Where to buy the best gluten-free foods in London
As a gluten-free person, I often get asked, "What exactly is gluten?" And I usually respond with a blank stare and a shrug, because honestly, I have no idea. All I know is that it's the reason why I can't eat regular pizza, donuts, or any kind of baked goods (I miss you, Greggs) without feeling like a human balloon. But being gluten-free isn't all bad. In fact, I've discovered some pretty tasty alternatives to gluten-filled foods.
Who needs bread when you can have cardboard-like rice cakes? And why have a regular pizza when you can have a gluten-free, dairy-free, taste-free version? Ah, the joys :) It's like a never-ending culinary adventure, where the goal is to find the least terrible tasting substitute for your favorite foods.
I jest. Kinda. London actually has a fantastic variety of gluten-free food options available, from restaurants to specialty food stores. All of which I’ve test-run so you don’t have to. You can thank me later.
So without further ado, here are some places I’ve found to buy the best GF food in The Big Smoke:
This is a gluten-free bakery that offers a wide range of bread, cakes, and pastries. They have two locations in London, in Holloway and Islington, and also offer home delivery.
Another gluten-free bakery with three locations in London, in Fitzrovia, Islington, and Selfridges. They offer a range of bread, cakes, and pastries, as well as sandwiches and salads.
This is a health food cafe with several locations in London, including in South Kensington and Fitzrovia. They have a range of gluten-free options, including breakfast bowls, salads, and smoothies.
Everyone knows this fast-food chain with over 50 locations in the UK. They offer a range of gluten-free options, including wraps, salads, and hot boxes. Their GF chicken nuggets are the bomb.
Celeb fave Whole Foods has several locations in London and offers a wide range of gluten-free products, including bread, pasta, and snacks.
Probably one of my favourite health food store with several locations in London. Their range of gluten-free products (think bread, pasta, snacks, and frozen meals) are outstanding. There is also a new branch opening up in Teddington, a stone’s throw away from my house. Hurrah!
H&B has been popular with gluten-free Brits for years. Their 700ish stores across the UK offer a wide range of gluten-free products, including breads, snacks, and even baking ingredients for some good old-fashioned DYI.
A firm favourite, Borough Market is one of London's oldest and most famous food markets. It has a number of stalls and shops selling gluten-free options, including fresh produce, baked goods, and snacks. Best of all, you can pop into El Pastor for some GF tacos and spicy margs after a day’s shopping.
There you have it; my list of recommendations on where to buy the best sans gluten food in London.
But wait… as with those 90s TV commercials, there’s more. I have also compiled a list of my own personal favourite foods… my gluten-free go-tos if you will.
(It’s taken years of intense, painstaking research… JK it’s been quite delicious actually)
Pasta:
Maidea pasta is the best. Fact. What I love about this is even if I have people over for dinner, I don’t have to make a separate portion of pasta for myself – everyone loves it!
Bagels:
The Gluten Free Bakery do some damn good bagels. Whether it’s a peanut butter and banana kinda day or a cream cheese and smoked salmon one… these bagels will forever have a home in my larder.
Pastries:
Manna Dew Gluten-Free Bakery is the one. This bakery is all about texture. If you are GF, you would understand the struggle. From gluten-free almond croissants to gluten-free cheese sticks, the flake is real. One of the best IM (not so humble) O :)
Bread:
This is a tough one as most GF breads tend to crumble and fall apart. I for one prefer rice cakes or the GF bakeries bagels because bread can be a bit hit or miss. Nevertheless, there are some good GF breads out there:
Gradz Bakery sourdough is good. Toast it with some olive oil, garlic and roasted toms and it’s almost like the real thing.
Genius white bread is good for toasties… just chuck an extra slice of cheese on!
o Bfree make a good roll. And the tortilla’s are fab as a homemade pizza base.
Crackers and biscuits:
Nairns cheese crackers are amazing. A staple with anything from Teddington Cheese. They also do great biscuits.
Kent and Fraser cookies are actually great cookies. They’re crunchy and full of loads of chocolate chips. They are also an excellent dippy biscuit for your cuppa as they don’t break easily.
Doughlicious bake-at-home ones are good too. Try the matcha and white choc cookie dough… it’s a game-changer.
o Prewetts Jammy Wheels are delish. My sister who has coeliac’s told me about these beauties. Honestly, I never thought I’d have a Jammy Dodger again. Dreams do come true.
Pizza:
o Pizza Hut’s gluten-free base with extra cheese sauce (IYKYK) is my go-to.
o Papa John’s butternut squash base is great. This is the largest GF pizza, so great for sharing.
o Pizza Express GF base is lovely and crispy. The Padana is my fave. They also do great GF Dough balls and Halloumi bites.
o I’m not a huge fan of Domino’s. The GF pizza’s are tinyyyy but still the same price as a normal medium. C’mon guys, you can do better!
Fresh and cooked meat:
o It’s not just gluten-free food… it’s M&S gluten-free food. With nearly all their meat and sausages being GF, summer barbecues are sorted.
I’m the first to admit, sometimes being gluten-free is not all that it’s crackered up to be. But ultimately, I do it because it makes me feel better. Luckily things have changed quite dramatically over the past decade and it’s no longer a novelty to not eat gluten.
I hope this guide to gluten-free London has helped a few people. If you have any top tips on where you get the best GF goodies, comment below and let a girl know.
Bon Appetit!
Love,
Lisa