"My love is like a box of chocolates..."

"...You never know what you’re going to get next."

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it is important to remember that no food should escape suspicion when it comes to living gluten-free. While this is certainly not the most romantic conversation, in my opinion it is better to discuss beforehand, instead of facing an awkward evening of flowers and inedible candy. For example, most Godiva chocolates, Brach’s candies, Ferrero Rocher and See’s brand sweets are NOT gluten-free! Mixed chocolate boxes, too, are a mine field: while some of the bonbons may be gluten free, some may not (i.e. those with puffed or crisped rice, etc.) and the opportunities for cross-contamination are vast and varied. 

Finding specifically gluten-free chocolate/candy retailers can be difficult, but companies like Chocolate Emporium (http://www.choclat.com) can come to the rescue. Chocolate Emporium, in particular, is both gluten free AND dairy free. While I have not personally tested their product, the GF/CF guarantee is enough to pique my curiosity. Check with your local chocolatiers (like Seattle’s Theo Chocolates, the Chocolate Box and Oh! Chocolate) to discuss gluten-free and/or dairy-free options. The sweets will be both better quality and probably much safer. 

If you have any questions, comments or ideas of your own - let me know! Feel free to contact me at this link.

- Kelsey Ganes, University of Washington student

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