Free to taste

The Gluten Free Festival at ShopRite of Medford, gave shoppers an opportunity to sample some of the celiac-friendly food products available in the store. The event was free to attend.

During Saturday's festival, shoppers were presented with vendor tables placed throughout the store. Tastings, take-home samples, manufacturer coupons and informational pamphlets were accessible to anyone interested in gluten-free foods.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Garden State

I spoke with the representative from Cabot creamery, among others, and found our talk to be helpful in choosing dairy products. Cabot also offered easy recipes to take home, which are always useful.

On the downside, there was at least one vendor (and possibly two) offering samples of food that was NOT gluten-free. And it would be so easy for someone tasting to not realize the bread, offered with a sample of olive oil, was off limits. To his credit, the vendor representative did tell me before I put the bread in my mouth that it wasn't gluten-free, but there was no sign or other indication otherwise.


If not for the Gluten Free Festival, I would never have assumed the sample was gluten-free, but in this case, it was out of place, especially stationed in the same area as several gluten-free vendors. This is something ShopRite needs to be very careful about in the future.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Garden State

In addition to foods, the festival offered good information, such as dietary tips, recipes and product guides. The store employs dieticians to assist customers on s regular basis. Shoppers can utilize the service anytime.

Information also was provided by the Southern New Jersey Chapter of the Celiac Support Association. Members spoke with shoppers about the organization and resources available to celiacs in the area, and offered a chance to win a basket full of gluten-free foods.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Garden State

ShopRite of Medford, a Zallies family-owned store, regularly offers a large selection of gluten-free products, many of which are available in a specially-designated section.

Photo credit: Gluten Free Garden State