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The Five People You Might Bump Into down the Gluten-Free Aisle!

While looking for gluten-free rolls🥖, I ran into yet another familiar gluten free aisle character: the lost and confused shopper. This time, it was a sweet older couple squinting down the aisle. Watching the wife almost admit defeat, I swooped in like a gluten-free superhero🦸‍♂️ and pointed them in the right direction. Their baffled faces quickly turned to smiles and a heartfelt thank you. It got me thinking about the quirky characters you meet in the aisles—I’ve got names for all of them!

The Label Reader

The label reader inspects🔍 every product like it’s a treasure map🗺️. You’ll see them in other aisles too, occasionally lifting their glasses to make sure they read it right. When they spot the dreaded gluten ingredient, they slam the item back on the shelf with the flair of a drama queen👸 . It’s at this point they return to the gluten-free aisle to find that alternative gluten-free product, with a look of pure disappointment on their face.

The Newbie

Meet the lost souls of the supermarket. They’re the ones clutching their phones📱 or little shopping lists, trying to navigate the gluten-free maze. Their carts🛒 are a hodgepodge of items they think they need, with a few random extras tossed in. Occasionally, they’ll glance around with a helpless look, hoping for a shopping savior. And this is where the next character steps in.

The Gluten Free Guru

Meet the Guru: the shopper who can sense distress from a mile away. Armed with gluten-free wisdom and a smile😊 , they swoop in to rescue the newbies struggling with their first foray into gluten-free shopping. They’re like the gluten-free aisle’s guardian angel😇, always ready to help, offer tips, and even recommend the best products. Honestly, they are the hero you didn’t know you needed, making sure your first shopping adventure is a success.

The Sceptic

Now, the Sceptic is that person who’d rather be anywhere but the gluten-free aisle, yet here they are on doctor’s👩‍⚕️orders. They grumble, huff, and puff picking up items only to put them back with exaggerated disdain. Half the time, they’ll wander off only to return ten minutes later as if gluten-free goodies might have magically🪄appeared in their absence. Most of the time, they leave with nothing, muttering wistfully about the good old gluten days.

The Companion

The Companion comes in two varieties: either they’re the supportive friend or family member who turns into your personal gluten-free cheerleader📣. Picture them doing a happy dance every time you find a new product, waving pom-poms and everything. Gluten-free grocery trips just became a lot more entertaining!


I have to admit, in my gluten-free journey over the last several years, I’ve been every one of these characters. And honestly, I’m pretty sure my wife knows which one I am now!


Featured Image is a combination of my own photo and AI Images – Ben Haggerty – 2024


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