Last year, we discovered that one of our kids wasn’t just gluten sensitive—they are truly gluten intolerant. That has shifted everything. Suddenly, our roadschooling rhythm, our cozy fall traditions, and our beloved holiday treats had to be reimagined. And let me tell you: learning the ins and outs of gluten-free living while traveling full-time in an RV is no small feat.

Our teen was 17 when we discovered they needed to shift to a gluten-free lifestyle. Older. Wiser. You’d think that would make it easier to navigate. But in many ways, it made it harder. Seventeen years of favorites—comfort foods, family recipes, traditions—suddenly felt off-limits. And as an Italian family, that shift hit especially hard. Pasta nights, crusty bread with olive oil, holiday baking—all of it had to be reimagined.

It wasn’t just about changing ingredients. It was about mourning the loss of what felt familiar, safe, and celebratory. Watching our teen navigate that grief with grace and resilience was humbling. We’ve since found new favorites, new rituals, and even gluten-free pasta that doesn’t taste like cardboard. But that transition wasn’t instant & often it was layered with strong emotions.

Six Weeks In: The Cookie that Changed Everything

Waking up six weeks into our gluten-free journey, we realized just how much had shifted. Our routines, our pantry, our mindset—it was all different. We were no longer just “trying” gluten-free. We were living it. And while the learning curve was steep, something unexpected happened that morning at a local farmers market.

We found a cookie.

Not just any cookie—a gluten-free cookie that tasted like a real cookie. Soft, warm, perfectly spiced. The kind of treat that wraps you in nostalgia and makes you forget, even for a moment, that anything was missing.

Our kiddo took one bite and literally cried. Tears of joy, of relief, of recognition. Because in that moment, it wasn’t just about food—it was about belonging. About knowing that our family could still experience the magic of fall, the comfort of tradition, and the sweetness of the season… without compromise.

That cookie reminded us that joy is still possible. That even in the midst of change, we can find new favorites, new rituals, and new reasons to celebrate.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Cheering for You

If you’re navigating this hurdle—whether it’s a new diagnosis, a tough travel day, or just trying to make gluten-free feel like home—please know: you’re not alone. We see you. We’ve been there. And we’re cheering for you every step of the way!

Gluten-Free on the Go: Lessons from the Road

RV life already demands flexibility. Add dietary restrictions, and you’re juggling a whole new set of logistics

• Cross-contamination concerns in tiny kitchens
• Limited pantry space for specialty flours and ingredients
• Finding safe options at roadside diners or campground potlucks
• Navigating grocery stores in unfamiliar towns

We’ve had our share of missteps—like realizing halfway through a travel day that we didn’t pack any gluten-free snacks, or discovering that a “gluten-free” label didn’t mean safe for celiac. But we’ve also found joy in the challenge. It’s made us more intentional, more creative, and has made us more connected as a family.

Hidden gluten is everywhere—and it’s sneaky. You’d be surprised how many everyday foods and condiments quietly contain wheat, barley, or rye. Soy sauce? Most brands use wheat unless specifically labeled gluten-free. Salad dressings and gravies often rely on wheat-based thickeners. Even ketchup, mustard, and barbecue sauce can contain malt vinegar or other gluten-derived additives. Deli meats, hot dogs, and pre-marinated proteins sometimes include gluten as fillers or flavor enhancers. Snacks—certain potato chips, candy bars, and even chewing gum can harbor hidden gluten. It’s not just about avoiding bread and pasta anymore; it’s about becoming a label-reading detective. 

When We Find a Good Gluten-Free Grocery Store… We Stock Up Like It’s the Apocalypse

One of our golden rules on the road: never pass up a good gluten-free grocery store. When we stumble upon one—whether it’s a co-op in a small town or a well-stocked health food store—we go into full-on supply mode.

• Multiple bags of gluten-free flour blends (because you never know when inspiration—or a craving—will strike)
• Shelf-stable snacks for travel days: crackers, granola bars, and those elusive cookies that actually taste like cookies
• Specialty items we can’t find everywhere: tamari, gluten-free soy sauce, baking mixes, a favorite pasta brand and safe oats

We’ve learned to treat these finds like treasure hunts. And when we hit the jackpot, we stock up like we’re preparing for a blizzard—even if it’s 75 degrees and sunny.

It’s not just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Knowing we have safe, delicious options tucked away in our RV pantry means fewer compromises and more freedom to enjoy the journey.

Potlucks & Cross-Contamination: Why Opting Out Isn’t Personal

Navigating potlucks with a gluten-free kiddo is a delicate dance. From the outside, it might seem like certain dishes are “perfectly fine.” But for families like ours, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Yes, our child is 19 now and fully capable of managing their own dietary needs. They can choose to opt out, bring their own food, or politely decline a dish. But that choice often comes from necessity—not preference. And truthfully, we still hate seeing them feel left out while everyone else digs in without worry.

Even the smallest actions can lead to serious consequences for someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Things I used to do all the time, I now think about.

• Using the same spoon in multiple dishes
• Spreading mayo on regular bread and then offering that same jar to others
• Serving chips that were dipped into gluten-containing salsa can lead to immediate cross-contamination. And for kids with serious gluten intolerance or celiac, that’s not just inconvenient. It can be absolutely devastating.

For families with food allergies and little ones, shared meals can be overwhelming. It’s not just about reading labels or asking questions—it’s about constantly watching, managing, and protecting. Sometimes, opting out isn’t about being picky or antisocial—it’s about survival.

When you’ve got young kids who might sneak a treat they used to love, or grab something off a plate without asking, the stakes are high. Parents can’t be everywhere at once, and juggling allergy-safe choices while keeping eyes on energetic kiddos is a lot.

So if a family chooses to sit out the potluck or brings their own food, please don’t take it personally. It’s not a lack of trust or gratitude—it’s a protective measure. Be kind. Your understanding means more than you know.

We’re grateful for every invitation, every effort, and every friend who asks, “Is this safe for your kid?” That kind of care means the world. And when in doubt, we’ll always choose safety over social pressure—because our child’s health comes first.

Inviting a family to a potluck that is navigating gluten issues feel seen starts with empathy, awareness, and small but meaningful gestures that show you understand their reality.

Acknowledge Without Judgment

• Ask, don’t assume: “Is this safe for your child?” goes a long way.
• Avoid minimizing: Saying “a little won’t hurt” or “they can just pick it off” can feel
• dismissive and unsafe.
• Respect their choices: If they bring their own food or opt out of shared meals, honor that without making it awkward.

Be a Thoughtful Host

• Label ingredients clearly at gatherings or potlucks.
• Offer sealed or packaged snacks that are certified gluten-free.
• Keep cross-contamination in mind: Separate the serving utensils, use squeezable condiment bottles, clean prep surfaces, and avoid double-dipping.
• A seprate table for Gluten Free Items can be a huge.

Show Social Inclusion

• Invite them anyway: Even if food is off-limits, being included matters.
• Celebrate their effort: If they bring their own dish, ask about it. Show interest
• Offer alternatives: “We’re doing pizza—want to bring your own crust and we’ll add toppings together?”

Advocate Subtly

• Speak up when others forget: A gentle reminder about gluten safety can ease the burden on the family.
• Educate your circle: Share what you’ve learned to help normalize gluten-free awareness.

In the RV community, making gluten-free families feel seen isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about consistency. It’s the small, thoughtful actions that matter most: remembering their needs, asking if something is safe, and adjusting without fuss.

When we take the time to show up with care time after time, it builds trust. People notice when someone takes the time to understand, and those moments of inclusion, whether it is around the campfire, at the potluck table, or grabbing a bite out to eat with friends can make all the difference.

Dining with a Gluten-Free Teen: Safety, Culture, and the Search for Belonging

Traveling with a gluten-free kid introduces a whole new layer of complexity to dining out. It’s not just about finding food—it’s about finding safe food, prepared with care, in environments where our teen feels seen, respected, and included.

We’ve learned that unsafe kitchen practices—like shared fryers, reused utensils, or vague “gluten-friendly” labels—can turn a promising meal into a health risk. And while our teen is old enough to opt out, that choice often comes with emotional weight. Because food isn’t just fuel—it’s culture, connection, and joy.

As a family of foodies, we want our child to experience the flavors of the places we visit. To savor local dishes, explore new cuisines, and feel the magic of a meal shared in a new town. So we’ve become expert researchers becasue that has been a necessity.

• Scanning Google reviews for mentions of gluten-free safety
• Using apps like Find Me Gluten Free and Gluten-Free Scanner
• Calling ahead to ask about kitchen protocols and cross-contamination
• Reading menus with a detective’s eye

It takes time. It takes effort. But it’s worth it—for the look on our teen’s face when they feel safe enough to order, when they’re not just accommodated but welcomed.

Because at the heart of it, this journey isn’t just about avoiding gluten. It’s about honoring our child’s dignity, their health, and their right to experience the world fully.

I’m not an expert. I’m a mom, a traveler, a community-builder—and someone who’s learning every single day how to navigate this gluten-free life with love, patience, and a whole lot of trial and error.

But even in the messiness, we’ve found moments worth celebrating. From discovering a bakery that gets it, to finding a campground potluck host who asks the right questions, to watching our teen light up when they feel safe enough to try something new—these wins matter.

So we share them. Not because we’ve figured it all out, but because maybe they’ll help someone else feel seen & a little less alone. Maybe we can inspire another family to keep going, to keep asking, to keep advocating.

While camping near Boston for our newly minted 19-year-old’s birthday recently, we stumbled upon a gem just south of the city—Violette Bakers. And wow… their cupcakes were SO GOOD.

For a gluten-free kid who’s spent the last year & a half navigating food restrictions, finding a bakery that not only understands but delivers on flavor and texture is everything. These cupcakes weren’t just delicious....they were celebratory, & made our kid feel seen, special, and normal.

They also offer mail order options, which means we can bring that same joy to future celebrations, no matter where we’re parked.

Knowing we have a trusted gluten-free bakery just a shipment away is a game-changer. We’re already dreaming up the next excuse to order more cupcakes! 

It’s moments like these that remind us how powerful safe, joyful food can be. Thank you, Violette Bakers, for helping us mark the day with sweetness and love.

Advocating for Your Gluten-Free Child

Because People Don’t Know What They Don’t Know

When your child has serious gluten intolerance or celiac, you quickly realize that most people—even well-meaning ones—simply don’t understand the risks. They might think “a little won’t hurt,” or assume that gluten-free means “just a preference.” But for our kids, it’s not a trend—it’s a medical necessity.

You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be willing to speak up.

Here’s how we’ve learned to advocate for our family's needs.

• Explain the stakes clearly: “Even a crumb can make our child sick. It’s not about being picky—it’s about protecting their health.”
• Ask direct questions: “Do you use separate utensils for gluten-free items?” “Is this fryer shared with breaded foods?”
• Model calm confidence: You’re not being difficult—you’re being diligent. And that’s something to be proud of.

Everyday Moments Matter

We’ve found that most people want to help—they just don’t know how. So we:

• Offer to bring safe dishes to events
• Share our favorite gluten-free finds
• Gently explain why “gluten-friendly” isn’t always safe
• Celebrate when someone makes the effort—it means the world

Let’s be real: being gluten-free takes effort. A lot of effort.

From decoding labels to experimenting with recipes that sometimes flop (and taste suspiciously like sawdust), it’s a journey that demands patience, creativity, and a sense of humor.

And while gluten-free living is more common than ever, it can still feel isolating—especially when you're traveling, navigating potlucks, or watching your kid opt out of experiences that others take for granted.

Here’s what we’ve learned on this gluten-free journey - you’re not alone.

Even when it feels isolating, there’s a whole community out here figuring it out—one crumb-free step at a time. It’s okay to mourn the loss of the easy, carb-filled life. Let yourself feel that grief. Because truthfully, not every recipe works, and some breads are a step above sawdust. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself time to learn what’s right for your family. It takes trial, error, and grace to find your rhythm.

But once you do, something beautiful happens. You begin to embrace the lifestyle—not just out of necessity, but with intention. You discover new favorites, build new rituals, and find a deeper appreciation for the meals that do work and the memories they create. This isn’t just about food. It’s about resilience, love, and the magic of showing up for your child in ways that matter. And if you’re on this journey too and we’re here cheering for you.

One of the things we miss most about fall? The spontaneity of fun, cozy foods—those moments when the crisp air calls for something sweet, warm, and nostalgic.

But thanks to Tiffany from The Well Fed Baker, we don’t have to wing it anymore! She’s put in the work to refine and elevate our favorite seasonal treats, so we can enjoy them with confidence (and fewer kitchen mishaps) & a few less tears.

This is hands-down our favorite Apple Cider Donut recipe—soft, spiced, and just the right amount of indulgent. Perfect for leaf-peeping mornings, cozy RV afternoons, or sharing around the campfire.

🍎Go get the complete recipe on her site! You can even print it for free just by signing up for her newsletter 🍩

Ingredients

¾ Cup Reduced Apple Cider see instructions

2 Cup Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend I use Bob's Red Mill

2 teaspoon Baking Powder

¼ teaspoon Baking Soda

½ teaspoon Salt

2 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice

1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cardamom, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon allspice

⅓ Cup Light Brown Sugar

1 Egg

3 Tablespoon Vegan Butter melted & cooled

¼ teaspoon Vanilla

6 Cup Canola Oil

Topping

½ Cup Sugar

2 teaspoon Cinnamon

She’s perfected the recipe and laid out complete instructions on her site—plus tons of helpful tips for mixing, shaping, and frying them at home. No mystery — just amazing delicious, golden donuts that taste like fall in every bite. What are you waiting for?

Go get the recipe here.