{"id":60658,"date":"2024-06-16T22:47:05","date_gmt":"2024-06-16T21:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=60658"},"modified":"2024-06-13T16:43:34","modified_gmt":"2024-06-13T15:43:34","slug":"guide-to-eating-gluten-free-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/guide-to-eating-gluten-free-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Eating Gluten-Free in Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>One of the most memorable parts of traveling is getting the chance to sample other cuisines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether its homemade meals or 5-star restaurant experiences, travel is always made better by sitting down for a plate of good food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who must eat gluten-free in Spain, dining in another country might seem to be a little bit trickier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, gluten-free dining is much more accessible today, with plenty of equally delicious options available around the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are gluten-free and traveling to Spain, we\u2019ve got a handy guide that will help you navigate breakfast, lunch, and dinner in this incredible country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Going Gluten-Free in Spain?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traveling and eating gluten free is possible \u2013 it simply takes a little bit of extra planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When going gluten free is a necessity, feeling comfortable when eating abroad is the goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eating out doesn\u2019t have to mean anxious nights or stressful mornings figuring out how to order something that might derail your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips on how to approach eating gluten free in Spain so that you can enjoy your travels with ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Planning Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first piece of advice in this gluten-free guide is that you\u2019ll want to <strong>plan ahead<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will hopefully be a helpful start to your plans for going gluten-free in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By planning ahead while traveling or visiting a new city, you\u2019ll be able to ensure that you\u2019re not scrambling for a last-minute spot to eat, or, even worse, relying on stale snacks or last-minute options at a corner store (<strong>alimentaci\u00f3n<\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bring a Restaurant Card<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A step above calling to check with a restaurant is to <strong>bring a card<\/strong> that details just how important it is for you to receive gluten-free food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The card may have exact details like what local dishes might be called, which oils or ingredients might be contaminated, cross-contamination risks, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a step that may be helpful if you\u2019re not yet fluent in Spanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those with Celiac disease, the threat of \u201cgetting glutened\u201d can ruin an entire evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A card may help eliminate any language translation errors that might pop up when you\u2019re ordering your next meal!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cross-contamination can be unsafe for those living with a gluten allergy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t worry about feeling fussy or putting too much pressure on those preparing your food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chefs and restaurant staff are well-trained in the complexities of cross-contamination risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many restaurants are understanding about those who communicate specific needs to avoid an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a card on hand that explains this might just save you a few days\u2019 worth of pain down the road!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"553\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Paella-Cooking-Class\u200b.jpg\" alt=\"gluten-free in spain\" class=\"wp-image-49345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Paella-Cooking-Class\u200b.jpg 800w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Paella-Cooking-Class\u200b-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Paella-Cooking-Class\u200b-768x531.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gluten Free Food in Spain \u2013 Website Edition<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Searching for \u2018<strong>gluten free Madrid Spain<\/strong>\u2019 or \u2018<strong>gluten free in Majorca\u2019<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe you\u2019re headed to Tenerife and you\u2019ve started your search for \u2018<strong>gluten free Tenerife\u2019<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re going gluten free in Madrid, Spain, or gluten free in Tenerife, options abound these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, you can use any of the search terms above, and you\u2019ll likely find a whole host of restaurants offering gluten-free cuisine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many apps, websites, and blogs available today that are dedicated to gluten-free eating around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spain is no different!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some traditional Spanish cuisine tends to be naturally gluten-free (<a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/vegetarian-paella-recipe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>paella, anyone<\/strong><\/a>?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what to do when you\u2019ve got a craving to try something new?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, there are plenty of resources available for going gluten-free in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, Madrid has an <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/madridsingluten.org\/?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">entire website<\/a><\/strong> dedicated to providing resources for those living gluten-free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The site has a list of restaurants, bakeries, food trucks, and more all listing gluten-free options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Websites like <strong>Madrid sin gluten<\/strong> also provide information on restaurants that have been accredited as establishments that are able to safely serve those with gluten allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cities like Majorca are also known for being extremely gluten-free friendly, with many online reviews available from happy customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, just popping in \u2018gluten-free restaurants in Majorca\u201d intro Tripadvisor brings up 480 results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don\u2019t Always Rely on Online Reviews<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who live with Celiac disease, going to a restaurant that has no gluten-free signage or direction in place can be painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meaning, if the restaurant doesn\u2019t use proper cross-contamination procedures, you might go home feeling sick due to gluten contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When hit with gluten contamination, the feeling can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who aren\u2019t Celiac but simply prefer a gluten-free diet, online reviews can be helpful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;However, risking it isn\u2019t always a possibility (nor preferred for many who live gluten-free!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, it\u2019s a good idea to <strong>check with the restaurant <\/strong>you\u2019re going to<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can call ahead to confirm their gluten-free menu items and confirm how each item gets prepared in the kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t stop there \u2013 always remember to confirm food preparation rules upon arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gluten-Free in Spain<\/strong> <strong>\u2013 Cook at Home<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the thought of testing the waters at restaurants makes you hesitant, supermarkets in Spain are brimming with <strong>plenty of delicious ingredients<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can always try cooking at home if you don\u2019t want to risk an incorrectly reviewed restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some traditional Spanish ingredients include fresh fruits and vegetables like garlic, tomatoes, and peppers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Items like fish and ham are also commonly used in traditional Spanish dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312-1024x443.jpg\" alt=\"gluten-free in spain\" class=\"wp-image-54255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312-1024x443.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312-768x332.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312-1536x664.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cheap-eats-in-madrid-2048x934-e1602659282312.jpg 1868w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Why not try whipping up something tasty at home (if you have access) and get a feel for the local cuisine of Spain?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some common terms to look out for when shopping for ingredients include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trigo = Wheat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avena = Oats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salsa de soja = Soy sauce<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Centeno = Rye<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cebada = Barley<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are all ingredients that those with a gluten allergy should avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep in mind that oats don\u2019t always contain gluten, but finding a gluten-free option is always the safest bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>La Federaci\u00f3n de Asociaciones de Celiacos de Espa\u00f1a<\/strong> (FACE) has a helpful <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/celiacos.org\/tratamiento\/aprende-a-leer-el-etiquetado\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online guide<\/a><\/strong> that explores how to check labels for gluten-free ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fun fact: FACE also provides information on hotels that are certified safe for Celiac guests!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/spanish-food-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spanish supermarkets<\/a><\/strong> and chain stores that regularly sell gluten-free items include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alcampo<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eroski<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lidl<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrefour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ready to Try the Gluten-Free Life in Spain<\/strong>?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re someone going gluten-free in Spain, <strong>having a list of resources<\/strong> on hand can help eliminate some of the nervousness that comes with finding good eats when out and about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, many restaurants around the world accommodate gluten-free patrons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada are no different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find yourself wondering if going gluten-free is an option for you while traveling, don\u2019t be afraid to refer to guides like this or call ahead to restaurants you\u2019ve been interested in trying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many restaurants are happy to accommodate those who wish to dine with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Food is a major part of Spanish culture \u2013 being gluten-free in Spain doesn\u2019t mean you have to miss out on any of the gastronomy in this amazing country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve recently tried a new favorite gluten-free food, or have one that you\u2019ve been eyeing to try, let us know in the comments! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1718066122611\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What are some common Spanish words I should know if I&#8217;m gluten-free?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Looking at ingredients on a menu or at a supermarket can be incredibly helpful for managing a gluten flare. Words like <em>trigo<\/em>, <em>avena, cebada, centeno,<\/em> and <em>salsa de soja<\/em> are all helpful words to know as you&#8217;ll want to stay away from foods that contain these!<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1718066248239\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is it easy to eat in Spain as someone who is gluten-free?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes! Spain is an excellent country for gluten-free travelers. Gluten-free awareness is common, and many restaurants offer celiac-safe and gluten-free choices on their menus. Some restaurants even post signs in their windows signifying gluten-free or celiac-safe options are available.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1718066378531\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is there a city in Spain that is best for gluten-free food?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Many cities within Spain offer a whole host of gluten-free options. Cities like C\u00f3rdoba, Mallorca, Madrid, Barcelona, and San Sebastian all offer certified gluten-free options! (To name a few)<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most memorable parts of traveling is getting the chance to sample other cuisines. Whether its homemade meals or 5-star restaurant experiences, travel is always made better by sitting down for a plate of good food. For those who must eat gluten-free in Spain, dining in another country might seem to be a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":54261,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2050],"tags":[2774,2772,2773],"class_list":["post-60658","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-life-in-spain","tag-gluten-free-meals","tag-gluten-free-spain","tag-going-gluten-free-in-spain"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=60658"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60658\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":60663,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/60658\/revisions\/60663"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/54261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=60658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=60658"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=60658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}