• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Strength and Sunshine
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Celiac Disease & Food Allergies
  • Coaching
  • Media & Press
  • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
Γ—

Home Β» Gluten-Free Living Β» Keeping A Safe Gluten-Free Kitchen

Keeping A Safe Gluten-Free Kitchen

Published: Oct 22, 2013 Β· Modified: Dec 24, 2014 by Rebecca Pytell Β· This post may contain affiliate links.

I don't know about you, but my whole family is not gluten-free. For most of my 4 years of being gluten-free, I was the only one in the house who was living a strict gluten-free lifestyle. Then about a year ago my mom decided to begin going gluten-free and noticed that it helped some of her health issues and continued to move to a completely gluten-free life just like me. But my brother is not gluten-free. Now I don't have to really deal much with it since he is off at college, but there are still gluten-filled foods in the house and he does come home often. But when he was living at home regularly I had to make sure cross-contamination would not affect my health (a huge concern for Celiacs).

8 Tips for Keeping a Kitchen Safe from Gluten // Strength and Sunshine

When most people first go gluten-free for Celiac they either go all the way and clear out the kitchen and the whole family converts to gluten-free, or they take a slower approach and just buy some new essentials and may be the only on in the house who is gluten-free. Which ever path you chose there are some critical and essential things you should do in your kitchen to protect yourself for the dreaded enemy.

1. Buy a new toaster and designate it GF only. You don't need anything fancy, we just bought a cheap little white toaster and it does the job. If you share a toaster with gluten it is just like rubbing you GF bread on a plate that just had normal bread on it...no good! Also remember to place a dish towel or other cover over the slots when it is not in use so no gluten crumbs fall in!

http://www.toasterville.com/wp-content/uploads/toaster.jpg

2. Keep those wooden utensils far away, or throw them out entirely! Never ever use a shared wooden spoon to mix you gluten-free pasta. The wood has pores and even if you wash it thoroughly gluten stays in the wood and will make you sick! Opt for plastic and make sure to wash it thoroughly if your share the utensil. Other things you should get your own GF version of are cutting boards and colanders. These are breeding grounds for cross-contamination. Play it safe and but a GF version.

3. The Sponge issue. Some will continue to use the same sponge that they use to wash gluten dishes as well as gluten-free. But the safest thing to do I believe is to have separate sponges. Just like wooden utensils, sponges are all pores and trap gluten, so be safe a have two sponges. But when you can, always use the dish washer as much as possible. Then you don't have to worry!

4. Clean the counters OFTEN! If you have a gluten-eater constantly using the kitchen, make sure to wipe down your counters with cleaner before cooking anything you want gluten-free on them. Even if you are just going to place a cutting board down to chop some veggies, clean the counter before you do so.

5. Have designated G-Free shelves or areas in the panty, fridge, and freezer. This makes it easier on everyone. All of the gluten-free products can be easily found together and have their own safe shelf. You can even go as far as to keep the gluten-free products on a high shelf then gluten-filled products so something falls in the GF products! Take special care with flours and grains. these need to be kept completely away form their gluten-free counter parts!

6. G-Free Labels! When I went to the GFAF Expo in September, I met Kelly, the founder of Glutenfree Labels. She created easy labels, tags, flags, and stickers to label all of her gluten-free foods and appliances. They are great for when you are bringing a GF dish to a party and want to alert everyone to the fact that this dish and utensil is gluten-free. They are also great for the kitchen to easily label anything gluten-free as so! The labels and tags are dishwasher-safe so you can always reuse them!

7. Having separate essentials. I don't have this problem myself since I am the only one in the house who eats expensive nut butters and such, but my mom needs to be careful with her essential items like peanut butter and normal butter. Make sure you buy a separate jar or bottles of this types of essential and. You don't want a knife that was just used to spread butter on a piece of wheat bread going back in and contaminating the whole jar!

8. Foil those pans when you can! If you are using a baking sheet to make some fish or roast some veggies, always use foil on the pan, never place it right down. Unless you have a designated GF pan, but that is unnecessary. You could even use a designated non-stick mat as well, but foil is your friend in these scenarios.

These are just some of the top precautions I think are important when keeping your kitchen safe from gluten. Cross-contamination is a serious issue for those of us with Celiac, allergies, and extreme intolerances. No one wants to have a nice dinner at home and a few hours/minutes/days later be sick and living in the bathroom for the next few days. Being glutened is no fun, but I have been able to keep myself safe by taking these precautions.

So tell me:

Is your whole family gluten-free or is it just you?

What other precautions do you take to keep from being glutened at home? (Note: I said at home. Eating out of the home is a whole other post worthy beast!)

**All photos courtesy of Google Images!**

Related

« Power Monday #16 Favorite Plank Variations
My Take On "Spaghetti and Meatballs" »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emily @ Simple Life Of A Fire Wife

    October 28, 2013 at 8:57 am

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing at Share Your Stuff Tuesdays!

    Reply
    • strengthandsunshine

      October 28, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Thanks Emily!

      Reply
  2. Alexandra Maul - Made to Glow

    October 25, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    These are great tips! I just found you from your pin of this article and am so glad I did. I will definitely share it with others. Also, would you mind telling me which instagram widget you are using? Thank you!

    Reply
    • strengthandsunshine

      October 25, 2013 at 11:52 pm

      Thank you so much sweet girl! I am just using the widget (the only one) that WordPress.com offers to its free account users! I just went under widgets and it was there, haha!

      Reply
  3. Betty

    October 23, 2013 at 9:43 pm

    Watch out when using shared condiments. Someone who touched bread and then used the salt shaker or ketchup bottle is then touched by a Celiac and then they eat something with their fingers. Or if a person touches drawer pulls or handles after they touch gluten. Parchment paper is great to use when baking or cooking, rubber gloves is a good thing to have too. Gluten is the herpes of the kitchen.
    Somethings you don't think about: Gluten in dog or cat food or treats. Gluten is in Monodextros too. Its amazing how many things have hidden gluten in and how great you feel when things are made from scratch. Eating out isn't even fun, the preservatives make you feel sick, even if you aren't celiac.

    Reply
    • strengthandsunshine

      October 24, 2013 at 12:35 am

      There are so many things to be aware of! But celiacs and those with allergies become masters at it and it just becomes second nature!

      Reply
  4. Julie

    October 22, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Just found this post from the One Fine Wire linkup and wow! I had no idea gluten free involved all of this. I literally thought it just meant you couldn't eat gluten. I didn't know you couldn't even share the same sponges or utensils. Thanks for the insight!

    Reply
    • strengthandsunshine

      October 22, 2013 at 3:39 pm

      Being gluten-free for medical reasons is a life-style not a fad diet like the media is trying to portray it as. It is so frustrating, gluten-free should not be promoted as a health claim to those who do not medically need to be gluten-free. I am glad you learned something form my post πŸ™‚

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I'm so glad you're here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services! More about me



Search

Never Miss A Post

Categories

Recent Posts

  • Virgin Strawberry PiΓ±a Colada
  • Vegan French Toast Sticks (Gluten-Free, Eggless)
  • Grilled Cabbage Steaks
  • How To Grill Peaches
  • Vegan Scallops

Trending Posts

  • Cold Italian Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Allergy-Free)
  • How To Make Virgin PiΓ±a Coladas
  • Healthy Lemonade Recipe (Sugar-Free, Homemade, 3-Ingredients)
  • Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)
  • How-To Cook Beans In A Rice Cooker
  • Easy Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad "Gurkensalat" (Gluten-free, Vegan, Paleo)

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Rebecca
  • Privacy Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Contact

  • Contact
  • Services
  • Media & Press

Copyright Β© 2022 Strength and Sunshine LLC

Sweet, fruity, tropical paradise! 🀩 * Virgin St Sweet, fruity, tropical paradise! 🀩
*
Virgin Strawberry PiΓ±a Coladas πŸ˜‹πŸ“πŸ§‰πŸπŸ₯₯
*
These Sweet Straw-worthy Strawberry Mocktails areπŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Paleo πŸ’š
No-Added Sugar πŸ’™
Healthy (all fruit), Quick (less than 5 min), & Easy (3 ingredients) πŸ’œ
Perfect Summer Beverage For Kids and...EVERYONE! πŸ’—
*
Tropical vibes in a glass as you soak up the final weeks of summer sun! πŸ₯³ Get out your blender (I used "one of" my many @nutribullet blenders), a can of @thaikitchen unsweetened light coconut milk, @dolesunshine pineapple, and strawberries (use frozen or fresh and local, but freeze them yourself)! Blend everything up smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pineapple juice if you like your mocktails less thick! 🫠🍹
*
How are you spending the last full month of pure summer fun? πŸ₯³βœŒοΈβ˜€οΈ
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/virgin-strawberry-pina-colada/
*
#piΓ±acolada #mocktail #pinacoladas #pinacolada #strawberrypinacolada #strawberrycolada #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #frozendrinks #foodallergies #feedfeed #summerrecipes #glutenfreelife #healthymoms #kidapproved #thenewhealthy #vegandrink #virginpinacolada #nosugaradded #summerdrinks #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom #makesmewhole
Dip, Dunk, Devour! πŸ˜‹ * Vegan French Toast Stick Dip, Dunk, Devour! πŸ˜‹
*
Vegan French Toast Sticks (Gluten-Free, Eggless) 🍞🍁😚
*
These Finger-Licking Fun French Toast Sticks are :πŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Oil-Free & Sugar-Free πŸ’š
Kid-Approved πŸ’™
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly πŸ’œ
Classic & Customizable + a Blank Canvas For Dips & Spreads πŸ’–
Nostalgic Breakfast For You, Fun Finger Food For Kids πŸ’—
*
Grab the O.G. @aldiusa liveGfree bread that's thick, wide, and gluten-free fluffy perfection! Lightly toast or let it dry out overnight before dipping it into the secret eggless mixture of non-dairy milk (I use @thaikitchen light coconut!), @bobsredmill chickpea flour and nooch, @simplyorganicfoods cinnamon, @swervesweetie sweetener, and a splash of @watkins.1868 vanilla!
Pan-fry, coat in extra cinnamon and sugar, dip in @coombsmaple or any fun drippy dip of choice! πŸ₯³βœŒοΈπŸž
*
What will you be dunking your French Toast Sticks in? πŸ€”
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-french-toast-sticks-gluten-free/
*
#frenchtoast #frenchtoaststicks #frenchtoastrecipe #veganfrenchtoast #healthybreakfastideas #kidsbreakfast #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #breakfastideas #veganbrunch #glutenfreelife #glutenfreevegan #breakfastfood #kidapproved #veganbreakfast #glutenfreefrenchtoast #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebreakfast #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom #healthyfrenchtoast
Crispy, charred, melt-in-your-mouth...CABBAGE! πŸ₯¬
*
Grilled Cabbage Steaks (Gluten-Free, Vegan) πŸ₯¬πŸ˜β€οΈ
*
These Sleek Cabbage Steaks areπŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Keto & Paleo πŸ’š
Kid-Approved πŸ’™
Healthy & CustomizableπŸ’œ
Quick & Easy πŸ’–
Simple Side Dish, Salad Addition, or Entree with Toppings πŸ’
*
Just a plain 'ole head of green cabbage, sliced up into thick "steaks", lightly brushed with olive oil, and seasoned however you want it! πŸ₯³πŸ˜‹
Grill them up and serve as is OR, load on the toppings like vegan coconut bacon, tahini, vegan sour cream, beans, nuts, seeds, etc. Go crazy!
The most delicious way to serve up cabbage! Smokey, charred, and crispy outer leaves with melt-in-your-mouth inner leaves! 🀩
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/grilled-cabbage-steaks/
*
#cabbage #grilledcabbage #grilledvegetables #cabbagesteaks #roastedcabbage #grilling #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #glutenfreedairyfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #grillingseason #summerfood #glutenfreelife #grillingout #foodallergymom #kidapproved #vegangrilling #vegandinner #eatrealfood #glutenfreefood #glutenfreegrilling #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease
Fire up the grill, we have some sweet, fruity, del Fire up the grill, we have some sweet, fruity, deliciousness to grill up! πŸ˜‹πŸ™Œ
*
Perfectly Grilled Peaches (Gluten-Free, Vegan) πŸ‘πŸ˜β€οΈ
*
These Perfectly Peachy Summer Dessert Gems areπŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Paleo πŸ’š
Kid-Approved πŸ’™
Healthy & Naturally Sweet πŸ’œ
Super Easy & Quick πŸ’–
Perfect Summer Dessert, Side, Topping, or Breakfast πŸ’
*
Grab those beautiful, juicy, sweet local peaches (yellow or white!πŸ₯° @theboysfarmersmarket); keep it plain, or make them for dessert with some brown sugar @swervesweetie, @countrycrock plant butter, @simplyorganicfoods cinnamon, and top a warm gooey scoop with your favorite vegan @so_delcious vanilla ice cream or homemade coconut whipped cream! πŸ˜‹πŸ₯°πŸ‘πŸ¨πŸ₯₯πŸ₯„
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/how-to-grill-peaches/
*
#peachseason #peach #grilledpeaches #peaches #grilledfruit #grilling #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #glutenfreedairyfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #peachesandcream #summerdessert #glutenfreelife #grilleddessert #foodallergymom #kidapproved #vegangrilling #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreegrilling #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease
Perfect meaty scallops...without the seafood??? 🀯
*
Easy Vegan Scallops (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free) πŸ€€πŸ‘πŸ₯—
*
These Mushroom Masquerading Scallops are πŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan & Vegetarian πŸ’›
Keto & Low-Carb & Paleo πŸ’š
100% Plant-Based πŸ’™
Succulent King Oyster Mushrooms & Simple Pan SauceπŸ’œ
No-Fuss, Quick & Easy πŸ’—
Perfect Entree or Fancy Appetizer πŸ’–
*
Back in Jersey, King Oyster Mushrooms were impossible to find. So when I saw @theboysfarmersmarket had plenty of them every week, I finally had to try the impossible! Perfect, amazing, savory, umami, meaty, tender, melt-in-your-mouth VEGAN scallops! You MUST try this super simple, quick, and easy recipe...you will wow not only your friends and family but yourself as well...trust me! πŸ€©βœŒοΈπŸ™Œ
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/vegan-scallops/
*
#scallops #veganscallops #veganseafood #kingoystermushrooms #mushroomrecipes #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #plantbasedseafood #vegandinner #eatvegan #glutenfreelife #paleorecipes #plantbasedvegan #glutenfreedinner #thenewhealthy #ketorecipe #justeatrealfood #glutenfreefood #southfloridaliving #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom
No one cares about entrees during the summer...it' No one cares about entrees during the summer...it's ALL about the sides and salads! πŸ˜πŸ˜†πŸ₯—πŸ«˜
*
Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan) πŸ˜‹πŸ₯—πŸ«˜
*
This Beautifully Bountiful Bean-Filled Salad is πŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan & Vegetarian πŸ’›
Healthy, Quick, & Easy πŸ’š
Great For Meal Prep πŸ’™
Easy Summer Lunch, Side Dish, or Appetizer πŸ’œ
Feed A Crowd at Potlucks, Cookouts, BBQs, & Summer Grillings! πŸ’—
*
Green beans, kidney beans (my fav!), cannellini, some finely diced red onion, fresh parsley, and a sweet and tangy dressing made with @bragg apple coder vinegar, @pompeian evoo, a touch of dijon, salt, pepper, and a pinch of celery seed! A classic for a reason; it will last in the fridge all week for a quick side or light lunch too! πŸ€€πŸ™ŒβœŒοΈ
*
Find tons more variations and suggestions in the post! How does your family do the classic 3 bean salad? πŸ€”
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/three-bean-salad/
*
#threebeansalad #summerrecipes #beansalad #bbqsides #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #mealprepping #foodallergies #feedfeed #summersalad #glutenfreelife #whatsonmyplate #healthymoms #kidapproved #thenewhealthy #potluck #greenbeans #glutenfreefood #summereats #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom #makesmewhole #easylunch
Say goodbye to slimy okra! We have perfectly crisp Say goodbye to slimy okra! We have perfectly crispy okra on the menu today! 😍πŸ₯³
*
Crispy Air Fryer Okra (Easy, Oil-Free) πŸ€€πŸ‘πŸ₯—
*
These Outragously Outstanding Okra are πŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Keto & Low-Carb & Paleo πŸ’š
Oil-Free & Sugar-Free πŸ’™
Just Okra & Your Choice of Seasonings πŸ’œ
No-Fuss, Quick & Easy πŸ’—
Perfect Side Dish, Appetizer, or Healthy Snack πŸ’–
*
Just grab a bunch of fresh whole beautifully green Okra from your local market (like @theboysfarmersmarket), your spices and herbs of choice (@simplyorganicfoods), toss, and let your @gowiseusa air fryer do all the crispy roasting magic! No sliminess, no stickiness, no mush! These crispy okra fries are little veggies (actually they're a fruit pod) perfection! πŸ₯³πŸ˜‹
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/air-fryer-okra/
*
#okra #oilfree #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #okrarecipes #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #airfryerrecipe #easysidedish #healthysidedish #glutenfreelife #paleorecipes #plantbasedvegan #southernfood #thenewhealthy #ketorecipe #justeatrealfood #glutenfreefood #ketosnacks #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #foodallergymom
It's June and that means it's time for a new FUNFE It's June and that means it's time for a new FUNFETTI recipe! πŸ₯³
*
Gluten-Free Funfetti Banana Bread (Vegan, Allergy-Free) πŸ₯°πŸ˜πŸŽ‚πŸŽ‰πŸŒπŸž
*
These Festive Funfetti Birthday Banana Bread is :πŸ‘‡
Gluten-Free ❀️
Allergy-Free 🧑
Vegan πŸ’›
Kid-Approved πŸ’š
9 Ingredients πŸ’™
Easy, Quick, Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly πŸ’œ
Perfect for ANY Celebration (not just birthdays!) πŸ’–
*
For celebrating my 26th birthday tomorrow and Strength and Sunshine's 9th birthday on June 26th it's annual Funfetti month! 😍 It's everything you love about colorful Funfetti and sprinkles with the cozy comfort of a fresh-baked banana bread loaf from mom's oven! Perfect for a celebration away from family...😒
*
A super simple mix of @kingarthurbaking gluten-free flour, baking powder and soda, light brown sugar, granulated sugar sweetener @swervesweetie, super dupa ripe chiquita bananas, vanilla extract, oil, a tiny pinch of salt, and all the rainbow jimmies! πŸ˜ŠπŸ˜‹
*
CLICK the LINK in my BIO @rebeccagf666 for the FULL RECIPE on the BLOG! πŸ‘†πŸ‘†
https://strengthandsunshine.com/funfetti-banana-bread-gluten-free-vegan/
*
#funfettibananabread #bananabread #funfetticake #bakingfromscratch #rainbowsprinkles #bakingwithkids #glutenfree #vegan #dairyfree #eggfree #soyfree #nutfree #allergyfree #celiac #foodallergies #feedfeed #bananabreadrecipes #kidsbirthdayideas #glutenfreelife #glutenfreebread #foodallergymom #kidapproved #veganbaking #vegandessert #glutenfreedessert #glutenfreefood #glutenfreebaking #glutenfreeliving #celiacdisease #veganbread