There’s no such thing as a gluten free lunch…unless of course you live in Italy, Finland, England or New Zealand it seems. During a chat with The Staple Store owner, Catherine Gett, I learnt for the first time that some countries actually subsidise gluten free sufferers for the higher cost of their food expenses. Although some might deem it an ‘in’ or healthy option, for others being gluten free or coeliac is not a choice but a reality. It’s no different to having diabetes or any other condition or illness. Unfortunately in Australia though the cost of being gluten intolerant or coeliac is not subsidised. And as you will see below, it really does add up. Here’s a little shopping list to give you an example of what buying gluten free versions of your regular products might cost.
Regular
|
Gluten Free
| |
Penne Pasta 500gm
|
$2.44
|
$3.53
|
Oats 500gm
|
$2.50
|
$5.75
|
Sweet Biscuits 200gm
|
$3.24
|
$4.99
|
Bread 600gm
|
$3.99
|
$5.68
|
Muesli Bars 6 Pack
|
$3.00
|
$5.20
|
TOTAL
|
$15.17
|
$25.25
|
On just a basic level, buying gluten free staples comes to about $10 extra a week. That’s $40 a month, and $480 a year…minimum. Seemingly as more people become affected by the high content of gluten in a lot of the foods we’re eating, perhaps one day we will be subsidised. In the meantime however some of us have to live with it, and one thing I want to say is that it doesn’t mean you have to resort to eating squeaky, rubbery bread that doesn’t toast properly or ‘fake’ tasting food. Here are two of our favourite gluten free friendly destinations for not only staples but the whole kitchen pantry kit and caboodle.
As mentioned earlier Catherine Gett from the Staple Store in Ripponlea (and also a naturopath) stocks plenty of gluten free whole food options and substitutes, like fantastic legume based meals in a jar ready to go, grains, nuts, sweets and more yummy treats.
We also highly recommend one of Melbourne’s gluten free mecca’s, Three Ducks Gluten Free Gourmet in Richmond. The best thing about Three Ducks is that “it’s all about good food that just happens to be gluten free”, as owner Ali Morrow always says. Find delicious pancakes mixes, flours, pastas, gourmet pies (One Girl Pulled Pork and Fennel is the best!), ice cream and so much more that you’ll have your next few weeks worth of meals planned already!
We also highly recommend one of Melbourne’s gluten free mecca’s, Three Ducks Gluten Free Gourmet in Richmond. The best thing about Three Ducks is that “it’s all about good food that just happens to be gluten free”, as owner Ali Morrow always says. Find delicious pancakes mixes, flours, pastas, gourmet pies (One Girl Pulled Pork and Fennel is the best!), ice cream and so much more that you’ll have your next few weeks worth of meals planned already!
