[kejktfc]

Hi, first post, quite a few questions to ask but first relates to my daughter. She has a wheat/gluten and dairy intolerence. Whilst I have been to NZ before the above was no consideration for myself when looking for things to eat.

Is there a ready availability of substitues in the shops over there (looking to poss move to the Auckland area).

We cope well at home (uk) with the alternatives that are available. Hoping that it is something that will subside as she gets a bit older, however is a major issue if we do move. Comments would be appreciated.

[JandM]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. :) I'm sure someone will be along shortly who knows the answer to your question.

[jubjub]

You can find alternatives in most large supermarkets and some specialist stores

a good website to look at would be http://www.allergy.org.nz/

I know there are some other forum members around that deal with allergies on a daily basis, so they may be more specific for you

[BkyMonster]

I see gluten free items advertised fairly frequently in bakeries, grocery stores etc.
In addition Bin Inn does gluten free baking mixes http://www.bininn.co.nz/ though I know someone on here had issues with her children having reactions to some items from the bulk bin (though iirc her children had more than dairy/gluten issues, I think egg and nut as well?)
Soy milk is also available in supermarkets.
What specific substitutes are you looking for?

[TonnyTessa]

Even the smallest village supermarket seems to have a glutenfree section. There is a reasonable selection as far as I have seen. I even have seen a glutenfree bakery in Christchurch.

The dairy free situation is slightly less impressive. THere is a good selection of soy and rice milk, but that's it really. Many glutenfree products are also dairy free, but not all. Most crisps, biscuits, chocolate and sweets all seem to have milk in them. THe thing I possibly miss most is soya cream. I used it for just about everything, but it is simply not available here. Snif, snif. But you (or rather your daughter) should be able to cope I reckon

[Helsandfamily]

Just a small point Hells Pizza sells Gluten free Bases for their pizzas, and some of them are Vegan

hels

[nippa&pippa]

What others talking about is me :laugh
I have 3 children with multi-food allergies and intolerances, inc milk allergy and gluten intolerance :o

There are several milk options in any supermarkets like rice milk, oat milk, soya milk etc also came in different flavours too :nice1

There also so many different flour options too, Bin Inn is great place to get many flours from and you can get gluten-free from any supermarket too :nice1

Many cafes/bakery have gluten-free breads and cakes etc BUT warning, not all are dairy free. Best to ask before you buy as I learnt hard way....I get my bread from Gingerbread Bakery in Christchurch, they do adapt bread recipes to match your family need, like for my youngest two children it is need to be free from egg, milk, gluten, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and soya.

Feel free to PM to grab my attention next time you have any questions about food issues in NZ as I am rarely on forum now.

[enb]

A lot of supermarkets will have a gluten free section of some sprt. There are also places in Wellington and I am sure in Auckland which will have a wider/better variety. Specifically there is a place called Common Sense Organics (www.commonsenseorganics.co.nz/) in Wellington and they have a fab selection. I thought I had died and went to heaven when I went in there to do some shopping and the staff are very friendly.

[mooncalf]

Burger fuel also do a gluten free bun for a dollar more I think

[M-Squared]

Blimey Sophia, that must be rough! :(

To the OP, every supermarket I've been in has a Gluten Free section. :nice1 One of my colleagues has a son who has to eat gluten free. The whole family has adopted this way of eating, they like it so much, and they have no problem with shopping for it. :nice1

[sweetpea]

One of my flatties has celiac disease, and she doesn't have too much trouble finding things to eat here, so even in the regional towns, you should be OK.

Dairy is really hard, because milksolids are NZ's major export, and milksolids seem to be in as many things as manufacturers can put them in! I have seen supermarkets around here carrying a small range of soy yogurts and one brand of soy cheese.

[kejktfc]

Many thanks for all your comments, really appreciative. Been reading forum for a while and it is a mine of imformation, as they say, its better to get it from the horses mouth rather that hearsay.

Would add that we are also tending to eat things alongside our daughter now, even though it is a little more expensive. Mind you, I haven't eaten meat or touched milk, to drink, for more than 30 years now, through choice and no other reason.

Once again thanks

kejktfc