Ah!!! A wheat allergy. Baking and shopping help needed. | ExpatWoman.com
 

Ah!!! A wheat allergy. Baking and shopping help needed.

25
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:12

Hi everyone!

My 14 month old son has just been diagnosed with a wheat flour allergy and I have been tearing out my hair trying to find recipes and ingredience that I can feed him.

Being a toddler he eats ALL the time and I am struggling to provide him with 3 meals a day plus enough healthy snacks to get him through the day!

Can anyone suggest the best place to shop for wheat alternatives and also reccommend recipe books.

Also, has anyone ever seen potato flour here?

Any other advice would be very welcome. I have tried Al Rayan Mega Mart and FFC for wheat free pasta but no luck, do any of the supermarkets have a wheat free section? In my research I have found out that gluten free does not necesarily mean wheat free.

TIA

LD

25
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 22:55
Thank you all so much for your knowledge and support, I truly appreciate it...even the ones from Dubai! I took a trip to Mega Wallet, sorry, Mega Mart this afternoon and found a few things to start my 'bake off' with. It all doesn't seem as daunting now and I will definately head to Lulu and check out their stock this week. My poor wee guy was misdiagnosed as having a cows milk allergy, so I was giving him soy milk on his Weetbix for breakfast for the last 3 weeks. We have since had the blood test done and he is allergic to soy, wheat and carrots, all of which he was having on a nearly daily basis! Such a relief to be on the right track now. Thanks again for all of your help. LD
12
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 20:46
So sorry! Somehow linked to Qatar site from Dubai site. Frustrating! Oh well, glad to discuss gluten free living. Cheers.
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 16:54
ABBM this is great info - unfortunately not for the OP. This is a Doha thread.
12
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 16:27
Gluten free includes wheat free. Gluten is in wheat, rye and barley and oats unless they say gluten free oats. Organic shop in Greens and Dubai Mall has 20% off the 3rd Saturday of every month. Lulu near MOE has gram, rice, coconut and corn flour. If you aren't worried about nuts, they also have almond powder which is very healthy. I have also seen gluten free products in most Spinneys and Choitrams - problem is stocks are not consistent so if you find something you like in stock, I'd recommend buying a lot. Rice noodles are gluten free. You can check Asian food sections for products.There is also someone who makes gluten free cakes/ cupcakes. Kakes at 050-328-6253. My husband is gluten free and we eat lots of meat with rice, potatoes, corn, vegetables. Good luck.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 14:24
Hi There are a lot of gluten free and wheat free products in the Lulu's just off D-Ring Road (almost opposite Landmark). The best ones are made by Glebe farm. (I LOVE the scones and the carrot cake mix). Look for these products in the 'organic section' on the shelves and also on top of the fridge where they keep the cheeses. Good luck!
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 14:21
Are rice noodles wheat free? That might be another option. Also it might be worth contacting the Organic Supermarket in Dubai and seeing if it's possible to order items to be shipped here? Parenting a toddler is challenging enough... best of luck!
761
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:28
I've also noticed wheat free products at Lulu, I haven't tried any but always have it in mind for MIL's visits as she is also wheat intolerant. I go to the one on D ring.
63
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:26
I would also add, go to the main Mega Mart as they have more stock and also different types of flour which you could perhaps use in a breadmaker. I def saw spelt pasta in there... Also, keep your eyes peeled in Carrefour as you do get some random items from time to time. Have a friend who gives her toddler son corn chips from the baby organix range, just be sure they don't contain wheat! Good luck!
63
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:21
In a place like Doha where supermarket, convenience foods are practically non-existent for allergy sufferers i would recommend that you go for a real basic, natural diet. Also, you should rethink what is breakfast food etc. So, it would be fine to give your little one mashed potatoes for brekkie or a little bit of rice, sweetened with sugar and cinammon etc. Also, look into alternative cuisines..Indian food uses chickpea and gram flour which are non-wheat and perhaps you can find recipes on the internet, most asian cuisines also use a lot of rice noodles etc. I have heard that there may be some gluten free, wheat-free items at the Kempinksi deli, but as with all things in Doha...they may have run out by now, or you find something and never come across it again. Friends with highly allergic kids usually bring what they need from the UK/US in bulk via travelling friends, neighbours, hubbies etc. Failing that, if you plan a trip to Dubai anytime soon, they have a fantastic place called the Organic Supermarket which is a real life saver and has plenty of allergy-friendly products.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:17
eek, sorry I see you are in Qatar!!
53
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 January 2011 - 13:17
try the new organic supermarket, there is one at dubai mall and a smaller outlet in the Greens, they seem to stock every conceivable product!!