Allergen Friendly Finds

When Eleanor was very small, she had recurring rashes all over her body. They were red and scaly and itchy looking. Sometimes the spots even oozed. The pediatrician prescribed creams that seemed to help for a few days, but the spots kept returning. Autoimmune deficiency was one concern he mentioned and after he said that, I couldn’t hear anything else. I was terrified and anxious and confused. We took Eleanor to the clinic to have her blood drawn (I cried when they poked her little arm with the needle…she barely winced) and waited the requisite “few days” before calling the doctor’s office for the results. As it turns out, she has food allergies. In fact, both of my children are allergic.

It was difficult to eliminate wheat, eggs, dairy and nuts form my diet while breastfeeding, but it is even more difficult to know that my kids won't know the joy of pizza, milk shakes, pasta, and more. That being said, we are so thankful that the scary rashes weren’t indicative of something more serious. The doctors think they will outgrow the allergies, but until then, we are always on the lookout for interesting recipes, foods, and tips for dining (while packing the epi pen just in case). I should note that I am not a nutritionist, doctor or any other kind of expert. Please remember to read the labels and always proceed with caution when it comes to eating (or feeding your kids) with allergies.

I've compiled a list of foods and resources below, but this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Enjoy Life
Enjoy Life is committed to making gluten free foods without the 8 most common allergens. They also have a page with recipes here.

Dr. Lucy’s
Lucy’s gluten-free, vegan cookies are made with no milk, eggs, peanuts or tree nuts--but you'd never know it because they're delicious! We find convenient snack packs of her cookies at Starbucks.

Bob’s Red Mill
Bob’s makes a ton of whole grain foods. They also take great pride in their gluten free, casein free and dairy free facility. I have yet to call, but their website boasts a customer service center with professionals ready to answer questions about gluten free living -- (800) 349-2173.

Ian’s
All of Ian’s food is all natural and organic and they come in convenient packages. Ian’s website has a handy page where you can select which allergens your child is dealing with and they will provide a list of acceptable Ian’s meals.

Van’s Natural Foods
Specializing in all natural, frozen breakfast food, Van’s had wheat free, dairy free, egg free, nut free frozen waffles and French toast sticks.

Barbara’s Bakery
All natural, no additives is Barbara’s claim to fame. Their site isn’t as friendly as some others for allergy information, but there are a few fun recipes. We buy the Puffin’s cereal at Trader Joe’s.

Gluten Free Goddess
I’ve also found a few interesting recipes on this blog. For our kids, the gluten and free vegan ones seem to do the trick.

Trader Joe’s offers an extensive list of Gluten Free foods available in their store.

Whole Foods has several allergen friendly finds, but you will pay a premium here. I always check in at the customer service desk to see if they have any coupons and to pick up their sales flyer.

Dining out can be tricky. In the beginning, we did a lot of research before heading out to eat. Most restaurants have allergen information online in an easy to read format. As a rule, we can almost always find something acceptable at a Mexican restaurant. Chipotle has been a really great place for Eleanor to dine.

Detroit Area allergy friendly food places

Sugar Kisses Bakery
All natural, wheat free bakery that also does vegan baked goods.

Amici’s Pizza
They offer gluten free dough!

In home staples:
Veggies, fruit, meat, wheat free pasta (Eleanor seems to really enjoy quinoa and rice pastas), Kix cereal, Naked Nuggets (we get a massive pack at Cost-co), Ore-Ida Alphabet Tater-tots or McCain’s smiley’s, freeze dried fruit, soy/rice milk, edamame,

Once every few weeks, we’ll make a batch of wheat, egg, dairy and nut free pancakes and freeze them. When Eleanor is in the mood, we just pop one in the toaster oven until it’s warmed through (about 8 minutes).

1 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill Glulten Free Pancake mix

¼ cup apple sauce

½ tsp baking powder

¾ cup soy milk

Mix , make and enjoy!

**An egg substitute for baking:
For every egg, use ¼ c apple sauce and ½ tsp baking powder**