CLEVELAND, Ohio - Going to the grocery store when you're gluten-free can feel like a scavenger hunt.
Every grocery store is different, so learning how each is laid out and what is on the shelves makes the experience so much easier.
To help with this task I recently visited Heinen's in Rocky River (one of my favorites) and met with the staff wellness consultant, Cathy Doerrman.
She showed me around the store, pointed out some of her favorite gluten-free products and shared how we can all help the store decide what to carry.
Watch the video above to see what I learned on my visit.
The Heinen's website also has a great page with a lot of useful information regarding how to shop gluten-free at its stores.
One really handy tool is a button that is placed on the shelves near every gluten-free item. An image of this button can be found at the link above as well.
The page also has a list of gluten-free brands that are carried and even how to schedule a tour with a wellness consultant for yourself if you're more of a hands-on learner.
A review of Heinen's
Number of items offered: There are a lot of options at Heinen's, and many I haven't seen at other area grocery stores.
Cost: The cost of some items is a little higher than the competition, but having access to so many options and not having to shop around makes up for that.
Dedicated gluten-free aisle: Yes.
Dedicated gluten-free freezer section: Yes.
Ease of locating items: The dedicated freezer and aisle sections definitely make it easy. However, don't stop with just looking at those two sections. Gluten-Free Barilla pasta can be found with the other gluten-containing pasta, and there are gluten-free wraps and gluten-free bread in the bread aisle.
Prepared foods: All of the prepared food have ingredients and allergy warnings clearly labeled.
Staff helpfulness: Having a wellness consultant on-site is huge, but the rest of the staff is helpful and knowledgable as well.
Are there area grocery stores you frequent for gluten-free items? Or ones you would like to know more about? Let me know in the comments section below and it may be featured in an upcoming grocery store review.
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