Celebrating National Gluten-Free Day (January 13) in Tucson

Friday, January 13 officially marks National Gluten-Free Day, and, here in Tucson, we’re lucky enough to have a wide variety of gluten-free options.

If you’re unfamiliar with gluten or what it means to be gluten-free, here’s a nifty breakdown:

“Gluten is an enriched protein added to select grains to improve their baking qualities and increase their ability to rise. A gluten-free diet means avoiding foods that contain wheat, rye, and barley, typically found in bread. Gluten can also sneak up in beer, sauces, dressings, and foods manufactured on shared equipment used to process gluten-containing products.”

While several local restaurants in Tucson offer gluten-free options on their menus, here’s a few that we’ve hand-picked to get your gluten-free journey off on the right food.

So, on January 13 and beyond, have some fun eating gluten-free alongside your gluten-free friends.

Gluten-free meals

Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria

3011 E. Speedway Blvd.

The pizza joint offers a gluten-free pizza crust as well as a 100% vegan mozzarella substitute. Tucson Foodie’s Sariya Jarasviroj is a fan of their eggplant lasagna — a pretty solid option for gluten-free eaters.

For more information, visit frescopizzeria.com. 

Pita Jungle

7090 N. Oracle Rd. #128

Pita Jungle’s gluten-free menu offers most of their Mediterranean classic dishes made to order with gluten-free substitutions. Gluten-free options include their wood-fired pizzas, wraps and bowls, salads, healthy burgers, and even their Signature Entrees such as their Chicken Tikka Masala and Keto & Paleo Platter.

Gluten-free options are even offered down to the pita to dip into their famous hummus.

For more information, visit pitajungle.com.

Renee’s

7065 E. Tanque Verde Rd.

Renee’s has gluten-free pizzas that actually made with dough from Gourmet Girls.

Check out our November 2022 article, “What’s in a name? How Renee’s pared down & grew up.”

For more information, visit reneestucson.com. 

Tucson Tamale Company

7159 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • 7286 N. Oracle Rd.

Every tamale at Tucson Tamale Company is gluten-free and there are even a few vegetarian and vegan options for those looking for a meat-free outing.

“We have so many people who say, ‘It’s nice to not have to think of what we’re ordering,'” said Todd Martin of Tucson Tamale Company.

For more information, visit tucsontamale.com. 

Gluten-free baked goods & treats

Dedicated. a gluten-free bakery & coffee shop

4500 E. Speedway Blvd. #41

It’s gluten-free desserts galore at Dedicated. The shop’s breakfast, lunch, cakes, treats — you name it — is allergy-friendly, and Kim Johnston of Tucson Foodie is quite the fan.

For more information, visit dedicatedgf.com. 

Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro

5845 N. Oracle Rd.

Just like it states in the name, everything at Gourmet Girls is gluten-free. Tucson Foodie writer, Matt Russell, is quite fond of the chicken salad sandwich on gluten-free focaccia.

For more information, visit gourmetgirlsglutenfree.com.

Gluten-free drinks

Bawker Bawker Cider House

400 N. Fourth Ave.

Yes, all of our Bawker Bawker’s ciders are gluten-free and vegan unless they specify otherwise on their menu. If you’ve never had Bawker Bawker, what are you waiting for? Also, the cider house will be pouring samples at the 2023 Tucson Craft Beer Crawl.

For more information, visit bawkerbawker.com. 

Crooked Tooth Brewing Company

228 E. Sixth St.

If you’re craving a brew but not the bellyache afterward, hit up Crooked Tooth Brewing Company. Keep in mind that the brewery’s beers aren’t completely gluten-free but gluten-reduced. Crooked Tooth is participating in this year’s Tucson Craft Beer Crawl as well.

For more information, follow Crooked Tooth Brewing on Facebook. 

Other spots in town with gluten-free options: 

• 5 Points Restaurant & Market
• Beaut Burger
• Blue Willow
• The Dutch – DAM good food
• Eclectic Cafe
• Feast
• Goodness
• LaCo
• Lovin’ Spoonfuls
• Saffron Indian Bistro
• Tumerico

Also, take a look at the gluten-free guide Hannah Hernandez crafted — bites that also happen to be vegan.

There’s much more out there in Tucson, so reach out to your favorite restaurant in town. Give ’em a ring and ask if they’ve got anything to cater to your gluten-free needs.