I am flying to Frankfurt in September for 2 weeks, I eat only gluten-free food. Am I able to take gluten-free food (bread/pasta, etc) to Europe? Is there implications with customs? I checked on Emirates website, not entirely helpful. If I cant take GF food, is there places in Germany/Italy/France where I can purchase it? Australia is very good about gluten-free and allergies, is it the same in Europe? Thanks muchly...
Posted by
half moon bay, CA, USA
1 posts
I have flown to Europe several times with gluten free food. Just be sure you put a letter from your doctor, signed by him, in your carry on bag, stating that you are a celiac and must carry food when you travel. I just returned from a Danube River boat cruise. I took home made bread and muffins in zip lock bags, pouches of tuna, nuts, trail mix, protein bars, crackers, candy and pretzels. I put them in my carry on bag. I had no trouble with any airport inspections or security ain Austria, Romania or New York City. I hope this information helps you.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
The only food you need to pack is some for your flight and to tide you over until you can get some food.
Restaurants are hard, either order only foods you can eat or only eat the things in your meal that are okay for you.
Buying foods at a grocery store is a better option, you can buy foods that fit your diet and make picnics or snacks as you travel.
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Claire - Italy is very good about gluten-free food. You'll see it in all the supermarkets. Also, we just came back from a weekend in Paris were we met my sister and her family. She has a daughter who requires a gluten-free diet and they were able to find many stores (in fact a chain) that specialize in these foods! So no worries!
Ciao,
Ron
Posted by
XXX
1170 posts
Don't take anything with you. Gluten free is much better tasting in Europe. I too eat GF foods, and recently came back from Italy, France and England.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8943 posts
Germany is good for gluten free food. Many bakeries have bread made out of dinkel, which is a gluten free grain, other than that, go to what is called a "reform haus" which is sort of like a health food store and they will have lots of products to choose from, noodles, cereal, crackers, snacks, etc.. The label will say: glutenfrei. As far as bringing items over to Europe, check with the consulate websites for those countries or ask your travel agent to do this for you. I don't think it is a problem with Germany. I usually just get off the plane, walk through the passport control and out the door. It is as easy as that. No questions asked.
Posted by
Anaheim, CA, USA
1455 posts
Claire, use the search and see if you can find Eli's posts on Gluten Free (or Eli... could you PM Claire??)
Posted by
OP
Brisbane
13 posts
Thanks guys for all your replies, much appreciated.