Traveling with Celiac Disease in the UK

Traveling abroad is always challenging when you have celiac disease. Not know what gluten-free options will be available and not being sure you will be able to adequately communicate your food needs is almost always a source of stress.

Recently, I traveled to the UK and found that while there were many gluten-free options available, the trip would have been easier if I'd had some basic information in advance. It's my hope that this guide will help others with celiac disease traveling in the UK.

Celiac disease is a well-known condition in the UK, where it is spelled "coeliac." If you tell people you have it, they will usually know what you are talking about. Similarly, most people know what gluten is, which means you'll have to do less explaining about your condition when dining out.

Gluten free products are also readily available in UK supermarket chains such as Sainsbury and Tesco. Generally these products are part of a "Free From" range and are found not with similar items of the same type (i.e., cookies), but in their own separate area of the store. Even though these products say gluten free, celiacs with a sensitivity to even clean oats will want to check the ingredients, and oats are a common ingredient in gluten free products in the UK.

Additionally, celiacs will also want to be aware of glucose syrup in packaged goods. This can be derived from wheat, and, while the processing should make it safe for celiacs, some people do react to it.

When dining out in the UK celiacs should be aware that malt vinegar is a common condiment and contains gluten. If you're offered vinegar for your chips (our french fries), make sure it's not malt vinegar before use. For this reason you will also need to be careful of salad dressings. Additionally, it is common for hamburgers in the UK to have chopped onions and other seasonings mixed into them. Usually, this is the only ingredient, but sometimes breadcrumbs are also added, so be sure to ask.

Overall, the UK makes it easy for people with celiac disease to eat safely, even if the ubiquity of pies and other traditional gluten containing dishes can make it frustrating for a tourist. Always ask if there's a gluten free version of the traditional food you're interested in available. You'd be surprised how often the answer is yes.