Gluten-Free News
Softy’s Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Soft Serve
Gluten-Free Events
University & College Students – enjoy 10% off EVERY DAY with provision of student ID card.
- Some restrictions apply. No discount on sale items.
Click Here for Pepper’s Foods ONLINE STORE
Gluten-Free Products ONLINE!
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
3829 Cadboro Bay Road • 250-477-6513 • info@peppers-foods.com
SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!
Follow Pepper’s Foods
- Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
- Peppers-foods.com/inside-peppers
- Pepper’s Foods Delivery • email delivery@peppers-foods.com • email pickup@peppers-foods.com
- Peppers-foods.com
- Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List
- Pepper’s Foods’ Complete Flyer
- 10% Senior’s discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Pepper’s has received Surfrider Vancouver Island Ocean Friendly Business in 2022 for actively stewarding local beaches and waterways by reducing unnecessary single-use plastic waste and Gold Award as a Vancouver Island Green Business in 2022.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Awards 2022
- Award for Achieving 60 years of Independent Excellence
- 2022 Award of Merit
- Bronze Award in the Small Surface Category for Canada
- Gold for the BC/Yukon Regional Award in the Small Surface Category
The annual awards recognize youth leadership and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and their contributions to their communities. Pepper’s Food Store, helmed by second-generation owner Cory Davits, was founded in 1962 and has grown to be a full-service grocer.
- “Our goal is to maintain the small community-store feeling while providing all the services of the larger chain store,” said Davits.
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.” Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
Pepper’s Foods Wins Independent Grocer Award! Click for more information
University & College Students – enjoy 10% off EVERY DAY with provision of student ID card.
- Some restrictions apply. No discount on sale items.
Click Here for Pepper’s Foods ONLINE STORE
Gluten-Free Products ONLINE!
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods is the very ‘heart’ of Cadboro Bay!
3829 Cadboro Bay Road • 250-477-6513 • info@peppers-foods.com
SEE Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer!
Follow Pepper’s Foods
- Facebook • Twitter • Instagram
- Peppers-foods.com/inside-peppers
- Pepper’s Foods Delivery • email delivery@peppers-foods.com • email pickup@peppers-foods.com
- Peppers-foods.com
- Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List
- Pepper’s Foods’ Complete Flyer
- 10% Senior’s discount Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Pepper’s has received Surfrider Vancouver Island Ocean Friendly Business in 2022 for actively stewarding local beaches and waterways by reducing unnecessary single-use plastic waste and Gold Award as a Vancouver Island Green Business in 2022.
Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Awards 2022
- Award for Achieving 60 years of Independent Excellence
- 2022 Award of Merit
- Bronze Award in the Small Surface Category for Canada
- Gold for the BC/Yukon Regional Award in the Small Surface Category
The annual awards recognize youth leadership and promote achievements of Vancouver Island family businesses and their contributions to their communities. Pepper’s Food Store, helmed by second-generation owner Cory Davits, was founded in 1962 and has grown to be a full-service grocer.
- “Our goal is to maintain the small community-store feeling while providing all the services of the larger chain store,” said Davits.
What’s New at Pepper’s Foods!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product.” Scott Zaichkowsky, Assistant Grocery Manager
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
Pepper’s Foods Wins Independent Grocer Award! Click for more information
If you’re in love with the fixings from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own kitchen! All 100% gluten free! LEARN MORE HERE!
Cedar Farmers Markets
Every Sunday from Mother’s Day until Hallowe’en
1984 Woobank Road, Nanaimo, BC V9X 1H4
9:30 am (seniors and immune-compromised individuals) others 10am – 2pm
Online • Facebook • Instagram
Qualicum Beach Farmers Market
Saturdays Year-Round 8am to Noon
644 Veterans Way, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1L8
Shop Online • Facebook • Instragram
Duncan Farmer’s Market & Food Truck
Saturdays Year-Round 10am – 2pm
200 Craig Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1W3
Shop Online • Facebook • Instagram
About Taco Revolution Tortillas
- Taco Revolution is Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Taco Revolution tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, preservatives, or unnatural genetically modified ‘frankencorn’ like most tortillas you find in stores.
- Taco Revolution fresh corn tortillas contain only top-quality Non-GMO corn that is naturally gluten-free. They do not contain artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives. The only ingredients are corn, water, and traces of natural lime. Low in fat, a good source of dietary fibre and healthy carbohydrates, and have a glycemic index of 40 (low). Contain a range of nutrients and minerals such as protein, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. And as a bonus, each tortilla contains less than 50 calories. So go ahead and eat a few!
Seasonings – 100% gluten-free
- Chorizo Spice Mix
- Taco Seasoning Mix
- Nun’s Mistake Mole
Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping.
- Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling
- Mild or Medium Heat
Fillings
- Shredded Chicken Tinga
- Pulled Pork Cochinita Pibil
- Refried Beans
- Vegan Chorizo
Bean Dip
Taco Revolution Food Truck
Taco Revolution tacos are so good you will want them every day, and that’s possible: Keep tabs on Taco Revolution no matter where they go!
Taco Revolution Website • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter
TUESDAYS! Tacos are just $3 each – instead of the regular $4 – at Red Arrow Brewery
Find Taco Revolution 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck parked outside Red Arrow Brewing (5255 Chaster Road) for their famous tacos at Red Arrow Brewery 7 days per week from 12-5pm but hours can vary. Call Red Beer Brewing to confirm at (250) 597-0037. ‘Contactless COVID’ precautions strictly adhered to! Pay stations sanitized between each order.
Taco Revolution’s tortillas are prepared fresh daily at their dedicated gluten-free facility, made with gluten-free corn masa flour! Authentic Guajillo, Ancho, Achiote, Chipotle spices and cocao are imported from dedicated facilities in Mexico. All other ingredients are sourced fresh, and as locally as possible from locally sourced, wild-caught Rockfish to cilantro, carrots to tomatoes! No gluten is allowed on the food truck – full stop! Love, love, love the Revolution!
Classic Beef
Chicken Tinga
Cochinita Pibil
Refried Bean
Chorizo Vegetariano
Carne Asada
Grilled Fish
Pork Belly
Al Pastor, Jerk Chicken, Braised Lamb …
Taco Revolution Caters!
We cater weddings, birthday parties, staff parties, corporate events and all other kinds of public and private occasions. Taco Revolution takes care of your guests with their “All-you-can-eat taco parties.” Like having an open bar, but with tacos!
We are flexible! Wedding by the beach? No problem! Over 300 guests? We’ve done it! Exclusively vegan menu? You got it! Guests with allergies? We can certainly accommodate!
Easy is their middle name! Taco Revolution provides all necessary biodegradable service ware (plates, napkins, forks, etc.) and for an extra cost we can provide non-alcoholic drinks as well. Let them give you the peace of mind you deserve during your event!
Tell Us About Your Event
We’d love to hear about your upcoming event. Let us know your event date, tentative number of guest, preferred service time and venue location.
Email us at: uprise@tacorevolution.ca or if you prefer, phone us at: 1(833)822-6738 (toll free) We would be happy to share our details!
Taco Rev provides service in Sidney, Victoria, Sooke, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Duncan, Chemainus, Ladysmith, Cedar, Nanaimo, Lantzville, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Comox/Courtenay, and anywhere in between.
🌱 Planted Expo Vancouver May 27 & 28, 10am – 5pm at the Vancouver Convention Centre West
🌱 Canada’s biggest, most juicy, most epic plant-based event of the year.
🌱 The Celiac Scene favourites will be there! Sample & Save!
🌱 chef Pola’s Granola – Booth 31
🌱 Taco Revolution – Booth 426
🌱 Vegan Rob Puffs – Booth 606
Planted Life • Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Tickets
Boost of Goodness with a Healthy Light Crunch! Booth 31
Chef Pola’s Original or Wild Pecan Blueberry Maple Granolas are great on their own, as a snack or with yogurt, milk or nut beverages. Add fresh fruit, sprinkle it on frozen treats or nut butter toast, or include it in your baking recipes. Perfect for the whole family at home or on the go. Learn more here …
ChefPola.ca • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Contact • Blog
Gluten-free • 95% organic ingredients • vegan-friendly • nutrient-rich • hand-made in a gluten-free facility in BC • only 3 grams of sugar per serving • no processed sugars • chef-formulated
Purchase directly from chef Pola’s Granola!
Purchase through Buy BC Food and Drink
Taco Revolution Mexican Foods! Booth 426!
Straight from Taco Revolution’s 100% Gluten-Free Food Truck on Vancouver Island, here’s your chance to enjoy their fresh tortillas and authentic Mexican spices, salsas, bean dips and taco fillings in your own kitchen! All 100% gluten free! Learn more here …
Taco Revolution Website • Instagram • Facebook • Twitter
- Taco Revolution Tortillas – Cowichan Valley’s own locally produced, fresh corn tortilla maker. Taco Revolution tortillas contain only heirloom (non-GMO) corn, water, and lime; no artificial fillers, or preservatives.
- Seasonings – 100% gluten-free • Chorizo Spice Mix, Taco Seasoning Mix & Nun’s Mistake Mole
- Salsas – fresh sauce. Ideal for dipping • Fresh Tomato Salsa, Medium or Spicy Heat
- Pico de Gallo – fresh, raw vegetables, never cooked. Ideal as a salad or a filling • Mild or Medium Heat
- Fillings • Shredded Chicken Tinga, Pulled Pork Cochinita Pibil, Refried Beans & Vegan Chorizo
- Bean Dip
Vegan Rob in Your Favourite Flavours! Booth 606!
Sample & save on Dairy-Free Cheddar, Cauliflower and Dragon Puffs. The snack food focused on nutrition and compassion. Facebook • Instagram • Twitter • Order Online
B-glutenfreevictoria 100% Gluten-Free European Style Desserts and Artisan Breads.
How to order!
• bglutenfreevictoria.square.site
• Instagram via DM
• bglutenfreevictoria@gmail.com
• 250-208-3646
• Pick up or delivery arranged when ordering.
Enjoy a selection of baguettes, bars , biscuits, bread, buns, cinnamon buns, coffee cakes, cookies, croissants, filled pastries, loaves (banana bread & orange cranberry,) muffins, pies & sourdough! Best of all! MINI DONUTS!
B-glutenfreevictoria appears throughout greater Victoria, including Goldstream Market, Moss Street Market, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Westcoast Outdoor Markets, Metchosin Farmers Market, Bastion Square Foodie Fridays and seasonal events!
METCHOSIN FARMER’S MARKET – Sundays
4450 Happy Valley Road
11am to 2pm – May 14, 21, 28 • June 4, 11, 18 • September 17 • October 15, 22, 29
metchosin.ca • Facebook • Instagram
About Tanja!
Listen to Tanja on ‘A Canadian Celiac Podcast!’
Tanja Blondin, Owner / Operator of B-glutenfreevictoria, has been baking for as long as she can remember. Her German heritage continues to inform the food that she creates.
With hospitality in her DNA, Tanja has done it all from baking to catering, always with the best in presentation.
When her daughter was born, Tanja started a cake business that allowed her to work from home. The business was so successful that it grew into a full catering and pastry shop in Ontario. From there, she went on to manage restaurants, including the Starbucks that she transferred to in Sidney, to be closer to family.
Seeking a change from the coffee business, Tanja assumed a position in the bakery department of Sidney Thrifty Foods. It was around this time that she began experiencing health problems that lead her, and her daughter, to be diagnosed with celiac disease. Her employer tried to accommodate her condition with a move to the cake decorating department, but the proximity to airborne gluten flour was too much for her. Tanja had to resign, but that does not mean she stopped baking. Their loss was our gain!
What to do with decades of experience baking European pastries? Tanja reimagined them using gluten-free, organic ingredients, freshly milled at the dedicated gluten-free Millstone Farm Organics in North Saanich:
- almond flour • baking powder • brown rice flour • buckwheat flour • chia • buckwheat flour • eggs (fresh!) • flax seeds • millet flour • potato starch • psyllium husk • oats (pure) • quinoa • sorghum flour • sliced almonds • tapioca starch • teff flour • xanthan gum • white rice flour
Tanja adapted her favourite recipes to gluten free in her dedicated kitchen, and set up a booth on Sunday’s Mary Winspear Centre to test the market. The response has been so positive that she has gone on to create a ‘B-glutenfreevictoria Food Trailer’ – a first for Vancouver Island and beyond!
View the possibilities and order online through bglutenfreevictoria.square.site, or stop by her trailer during her busy market schedule this summer.
Gluten-Free Deals
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Belmont-MandM-May-25.png
611
725
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-05-25 07:00:582023-05-25 07:34:45Belmont M&M Food Market Gluten-Free Flyer
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Country-Grocer-Gluten-Free-Flyer-8.png
631
675
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-05-25 06:00:142023-05-25 06:56:58Country Grocer Gluten-Free Flyer
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/The-Market-Stores-Gluten-Free-Flyer-7.png
722
760
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-05-24 22:00:212023-05-24 15:38:00The Market Stores Gluten-Free Flyer
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pomme-Natural-Markets-Gluten-Free-Flyer.png
679
597
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-05-24 11:00:102023-05-24 11:11:42Pomme Natural Market Gluten-Free Flyer
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Peppers-Foods-Gluten-Free-Flyer-2.png
581
714
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-05-22 19:00:472023-05-22 19:58:29Pepper’s Foods Gluten-Free Flyer
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Glutenull-e-Commerce-wp.png
357
323
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-04-29 11:00:332023-05-03 11:38:10Glutenull Sales for May
https://theceliacscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lifestyle-Markets-Gluten-Free-Flyer-May-2023.png
614
587
Ellen Bayens
/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/TheCeliacSceneLogo-575X156.jpg
Ellen Bayens2023-04-25 20:00:442023-04-25 21:21:32Lifestyle Markets Gluten-Free FlyerGluten-Free Recipes
CORN THINS May 2023 Recipe Ideas
Gluten-Free Restaurants & Shopping
Welcome to Gluten-Free Paradise!
The Celiac Scene™ is your premier resource for fabulous gluten-free living in Victoria, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. Owned & operated by celiacs, we introduce you to restaurants we trust and local gluten-free products we love! We even tell you where to purchase them, at the very best prices. Enjoy national celiac news, local reviews and non-stop gluten-free event notices. The Celiac Scene is your ‘Guide to Gluten-Free Paradise!’
Gluten-Free FAQs
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition for making antibodies to gluten. When gluten protein – found in wheat, barley and rye – is ingested, autoimmune antibodies not only attack the gluten, they also damage the lining of the small intestine. Symptoms may include digestive pain, constipation, diarrhea and fatigue. The resulting malabsortion of nutrients can lead to slowed growth and development in children and anemia, osteoporosis and fertility issues in adults. Untreated celiacs are also at an increased risk of developing digestive cancers and other autoimmune diseases. The only treatment is a strict gluten-free diet for life. The world-wide incidence of Celiac disease is estimated at 1 in 100. Of the number of people with Celiac disease in Canada, less than 5% will be properly diagnosed in their lifetimes despite the existence of a simple, prescreening blood test. Learn more …
Is there a test for Celiac disease?
Yes! There are two pre-screening blood tests that can determine whether your body makes the antibodies that are associated with Celiac disease:
- tTg: IgA anti-transglutaminase antibody test
- Total Serum IgA
While these blood tests are very sensitive, they are not 100% accurate. If the tTg test is positive or the IgA test shows a deficiency, a duodenal biopsy is required to make a diagnosis. Collected under mild sedation, evidence of damage to the lining of the small intestine is definitive proof of Celiac disease.
*Blood tests and intestinal biopsies are diagnostic services that are provided at no charge to residents of British Columbia. See Medical Services Plan.
Ask to be tested if you have unexplained iron deficiency, osteoporosis, brittle type 1 DM, a family history of Celiac disease, have experienced 3 months of frequent diarrhea, weight loss, dairy intolerance or exceptional gas and bloating. Learn more …
Can I be diagnosed if I’ve already gone gluten free?
It is essential that prescreening blood tests and the biopsy be performed while a person is consuming gluten in order to measure the antibodies associated with the disease and observe associated damage to the small intestine. Test results may appear falsely negative if gluten has already been removed from the diet.
Adults should consume 10 grams of gluten (4 slices of bread or equivalent) for at least 1 month prior to testing. Children should consume 5 grams of gluten (2 slices of bread or equivalent).
It may take 2-3 months on a gluten challenge to turn the tTg and biopsy positive. Because it can be very uncomfortable to reintroduce gluten to one’s diet – the gluten challenge is truly a challenge – consult your medical care provider about being prescreened for CD BEFORE choosing to go gluten free. Learn more …
Can I view my test results online?
Yes! My e-health offers a fast and secure method for patients to receive their results electronically. As soon as results are released from the performing lab, they’re available online in my ehealth. A variety of secure technologies and procedures to help protect your information from unauthorized access, use or disclosure. My ehealth is a free service available to residents of British Columbia registered with the Medical Services Plan and is available in 4 languages. Learn more …
What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
Individuals with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) experience digestive symptoms that are similar to those experienced by individuals with Celiac disease. Like celiacs, their symptoms improve when gluten is eliminated from their diet. Unlike celiacs, their bodies do not create antibodies to gluten, nor do they exhibit the damage to the small intestine that is the hallmark of Celiac disease. People with NCGS are at no greater risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions or digestive cancers. At the moment, there are no tests that can prove whether one has NCGS. A diagnosis of NCGS can be made when tests for Celiac disease are negative. It is estimated NCGS affects 6-10% of the population. Learn more …
Dermatitis Herpetiformis – Little Sister to Celiac Disease
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is an inherited autoimmune disease of the skin marked by groups of watery, itchy blisters. Like Celiac disease, ingesting gluten triggers an immune system response that deposits inflammatory lgA antibodies under the top layer of skin.
The lgA deposits result in eruptions similar to the beginning of a pimple. This painfully itchy rash may progress to red, raised patches of skin that develop into small, watery blisters. The itching and burning of the eruptions are severe and the urge to scratch them is intense. Eruptions commonly occur on pressure points – around the elbows, the front of the knees, the buttocks, back, shoulders, face, and scalp and typically occur on both sides of the body. Sixty percent of those diagnosed are men and the most common ages at diagnosis are between 15 and 40 years old.
A small biopsy of unaffected skin, next to an eruption that reveals the presence of IgA deposits confirms a diagnosis of DH. A strict gluten-free diet for life is the only treatment, but the diet should only be started once a diagnosis has been made. The medication Dapsone may be prescribed to ease symptoms until the gluten-free diet reduces the severity and frequency of eruptions. Learn more …
Why can’t I just go gluten free?
Knowing whether or not you have a chronic autoimmune disorder is important to your future health and the health of your family. There may be a price for choosing not to know.
• Screening for Celiac disease is free in British Columbia
• Blood samples can be collected at your local out patient laboratory
• A diagnosis will tell you how strict your diet needs to be
• In conjunction with a lifelong commitment to the diet, health complications may be reduced
• Your doctor can better monitor your health for other autoimmune disorders
• Celiac disease is genetic. A diagnosis confirms for your family that they may also be at risk
• Familial screening provides an early diagnosis for those with latent (asymptomatic) Celiac disease
• A diagnosis offers eligibility for future therapies that require a definitive diagnosis
• You may qualify for a Medical Expense Tax Credit
• If Celiac disease is ruled out, your doctor can proceed to test you for other disease(s)
• You can save money on gluten-free food if celiac disease is ruled out! Learn more …
