Bienvenidos a España Gluten Free in Spain!

Welcome to Spain!

Let’s travel to Spain! I love Spanish food! Tapas are some of my favorites because they are small and you can order 1 or 100 (ok maybe not 100 but you get what I mean) and taste something different each time!

Many travel sites for navigating through Spain gluten free are is español. Now while I studied Spanish since middle school, I’m still not fluent in the language (I should have continued studying the language past sophomore year at Quinnipiac University, but I digress) I can get through those websites but many cannot! Many computers now have a translate webpage option (yay technology!). Let’s get right into some tips. 

The Spanish gluten free products are marked with the mention: “SIN GLUTEN” and you will find them in:

• Health food shops (“Herbolarios”)You can find gluten-free products such as bread, cookies, flours or pasta in health food shops called “HERBOLARIOS”. You can find these products nationwide, although it can be hard to find a health food shop in the small places.
• PharmaciesSome pharmacies have started to sell gluten free products, but the choice of products is usually better at health food shops (herbolarios).
• Supermarkets

A range of gluten-free products can be bought in the following supermarkets:

• Alcampo
• Carrefour
• El Corte Inglés
• Hipercor
• Mercadona
• Sabeco

The gluten-free food available does vary but you should be able to find bread, biscuits, flour, pasta and cakes in these supermarkets. In these shops the products are usually found in the dietary departments.

As always, bringing gluten free snacks with you whenever you travel is SO important! Fruits and rice cakes are my personal favorites because of the variety in tastes and their portability.

Now lets talk tapas and other delicious spanish cuisine!

Spanish Cuisine

The Spanish cuisine is very varied and rich, every city and village has their own typical dishes. Here is a list of typical Spanish tapas, dishes, desserts, and drinks that should be gluten-free!

Gluten-free tapas

Pulpo a la gallega (Octopus boiled, sliced and dressed with oil and paprika. Served with cachelos, galician potatoes.) Sepia a la plancha sin mayonesa (Grilled cuttlefish without mayonnaise) Calamares a la plancha (Grilled squids) Aceitunas, pepinillos y cebolletas (Olives, gherkins and spring onions) Anchoas en aceite (Anchovies in oil) Boquerones en vinagre (Anchovies marinated in vinegar) Jamón serrano (Cured Ham) Queso (Cheese) Espetos de sardinas (Sardines grilled at the barbecue)

Gluten-free dishes

Cordero asado (Roasted lamb) Cochinillo asado (Roasted suckling pig) Mariscos cocidos o la plancha (Boiled or grilled shellfish) Paella: Consultar que colorante han utilizado y si también se ha añadido sazonador (Paella: ask what food colouring has been used and if it has been seasoned with stock cubes) Tortilla de patata (Spanish Omelette) Guisantes con jamón serrano (Peas with cured ham) Revuelto de huevos con champiñones, gambas, o espárragos trigueros (Scrambled eggs with mushrooms, prawns or asparagus) Huevos rotos: huevos con jamón serrano y patatas (Eggs with cured ham and potatoes) Marmitako: patatas, bonito, tomates, ajos, cebollas y pimientos (Potatoes with tuna, onions, peppers, tomatoes and garlics) Escalivada (Roast of vegetables) Pipirrana: ensalada de tomates, pimientos, cebollas, atún o bacalao (Salad of tomatoes, peppers, onions, tuna or cod) Pisto manchego: tomates, cebolla, calabacín, ajo, aceite, sal y perejil (Vegetable Stew from La Mancha) Papas a lo pobre: patatas con pimientos y cebolla(Potatoes with peppers and onions) Bacalao al pilpil (Traditional Basque cod recipee) Bacalao al Ajoarriero (Cod-fish with garlic and eggs) Dorada o lubina a la sal (Gilt head fish or Sea Bass in Salt Crust) Merluza a la gallega: merluza, patata y pimiento (Hake, potatoes and peppers) Pescados y carnes a la plancha (Grilled fishes and meats)

Gluten-free desserts

Arroz con leche casero (Homemade Rice pudding: rice, milk, sugar and cinnamon) Natillas caseras, no de sobre (Homemade Custard) Flanes caseros, no de sobre (Homemade Cream caramel) Tocino de cielo (Toffee caramel-rich custard) Frutas en almíbar (Fruit in syrup) Yemas Cuajada fresca (A type of very firm yoghourt) Helado en bloque o tarrina de nata y/o vainilla (Plain and/or vanilla ice cream)

Gluten-free drinks

Sangría: vino, gaseosa y fruta (Wine, lemonade and fruit) Tinto de verano: vino y gaseosa (Wine and lemonade) Calimocho (Wine and cola) Sidra (Cider) Vino (Wine) Pacharan Anís

Looking for some gluten-free restaurants in Barcelona ( a great vacation spot for ANYONE who wants to travel!) The Celiac Society Catalunya Restaurant Guide although it IS in spanish, is a great resource (there are SO many choose from!)

Traveling with kids? Check out this great resource!

As always, do your research! Traveling is about having fun and experiencing new places, people and things! You shouldn’t have to worry about what to eat! I hope these tips help!