10 Gluten-Free Predictions for the New Decade

Whether 2020 will be your first year eating gluten-free or you have been eating gluten-free for over a decade (like myself), the new year and new decade offer many gluten-free possibilities. While there have been major improvements in gluten-free life in the last decade, there are far more gluten-free advances that are necessary. Imagine how fantastic gluten-free life will be in 2029 when hopefully most of these gluten-free predictions become a reality! 

Here are my gluten-free predictions in random order. Which ones do you hope will come true? What would you add to this list?

1. Significant increase in the number of Americans diagnosed with celiac disease.

2. Broader awareness of celiac disease symptoms, treatment, and health complications.

3. Gluten disclosed on all medication labels.

4. More colleges offering dining halls that are gluten-free, allergen-free, and vegan, following the examples of the University of North Texas and Michigan State.

5. Gluten-free meals and snacks widely available at hospitals, nursing homes, school cafeterias, work cafeterias, sports and entertainment venues, airlines, hotels, and programs for feeding the homeless.

6. The celiac pill will be available. One option could be available as early as 2021, while a vaccine is being fast-tracked by the FDA. 

7. We will see a big increase in 100% gluten-free restaurants as well as many restaurants adding gluten-free menus without cross-contamination that are truly safe for people with celiac disease.

8. Store brand products will be commonly labeled as gluten-free, offering a much-needed way for gluten-free consumers to save money. 

9. The FDA will enforce proper use of the gluten-free label.

10. Tasty new gluten-free products will meet the demands of many special dietary needs, including vegan, keto, plant-based, allergen-free, low sugar, low carb, and more.

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New Gluten-Free Mini Dessert at P.F. Chang’s

When I ordered the irresistible gluten-free Chocolate Dome at P.F. Chang’s tonight, the waiter informed me that they now have another gluten-free dessert. It is a mini Triple Chocolate Mousse served in a shotglass and the bottom layer is a flourless cake. The price is only $2.00. I didn’t try it, but it looked delicious.

I spoke with the manager for more details and to confirm that it is gluten-free. She said it took them many tries to perfect this dessert, and they wanted to add another gluten-free dessert for a long time. She said it may not be available nationwide yet. The best part is that now people who order P.F. Chang’s For Two, a four-course menu which has some gluten-free items, can have a gluten-free dessert, since it includes two mini desserts.

Looking to reduce your sodium intake at P.F. Chang’s? I recently began requesting that they cook my Moo Goo Gai Pan in less sauce than usual because I want reduced sodium. The result is still an awesome taste, but very little sauce, and I no longer find myself thirsty all evening after eating it!

Don’t forget to register for a Warrior card to save 10% each time you go to P.F. Chang’s. View the gluten-free menu here.

Update: August 26, 2010 - I tried the new gluten-free mini dessert.  Yes, I ate at P.F. Chang's two weeks in a row after not going all summer.  Shockingly, before my daughter and I ordered, the waiter correctly recited our orders from last week.  That is an impressive memory!

The top layer is like the Chocolate Dome, the middle is mousse, and the bottom is a thin cake.  The top two layers are great, but the bottom layer wasn't as good.  With the small spoon provided, it took several bites to finish and it was satisfying. However, I prefer the Chocolate Dome.

A note of caution: P.F. Chang's has two mini chocolate desserts that look very similar on the top, but only one is gluten-free. The Great Wall cake mini dessert is not gluten-free and it has chocolate chips on top. The gluten-free mini has chocolate shavings on top, but not chocolate chips.

Chipotle: Gluten Free Fast Food

I am moving next week and will be back in August with regular posts. Recently, Chipotle has become my choice for fast food. In fact, the other night, the employee at Chipotle remembered me, washed her hands, and changed her gloves before I even made the request! Now, that is impressive considering I have only been to that location about five times. I like a combination of the spicy chicken and the sweet pork with rice.

According to their allergen chart, all items are gluten free except the flour tortillas. So, where will I be moving? I am moving about 10 minutes away from where I live now, across the street from a Chipotle. That location seemed a little confused about changing gloves, but I will certainly have them in the routine soon!

Terrific Things - 100% Gluten free grocery stores and restaurants

I hope more places like these will open throughout the country. I dream of shopping or eating in a place where everything is gluten free like the ones mentioned below. It looks like these dreams are becoming reality for more people with Celiac Disease. If there is a 100% gluten free grocery or restaurant in your area, please post it in the comments below.

Gluten Free Trading Company, the first gluten free grocery store, opened in 2000 in Milwaukee. They now carry over 120 brands, including brands from many different countries. You can also order from their website.

The Gluten Free Grocery opened in April 2008 in Chicago and has more than 700 gluten free products. WOW! Although they don’t offer online shopping, they do ship orders placed by phone. All the brands they carry are listed online, but not the actual products.

Rose's Bakery in Chicago is open for lunch, Sunday brunch, and carryout pizza and single entrees from 3-7 Monday-Saturday. They can also accommodate multiple allergies.

The Balanced Kitchen in Chicago is a vegan and gluten free restaurant. It is also a green restaurant.

With at least three 100% gluten free establishments in Chicago, I think it is time for Oprah to do a show on Celiac Disease!

The Gluten Free Source in Dillsburg, PA (York County) carries over 700 gluten free products and has online shopping.

Laura’s Bistro and LAB are two totally gluten free restaurants in Texas. They are both mentioned on the glad to be gluten free blog.

G. F Cucina's recently opened in Detroit Michigan and their menu has a variety of entrees, including lasagna and meatloaf.


Happily, there are many 100% gluten free bakeries throughout the country and too many to list here. Thanks to these bakeries for all the wonderful baked goods we can buy!
Note: I have never been to any of these places, so this is just information sharing from Internet research, not reviews or recommendations.

Update - Jan. 29, 2009 - Simply Gluten Free is having a grand opening on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Thousand Oaks, CA. You can also order online.