Welcome to this week’s edition of The Celiac Scientist. I’m sorry my blogs have been a bit thin on the ground lately - my art and children’s book writing career, together with my day job have been getting in the way a bit. However, without further ado, let’s dive into this week’s blog in which I have a bit of a moan!
For the Want of Gluten-Free Sandwich
Today, I want to dive into a topic that I'm sure many of you can relate to: the never-ending quest for a decent gluten-free sandwich, especially in those beloved coffee shop chains like Costa, Starbucks, and Cafe Nero. Seriously, is it just me, or does finding a gluten-free option feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack?
Let's start with the gluten-free offerings—or lack thereof. Picture this: you walk into your favourite coffee shop, ready to grab a quick bite, only to be greeted by a sad display of options that barely qualify as lunch. I'm talking about those miniature packets of chocolate brownies that could double as building materials or those Bakewell slices that look like they belong at a kids' tea party. And don't even get me started on the granola bars—seriously, who decided those were a suitable substitute for a satisfying meal?
Now, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the effort to provide gluten-free options, but sometimes one just needs a good old sandwich. Is that too much to ask? Apparently so, because finding a gluten-free sandwich or roll is like finding a unicorn—rare and seemingly mythical.
More Cheese Anyone?
But wait, there's more! Let's talk about the cheese situation. Have you noticed that the majority of sandwiches and rolls in these coffee shops are filled to the brim with cheese? Tuna mayo with cheese, cheese and onion, ham and cheese—you name it, it's got cheese. Now, don't get me wrong, I love cheese as much as the next person, but when your wife has a severe cheese allergy, suddenly those cheesy options aren't so appealing.
So, I did what any frustrated sandwich seeker would do—I wrote to Costa and Starbucks, hoping for some answers. Their response? "Our offerings reflect popular customer demand." Well, who are these customers demanding cheese-filled sandwiches and dry brownies, and can they please stop?
I know, I might be ranting a bit, but I think you can understand my frustration. So, I want to hear from you—what's your experience with coffee shop lunches, here in the UK or abroad? Have you found any hidden gems or are you stuck in the same gluten-free sandwich struggle? Let's commiserate together and maybe even share some tips for finding a decent lunch on the go.
Until next time, keep fighting the gluten-free sandwich battle with a side of humour and a whole lot of determination!
The Celiac Scientist
I feel your pain! In the US, the only GF food item at Starbucks is a Rice Krispie-style marshmallow bar. Most coffeeshops where I live in NYC don't have any substantial GF food options that are safe for celiacs. A few do have pre-packaged GF pastries, but that's really it.
This is one of the most difficult and frustrating if you have celiac disease. Most places don’t have any!!!!!