Once you’ve got your diagnosis, the next step is to prepare your kitchen. Here’s our short guide on how to do that.
1. Prepare: Start by gathering plenty of storage containers and something to label them with.This is particularly important if you’re sharing a household with people who continue to eat gluten.
2. Sort:
Remove all of the food and sort your fridge and cupboards into three sections:
- Safe foods: This is where you’ll store all the food that you’re sure is gluten free
- Unsafe foods: This is for the foods that are not gluten free. If you’re making your house completely gluten free, then these foods will be thrown away and this section removed. If you share a household with people who still eat gluten, these will need to be stored in air tight containers to avoid cross contamination. Check out our
comprehensive list of unsafe foods {this is the same link/list as is below} but as a rule, if it’s bread, pasta, cereal, cakes, biscuits or a sauce, it contains gluten and isn’t
safe - Uncertain foods: This section is for foods that you aren’t sure about and will require some research. You may even need to contact the manufacturer if the label isn’t
clear. If you’re still not sure, treat it as though it contains gluten. It’s better to be safe than sorry
3. Clean:
Before replacing the food into it’s new, clearly marked sections, it’s time for a spring clean. Gluten is a tiny molecule that sticks and clings, long after the offending food item has been removed. Clean your fridge, cupboards, shelves, worktops and everywhere else that might have been infected with hot soapy water and disinfectant. Then, clean your pans and appliances such as microwaves and blenders.
4. Replace:
There will be some kitchen items that will need to be replaced. If it’s non porous (wood, plastic, vinyl) it’s a good idea to get rid and start a fresh. If sharing a house with people who eat gluten, it’s worth investing in separate items, one gluten free, and one for the gluten eating members of the household. These items include:
- Chopping boards
- Porous utensils
- Toasters
- Non-stainless steel pans and colanders
- Sponges, oven gloves, tea towels and cloths
If washed thoroughly, plates and cutlery can be shared.
5. Restock: Now it’s time to restock the kitchen with plenty of delicious gluten free foods. There is a good supply of gluten free foods in supermarkets, but if there’s a specialist item you’re looking for, you may need to go to health food shops or research online. Remember to check labels carefully Don’t forget to go through the bathroom cabinets and crafting materials too and remove anything that lists gluten as an ingredient.