Gluten! The dreaded g-word for many. But what is it, and why would someone stay away from something so commonly consumed?
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation gluten is “a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley.” These proteins help foods maintain their shape and give bread and other baked goods its “springiness.” It’s perfectly fine to consume… for some.
For those with celiac disease, the protein causes an autoimmune response that attacks the small intestine and causes a wide array of uncomfortable symptoms that range from intestinal discomfort to skin rashes. While only one in 100 people are affected by this autoimmune disease, many more can be intolerant or allergic to the protein.
Whether you’re celiac or simply trying to avoid gluten, gone are the days when gluten-free alternatives looked, felt, and tasted like cardboard. We’ve rounded up a few of our Tucson favorites that have dedicated gluten-free menus or a variety of gluten-free options that will delight your taste buds without disrupting your belly!
Gluten-Free Everything
Dedicated. A Gluten-Free Bakery & Coffee Shop
4500 E. Speedway Blvd. #41
Opened in 2015 after a gluten allergy diagnosis, Dedicated has come a long way in its offerings. From weekend bagels and seasonal treats to daily breakfast sandwiches and tasty take-home bread loaves, those avoiding gluten will find their safe haven here.
As the name says, Dedicated is a gluten-free dedicated facility and also boasts vegan and dairy-free options.
For more information, visit dedicatedgf.com.
Gourmet Girls Gluten Free Bakery/Bistro
5845 N. Oracle Rd.
Mary Steiger and Susan Fulton started in the catering business when a client approached them about making a gluten-free cake. Though not gluten-free themselves at the time, the ladies got to work. After researching, experimenting, and adopting the gluten-free lifestyle, the Gourmet Girls were born! After developing a following at local farmers markets, Gourmet Girls opened their brick-and-mortar bakery and bistro in 2011.
Today, the completely gluten-free cafe offers classics that those who can’t eat gluten might be missing, such as scrumptious chicken and waffles, onion rings, and sweet treats like cookies and brownies.
For more information, visit gourmetgirlsglutenfree.com.
Mostly Gluten-Free
Tuk Tuk Thai
2990 N. Campbell Ave. #130 · 12125 N. Oracle Rd. #169 · 6878 E. Sunrise Dr. #160
If you’re celiac or gluten-intolerant, you know how difficult it can be to eat many Asian foods. With wheat lurking in soy sauce or the delicious crunchy breading, it can be hard to find something you can eat! Look no further because Tuk Tuk Thai’s menu is mostly gluten-free! They use rice noodles for their pad thai and other noodle dishes and use rice flour for all their yummy deep-fried dishes. While a majority of their menu items are gluten-free, they do still have a few gluten-containing dishes, so be sure to check the menu for the GF labels.
Bawker Bawker Cider House
400 N. Fourth Ave.
If you’re in the mood for a cold pint, Bawker Bawker has your back. With more than 20 flavors of cider, including cider slushies, you’ll find something for every taste. Best of all? All cider flavors are gluten-free and vegan!
For more information, visit bawkerbawker.com.
Tucson Tamale Company
7286 N Oracle Rd.
A local icon, Tucson Tamale Company ensures all its tamales are made with corn masa free of gluten. If you find yourself in one of their restaurants, steer clear from their Sonoran Heritage Wheat Tortillas! Otherwise, enjoy their wide and tasty variety of tamales with a side of beans for the ultimate Tucson meal.
For more information, visit tucsontamale.com.
Gluten-Reduced Beer
Crooked Tooth Brewing Company
228 E. Sixth St.
If you’re simply looking to reduce your gluten intake, Crooked Tooth Brewing offers gluten-reduced beers. While these are great for those with mild intolerances or sensitivity to gluten, we do not recommend them for those with celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
For more information, follow Crooked Tooth Brewing on Instagram and Facebook.
Gluten-Free Pizza
Whole Slvce Pizza
160 S. Avenida del Convento #164
Like gluten-free alternatives without the gluten-free fee? Then head over to Whole Slvce where you can make any of their signature pizzas gluten-free at no extra charge. When ordering, make sure you let them know to clear the oven and use separate utensils.
For more information, visit wholeslvcepizza.com.
Ciao Down
3230 N. Dodge Blvd. Suite E
All of the above applies to Ciao Down found at the Metal Arts Village — on the corner of Dodge Boulevard and Fort Lowell Road.
Then, head over to Tucson Hop Shop right next door, and perhaps you can find a gluten-reduced beer on tap or in one of the many fridges.
For more information, visit ciaodownpizza.com.
Several other Tucson pizzerias offer gluten-free crust alternatives, such as Fresco Pizzeria & Pastaria, Transplant Pizza, and Sauce Pizza & Wine.
More Gluten-Free Options
Want a little something else with your pie? Rocco’s Little Chicago’s wings are made with no gluten ingredients, and Proof Artisanal Pizza & Pasta offers gluten-free bread for their cheesy garlic bread and bruschettas. Proof, along with Sauce Pizza & Wine, also features gluten-free alternatives for most of their pasta dishes.
Luckily for Mexican food lovers, a lot of Mexican dishes are corn-based offering naturally gluten-free options. When ordering at your favorite Mexican spot, make sure to ask for corn tortillas! However, many of us might miss burritos or chimichangas. Look no further than, El Charro Café which offers gluten-free flour tortillas.
Gluten-Free For Tucson Foodie Insiders
For $20 a month, Insiders get a stack of cash vouchers to local restaurants worth over $5,000, free tasting events at local restaurants every month, access to members-only monthly dinner series with local chefs, discounts on events, and monthly mixers with other members.
Here’s a list of gluten-free Options on the Tucson Foodie Passport:
- Beaut Burger: Gluten-free buns available & fries
- Dante’s Fire: clearly marked menu with gluten-free options
- Fentonelli’s: Gluten-free pasta and crust available
- Ghini’s French Caffe: Gluten-free buns, béchamel, and pasta available
- Jaime’s Pizza Kitchen: Gluten-free crust available, wings
- JoJo’s: clearly marked menu with gluten-free options
- Le Macaron: All macarons are made with gluten-free ingredients
- Lovin’ Spoonfuls: clearly marked menu with gluten-free options
- Mojo Cuban Kitchen: clearly marked menu with gluten-free options
- Nook: clearly marked menu with gluten-free options
- Postino: Gluten-free bread available
- Renee’s Tucson: Gluten-free bread, crust, pasta, and desserts are available, all salads and dressings are prepared gluten-free
- Zio Peppe: Gluten-free pasta available
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