Snack Attack

Packing for a trip made me think about treats 🍬

By the time you read this, I’ll be exploring a destination that I haven’t visited since being diagnosed with celiac disease (stay tuned for reports!). Prepping for this trip has made me think about snacks. On a practical level, I always pack a few, wherever I’m going, because I’ve had some crazy-long airport delays. (One not-so-fine day last year, I spent eight hours at LaGuardia waiting for a one-hour flight.) This time, I’m planning even more carefully.

I’ve talked before about foods that I pack for travel, and the importance of being TSA-compliant as well as gluten-free. But I thought I’d mix it up this time and talk a little about treats that I enjoy at home — and ones I bring back from my travels, too. (There are links below, but none of them are affiliate links.)

Treats I Pack for Travel

Pure Protein Bars: You’ve heard me mention these so many times you probably think I have a stake in the company. I wish I did, because I’m pretty much addicted to the Chocolate Salted Caramel bar, which boast 19 grams of whey-based protein in a 200-calorie bar. It’s actually delicious, not a brick (sorry, other protein bars). I also love the lemon flavor and the new churro bars. I may have a problem.

Trader Joe’s Roasted & Salted Marcona Truffle Almonds: This is another of my go-to travel snacks, because they’re delicious and packaged in a resealable bag. Unlike another of my favorite Trader Joe’s products — the Chili Lime Cashews — I don’t need to wash my hands after eating them, which is a plus when I’m on the road.

Kasugai Frutia Gummy Candy: These delicious made-in-Japan gummies are individually-wrapped, making them perfect for travel. I discovered them many years ago, but gave them up after I was diagnosed with celiac disease because I didn’t think they were gluten-free (they contain glucose syrup, which was considered off-limits for years). Fortunately, Kasugai started certifying that the gummies are gluten-free. My favorite flavor is lychee, but the yuzu, muscat grape, and strawberry are lovely, too.

Treats I Keep at Home

Tate’s Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies: After I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, my friends kept buying me cookies. It was a sweet gesture — cookies were among the few gluten-free products that were widely available 20 years ago — but generally, they were not good cookies… more like dry and crumbly. That put me off eating cookies for years, until discovering Tate’s. These cookies are crisp and crunchy and sweet without being oversweet. Basically, my Platonic ideal of a cookie.

Goodpop Fudge n’ Vanilla Squares: When I first tried these, I felt like I was in an advertisement where I was supposed to say, “I can’t believe this is dairy-free!” As a lifelong fan of dairy, I marvel at how creamy and delicious these frozen vegan treats are. They’re not ice cream but they might be… better than ice cream? Goodpop also makes a great chocolate vanilla sandwich that’s just as gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

Treats I Bring Back With Me

President’s Choice Kettle Cooked Caramelized Onion & Balsamic Vinegar Chips: I know Canada is famous for having ketchup chips, but hear me out on these vinegar ones. They are tart, crispy, crunchy heaven and they have a seal of approval from Celiac Canada. Whenever I visit, I have at least two bags of these in my suitcase on the trip home.

Laura Secord French Mint Chocolate Bar: This one’s a classic from my childhood — though the gluten-free labeling on the package is new. The company describes it as “100 g of pure happiness, without a doubt” and that is not false advertising.

Marks & Spencer Yogurt & Strawberry Rice Cakes: The first time I had these was in Athens, when the very thoughtful staff at the Classic Hotel put them on my specially-prepared breakfast plate. I assumed they were a made-in-Greece treat, but it turned out they were from the local Marks & Spencer’s. Did I buy more when I was in London? You know I did. And just recently I heard there’s a salted caramel version…

It’s your turn to tempt me. Tell me about the gluten-free treats you love!

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