The land of pizza and pasta is the last place you might expect to be friendly to the gluten intolerant. But in the past few decades, the incidence of celiac disease and wheat allergies have risen in Italy, as elsewhere. Whatever the reason—previously undetected illness or the arrival of genetically modified wheats–it’s an issue that concerns many Romans and visitors. In response, several businesses are devoted to providing 100% gluten free food.

At Sans de Blé near the San Paolo Metro station, the shop specializes in gluten free sweets. There are cakes to take away (special orders are accepted, as well), mignons, cookies, apple pie, muffins, crostate, pizza by the slice, bread, and even a take on the Almond Joy (pictured above). Among the pastries, the light, custard-filled mignons were the best I tried. The Almond Joy was tasty and lacked the throat-burning corn syrup effect of the real thing.

There are other places in town to get great gluten free treats. Fatamorgana serves GF gelato in its four locations–believe it or not, most gelato in Rome includes all sorts of unexpected ingredients, including wheat-based thickeners. Pharmacies and supermarkets sell gluten free products and so do health food stores.

Via Gabriello Chiabrera, 58
+39 389 900 8807
Website
Open: Tues 2:00–7:30pm, Wed-Sat 9:00am–7:30pm, Sun 9:00am–1:30pm

**This post goes out to my friend Petulia who turned me on to this place.**

For more info on international dining venues, check out my app Katie Parla’s Rome for Foodies.

by Katie Parla