changes their gloves, gets new cutting boards and knives and you can have an amazing sub on delicious GF bread. My next best option is Chipotle because I know I can always get a bowl with rice, beans, veggies, cheese and my favorite meats. If I'm in the mood for a burger, I look for Five Guys and In N' Out - lettuce wrapped burgers (no GF buns) and fries are GF because nothing else is in the fryer.

Because I usually pack my meals at home, I most often find myself in a convenience store on a road trip deciding what I can have that would be a treat to enjoy in the car. Some of my favorites from a Love's or other rest stops are:

Baked Lay's

Cheetos (the Flamin' Hot are my favorite)

Ruffles potato chips

Smartfood popcorn

Peanut, caramel or regular M&Ms

Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers

Starburst

Hershey chocolate bars

Beef and Turkey jerky (make sure to check the labels)

Healthier options include string cheese, applesauce, cut up fruits and veggies

I have a tree nut allergy too so I have to avoid all nuts except peanuts but if you can have nuts, go for some almonds, cashews or a trail mix that looks good to you. Kind bars are great options as well - I've heard many amazing reviews of them.

Happy driving and be safe eating on your travels!!