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Going Gluten-Free This February: A Delicious Challenge

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February might be the shortest month of the year, but we’re making it one of the most flavorful. At Great Performances, we’re embracing a fun and thoughtful challenge: Gluten-Free February! It’s our way of raising awareness about the realities of living gluten-free—whether for health reasons, dietary preferences, or just as a way to shake things up in the kitchen.


For many, “gluten-free” is more than a trendy label—it’s a necessity. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger serious health issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. And while the idea of going gluten-free might conjure up visions of saying goodbye to bread, pasta, and pastries, there’s a world of delicious possibilities waiting to be explored.

Navigating the Gluten-Free World

One of the most eye-opening parts of this challenge is realizing just how many everyday foods contain gluten—sometimes in unexpected places. Soy sauce? Most brands contain wheat. Many soups and sauces? Thickened with flour. Even some brands of oats, though naturally gluten-free, can be cross-contaminated during processing.

 

That’s why we’re making it easy. Throughout February, we’ll be offering gluten-free family meals, and our restaurants and cafés at our venues will be highlighting special gluten-free dishes. Whether you’re an expert in gluten-free living or just testing the waters, we invite you to join us in discovering new flavors, sharing your experiences, and celebrating the joys (and occasional frustrations!) of this journey.

Simple Gluten-Free Swaps

Going gluten-free doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite meals—it just takes a little creativity. Here are some easy swaps to try:

  • Pasta: Swap traditional wheat pasta for rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta.
  • Flour: Try almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for baking and cooking.
  • Bread: Look for gluten-free bread options made with ingredients like millet, sorghum, or brown rice flour—or try lettuce wraps instead!
  • Breadcrumbs: Crushed cornflakes, almond meal, or gluten-free panko make great alternatives.
  • Soy Sauce: Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute that delivers the same umami punch.

Gluten-Free Snacks to Love

Need a quick, gluten-free bite? These snacks will keep you satisfied:

  • Rice cakes with almond butter and honey
  • Hummus with fresh veggies
  • Popcorn with sea salt and nutritional yeast
  • Greek yogurt with berries and granola (just make sure the granola is gluten-free!)
  • Roasted chickpeas or nuts for a crunchy, protein-packed option
  • Dark chocolate and dried fruit for a sweet treat

Going gluten-free—even temporarily—offers a new way to think about food, try new flavors, and gain a deeper appreciation for what goes into every meal. Whether you’re joining in for the full month or just dipping a toe in, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your favorite gluten-free recipes, your go-to snacks, or the unexpected challenges (and wins!) you’ve encountered along the way.


Here’s to a delicious, gluten-free February!