2013 Gluten Free Vendor Fair's Review

On Sunday, April 27, I attended the Gluten Intolerance Group of Long Island’s 2013 Gluten Free Vendor Fair and Expo in Hauppauge. If you are gluten intolerant, this expo is worth the trip from anywhere. I met almost all of the 47 exhibitors feeding over 1500 attendees over the course of 2 days.

I nibbled crepes, crackers, cookies, and cupcakes; I tried bits of bagels, breads, quiches and bars, and snacked on sandwiches, stews, pizza and pastas. I even sipped several flavors of gluten free beer and discovered a new market that has gluten free offerings.    

This was a terrific event to try gluten free products, from national companies with commercially made mixes, breads and snacks, to Long Island restaurants and bakeries. The best part: almost all exhibitors offer free samples to try, and some gave out products to take home. I ended up with about 10 dollars in mfg coupons!  

Over at Pamela’s Products' gorgeous table, there were beautiful baskets brimming with giveaways: SimpleBites cookies, full size Whenever Bars, sample packs of Artisan Flour Blend and their Baking & Pancake mix. There were plenty of product coupons and bakers friends: a double ended measuring spoon, and a groovy green spatula.  

Joan’s GF Greatbakes, located in Freeport, was on hand to offer tastings of toasted English Muffins, Bagels, and Corn Toaster Muffins. I went crazy for the Corn muffins, they reminded me of a sinfully good bakery or diner muffin.  http://www.gfgreatbakes.com/  

I had a wonderful time eating and drinking my way through GIGLI's gluten free event, it was absolutely worth the price of admission.