A new year can mean a lot of changes, which can sometimes be overwhelming. If one of those changes is becoming a gluten-free household, we understand why your brain might be overloaded with what to do and where to start. That’s where we come in. This guide will help you make your kitchen totally gluten-free. From appliances to utensils and everything in between, you’ll feel safe and totally prepared for the year to come.
Appliances and Utensils
You’ll want to replace any appliances or utensils that have touched gluten in the past. This would include your toaster, cutting board, nonstick pans, and strainers. Gluten gets packed in the grooves of the cutting board, cracks of a nonstick pan, and holes of the strainer so it’s really hard to remove it completely.
Even your sponges and dish towels should be replaced if they’ve come in contact with gluten. Buy a second set and keep them separate so you only use specific towels for gluten-free meals.
Baking supplies, plastic tupperware, and wooden utensils are also important to replace. Buy Tupperware in a unique color so you know which containers are for gluten-free leftovers. Wood is porous so it’s a very hard material to get gluten out of. Replace rolling pins, wooden spoons, and get a second set of baking utensils.
If you aren’t an entirely gluten-free household, just make sure you store your gluten-free dishes and utensils separately and handwash them to prevent cross-contamination.
Check out this infographic from Beyond Celiac that talks about all of the hidden hot spots for gluten in your home, including their recommendations and solutions.
Additional Kitchen Items
When it comes to plates, bowls, and silverware, you can usually use the same set among gluten-free and non gluten-free family members. However, if symptoms remain even after replacing and separating the items listed above, we recommend these next steps.
- Purchase a separate set of dishes and silverware and handwash them instead of throwing them in the dishwasher.
- Use a separate sponge and towel for your gluten-free dishes if you’re handwashing other dishes with gluten on them.
- Get a separate drying mat so you can keep the dishes completely separate from one another.
Oven mitts might also be the culprit. If they accidentally touch a glutenous meal and then are used for a gluten-free meal, you might be cross contaminating without even knowing it. The solution? You guessed it. Buy a separate pair for gluten-free meals.
Any big change can seem hard to tackle, especially when it involves potentially serious allergic reactions. But with these tips, you’ll be prepared to handle it and anything else life throws at you.
And if you’re still shopping around for gluten-free food options, our online store might have what you’re looking for. From breads to cookies and everything in between, Outside the Breadbox has a variety of gluten-free products that will make your transition easier.
Don’t worry about trying to make your own gluten-free bread from scratch. With some cheddar crackers, cinnamon raisin bagels, and pizza crusts in your arsenal, your family won’t even taste the difference and you can feel comfortable knowing you have allergen-free products you can trust. Happy New Year!
Have any questions? DM us on Facebook or Instagram or email us at sales@outsidethebreadbox.com and we’ll be happy to answer them.
