To celebrate the first day of Spring this Sunday, I will get myself a scoop of ice cream and eat it outdoors. If you want to welcome Spring in a similar manner, here’s a list of gluten-free friendly establishments in New York City.
Ice Cream
When I was diagnosed with celiac, I was thrilled that ice cream was naturally gluten-free. I didn’t know that it could actually be gluten-full until I checked a label just for fun, and found that the double-chocolate pint I’d be eyeing contained wheat. Why? Who knows. Make sure to check your labels and ask servers!
Steve’s Ice Cream: This small batch ice cream maker is opening up two stores in NYC this Spring, in Bryant Park and Boerum Hill. They will serve gluten-free ice cream and cones and are working with Glow Gluten-Free cookies to make up new flavors. For now, you can get their pints at various locations in Brooklyn.
Gelato
Many think that gelato is just Italian for ice cream, but in fact, it’s made differently that traditional ice cream. Italy’s famous dessert contains 3% less fat on average and is churned at a slower speed than ice cream, which introduces much less air into the final product. The result is a denser and more flavorful treat that actually packs less fat per serving than its American cousin.
Grom: This Italian gelato company recently opened their doors in Columbus Circle. They are firmly committed to labeling their confections for those with dietary restrictions and mark their products with symbols representing common allergens.
Frozen Yogurt
Pinkberry: This California born frozen yogurt company may or may not be the first to serve tart frozen yogurt, but it has certainly become the most popular. All flavors of this tangy treat are gluten-free but make sure to watch our for cross contamination with toppings.
Low Calorie
Tasti D Lite: Tasti D Lite is ubiquitous in New Yortk City and a good low-calorie alternative to other chilled confections. Most of their flavors are gluten-free and those that aren’t are clearly labeled.
Vegan
Lula’s Sweet Apothecary: New York’s first dedicated vegan dessert shop serves delicious ice cream that you’ll never guess is dairy-free. I had the cashew milk chocolate flavor in a gluten-free cone (reminiscent of the Joy cake cups) one day and was in gluten-free vegan heaven. I hear their sundaes and splits are to die for.
Popsicles
Popbar: If you prefer your frozen treat on a stick, look no further than popbar. This new frozen eatery serves high quality gelato, sorbetto, and frozen yogurt dipped and wrapped in chocolate and other “poppings.” All popbars are “born gluten-free” but make sure to ask the server about possible cross contamination and poppings to avoid.
I’m not the only avid cook in my apartment, my roommate Stephanie is too. She is a photographer and a great chef who takes pride in not following directions in her cooking. I do a lot of cooking on my own, but it is always a pleasure when Stephanie is in the kitchen as well. Last week, she was intent on baking brownies, gluten-free, but also xanthan gum-free. I was wary, but she was stubborn. Good thing, because they were out of this world.
