Olivia Superfree

Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, and other allergen-free people in the Seattle area could have cause for rejoicing– say hello to a new brand of allergen-free bread and baked goods called Olivia Superfree.

The master baker behind the brand is well-known to celiacs and others with food allergies already as Wheatless in Seattle. Her products appear to have evolved into more allergen-friendly fare that, according to the label I’m reading on their Herb Garlic Baguette, can also be enjoyed by the rice-free, corn-free, and potato-free as well.

The products aren’t cheap; it costs $7.99 for a loaf of regular sandwich bread. For readers who think that’s crazy, those with multiple food allergies routinely pay $5 and up for a hunk of bread that is basically a flavorless slab to put toppings on. So treating oneself to a bread that actually has texture and flavor does motivate one to splurge.

While their website isn’t working– perhaps it’s not up and running yet– their Facebook page is functional, https://www.facebook.com/OliviaSuperfree. Their products are supposedly available at PCC, Whole Foods, and Fred Meyer stores and include evils like cupcakes and brownies.

There is one downside for some of us– some products are made with sorghum flour. Although sorghum has been hailed as a revolutionary alternative for gluten-free people, there are those who experience vicious celiac-like symptoms when they eat it. This is also true of millet, which is supposed to be safe. Some corn-allergic people can’t tolerate sorghum as well (I’ve heard theories about the similarities between corn protein and sorghum protein).

As always, read labels and know exactly what you’re about to slide down the chute that is your selective digestive system with its particular refined tastes. Most of all, remember that eating allergen-free is not about cutting things out, but finding substitutes and trying exciting new foods that you might end up liking better than the old ones.

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The next time you feel like complaining, remember that your garbage disposal probably eats better than 30 percent of the people in the world. -Robert Orben

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