Food Allergies & Gluten-Free Options
Having an allergy, an intolerance, or a food sensibility is something that we take into consideration very seriously, so don't hesitate to contact the Health and Safety department at health@barcelonasae.com if you need advice or have any doubts or concerns.
Allergy Translation Cards
Based on different levels of Spanish proficiency, we advise that you make allergy translation cards for your stay here in Spain when you are on your own. They are great to have in Barcelona and while traveling.
Where to find allergy-free products in Barcelona?
Both Veritas and Casa Ametller are chain supermarkets in Catalonia that sell a wide array of natural and gluten-free products but also fresh and dried fruits and nuts, vegetables, oils, teas, eco-friendly products, and organic cosmetics. They are similar to Whole Foods in the U.S.
They both offer a good value, although the prices are still quite high compared to other supermarkets in Spain, as everything is organic.
Local health stores called "Herbolarios"
These stores have a good supply of herbal remedies and natural diet products that look after your body in a more natural way. Many of them carry allergy-free products with the ingredients clearly labeled.
You can find an herbal store in every neighborhood.
oTHER Supermarkets with a Gluten free section
Carrefour: There are plenty of Carrefour stores in Barcelona. The Carrefour in Glòries (just off the red metro line) has a huge section. There is also one located in the city center of the Ramblas and another in Via Layetana.
Mercadona: Mercadona carries a large selection of GF products at a very reasonable price.
Caprabo
Bonpreu
El Corte Ingles
Look for GF products labeled "Sin gluten" (gluten-free)
celiac/gluten-free friendly RESTAURANTS & BAKERIES
Honest Greens - Healthy eating restaurant with plenty of gluten-free options on the menu. Make sure you order the extra salad instead of the bread that usually comes with the menu.
Cal Marius: Gluten-free comfort food such as pastrami sandwiches, burgers, tapas & pizza.
En Ville: 19th-century building serving Catalan cuisine & gluten-free dishes.
Flax & Kale/Teresa’s/Teresa Carles/Flax & Kale a Porter: All connected into one group of restaurants, these options serve healthy dishes with many gluten-free options. (Various locations). Flax & Kale Passage is 100% gluten-free, and they have good bread and gluten free pizzas.
Gula Sana: Gluten-free cafe offering breakfasts, sandwiches & cakes. Just 5-10 minutes walking from the Barcelona SAE office (and the SIS Study Center)!
El Quinto: Organic restaurant with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. (Approved by the Celiac Association of Barcelona)
Manduca Gluten Free Corner: Health food restaurant/cafe with 100% gluten-free products.
Messié sin gluten: They do gluten-free pizzas (and other Italian pasta dishes), and you can order them for home delivery. Everything here is 100% gluten-free, including a large selection of beers.
Grosso Napolitano: Autentic napolitan pizza.
The fish & chips shop - Gluten Free: ONLY the location at Carrer de Casanova, 91 since it’s 100% without gluten—their other locations are not gluten-free.
Ginos Barcelona (Approved by the Celiac Association of Barcelona)
100 Montaditos (Gluten-free options, Approved by Celiac Association of Barcelona)
Jansana: Small bakery & cafe selling gluten-free pastries, cakes & bread
Chök The Chocolate Kitchen: Bread/Buns, Cakes, Cinnamon Rolls, Cookies & more
Celiadictos: Bakery & patisserie for gluten-free artisan bread, pastries, and cakes
WEBSITES/blogs
CELIAC TIPS
Inform the wait staff that you are celiac. Soy celíaco/a
Ask questions politely, but ask
Do you have an allergy/gluten-free menu? = ¿Tienes un menú para alergias/gluten?
Can it be made gluten-free? = ¿Se puede preparer sin gluten?
Be very aware of cross-contamination: Spanish cuisine has many tapas dishes that are deep fried and very often in a common fryer, therefore food can be cross-contaminated by breaded/battered items cooked in the same oil. For example, patatas bravas. It would be a good idea to avoid deep-fried foods in general.
Check with the waiter about the sauce's ingredients. Make sure that dressings, marinades for meat, and soups do not contain flour, wheat-based thickening agents, or soy sauce. Order simple dishes with the sauce on the side (or without sauce all together).
Make sure when ordering fish that it is indeed gluten-free. Ask whether the fish is dusted (rebozado) with flour before cooking.
Consider emailing or calling ahead, particularly if you are not comfortable asking a lot of questions once you are already at the restaurant. This works better if you can call at "off hours" (not during the lunch or dinner time rush) and can let the chef know that he/she will need to prepare a safe item.
Don't hesitate to send your dish back if it is not correct, and be prepared to leave the restaurant if you feel that your needs are not being taken seriously. However, when you do have a good experience, don’t forget to thank the staff! :-)