Dairy & gluten free? Why you won't be left feeling blue at Indigo, One Aldwych

It's not often that The Hub and I get to go out without the kiddo. If she knew she'd be furious! 

It was my birthday and The Hub urged me to meet him for lunch in London... no jeans allowed apparently! 

It soon became clear that he had something special in mind. It turned out to be the restaurant at One Aldwych which we had heard of via the Twitter grapevine. Actually, One Aldwych is the name of an hotel - immediately opposite the Lyceum theatre. The restaurant, Indigo, serves everything completely dairy and gluten free! It sounded amazing, but of course the proof is in the pudding - or the consumption of it anyway, so off I hopped to London.

You could walk past it and miss it - the building used to be a bank!

The restaurant itself is on the first floor, accessed via a very snazzy lift. Lit in pink, would you believe?? We were quickly seated and service did not take at all long to begin. Samphire and Onion bread accompanied by rapeseed oil soon made an appearance. Strictly speaking, it was slightly more like a scone in texture, but it was absolutely delicious. I loved it!

I actually ate it all, but remembered to take a small quick shot, before it completely disappeared!

There was a Set menu that looked very reasonably priced but I ordered a starter from the A la Carte menu. 

Cured Loch Duart Salmon

That was followed by Rhug Estate organic lamb (accompanied by a side of new potatoes) which was probably the best lamb I have ever tasted. It was necessary to order the side of potatoes, but The Hub chose Monkfish, which came with a bowl of rice and chilli crackers.

The lamb was full of flavour and cooked to perfection.

Proof may be in the pudding, I was just happy to have a pudding at all. Usually one is offered sorbet, if anything, and THAT is just too acidic for my stomach, but actually I had a list of five desserts from which to choose. Torn between a chocolate mousse and figs in mulled wine, I opted for the latter, which came with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream. It was gorgeous!! 

Normally fruit is NOT a dessert, but these figs in mulled wine passed my test ;)

My only criticism is that I might have liked a slightly bigger scoop of the ice cream, but really that's because I enjoyed it so much it left me wanting more! And also, truth be known, I am a little bit of a piglet anyway.

The food certainly wasn't cheap - the main was £23 in itself, but then located where it was, right in the heart of London, it was certainly reasonable for the location and being free from the usual gluten and dairy, it was worth the extra as a wonderful birthday treat. If you can get there, I'd definitely recommend it! It was the absolute best dairy and gluten free food that I have ever tasted, whilst eating out!

For further posts about Eating Out see here.

Please note: 

This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Can probiotics cure food allergies?

The holy grail for food allergies, for those of us who live with them, day by day, is a cure. Who wouldn't want to be able to eat freely, without having to peer at food labels, or ask umpteen questions in cafes and restaurants??

So far, the answer has been: There is no cure. Your child may or may not grow out of it. You just have to avoid x, y or z, or, in many cases, a combination of foods.

This is not easy. I've resigned myself to it, and cope with it as best I can, but as as my little one gets older, she becomes more aware of the foods that she is missing out on. Although she is generally a jolly little soul, it can make her frustrated, angry and sad... and then my heart bleeds for her!!

Now it seems that there is a little glimmer of hope on the horizon for allergy sufferers. This year there has been a lot of excitement in allergy circles over the LEAP study, which looked into trying to prevent nut allergies (there's a good breakdown of it here). Currently, there is also research going on into desensitization from peanut allergy at St Mary's Paddington for 8-16 year olds. 

The latest piece of good news concerns probiotics! 

I've known for some time, that imbalance in gut bacteria could be a reason why food allergy is on the rise these days. I'd read various articles online about it and Dr Adam Fox opened up the possibilities during his talk at The Allergy and Free From Show the other year.

The theory is that we've become too clean! We use so many bleaches and cleaners and antibiotics etc. that we've cleared out what is sometimes referred to as our 'old friends' - the 'friendly' or 'good' bacteria that helps our bodies and even our minds work well. I was a bit skeptical about this - anyone who visits my house will know that I'm not one for wielding the bleach about that often, if I can help it (mind you, this is partly because many household chemicals make me incredibly wheezy) so you wouldn't think we'd be affected!

However, a BBC Horizon programme the other year explained the connection with food allergies beautifully. It investigated how homes and guts of with allergic people had much less bacteria diversity!

This made a lot of sense to me, when I looked back and considered how much bleach my mum had flashed about the house when we were little (apparently we all came down with a lot of tummy bugs) and how OCD I became when pregnant. 

I fell pregnant just before the Swine Flu scare hit. I was teaching at the time, and although I was trying to avoid chemicals (to avoid adverse affects on my baby), we were advised to spray Dettol over tables and door handles etc. every morning before school. The OCD continued well after the birth too, with multiple antibacterial hand wipes being waved everywhere, although that said, the milk allergy kicked in almost straightaway.

Mind you, even without all the antibiotics, antibacterial wipes, etc. there is a history of food allergy in my family that goes back at least over the last hundred years, but then I'm guessing that lack of bacterial diversity in the home/gut could also be passed down through the generations.

The 'Old Friend's' theory made even more sense to me, when I reflected on my gluten problems, which began not long after I completed a course of antibiotics, which was soon followed by a stomach bug. Any further tummy bugs and antibiotics that I've had since have been followed up with a course of Optibac probiotic tablets - their antibiotic version, (see here) really seem to help stop the otherwise almost inevitable yeast infection break out. I've also found probiotic coconut yogurt helpful (this one). BUT my gut has not ever completely returned to normal.

Must admit I love Co-yo, probiotics or not!

It appears, though, that probiotics really could provide an answer, BUT you have to know which (among the trillions of varieties) is the strain that will work! It's a huge task, isolating a specific strain, but recent research seems to have cracked a part of the puzzle!

It's now been confirmed that dairy free infant formula that has had a particular strain of probiotic added to it, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or LGG, for short, has had a positive effect on the babies that have received it (see here for a readable article, and here for something a bit more technical). This is great news indeed!

In case you're wondering, LGG has already been added to a dairy free formula, by Nutramigen, that is available here in the UK. Nutramigen's products are listed here. If your little one is currently using this formula, I'd be interested to know how you get on, and if you've been prescribed some other formula, it may be worth your while discussing things with your Doctor, as they may be able to switch you onto it.

If you are an adult and would like to give LGG a try, then you can buy it here in the UK (and also the US) Culturelle Probiotic LGG (which is the brand of probiotic used by Nutramigen) is available on Amazon and other online outlets (more info about this product here). Confusingly, apparently the packet says it is dairy free, but Amazon site information says it may contain traces.

There is also a child's chewable version (see here) BUT it is hugely pricey, at over £30 for a pack of thirty! 

BIG *GULP*!!

I've been having a bit of a think about that one. I mean, how many would one need?? One course?? Two?? Three?? It's a BIG BIG ask financially, if it's a long term thing!! And what if the kiddo decides she won't have them, because she don't like 'em?? But then, what if it works?? 

FREEDOM!!

Fortunately, there are other options out there, Solgar is one of them. Here's the adults version, which is much cheaper than Culturelle, and here's the kid's version. It's almost half the price of the other one, but out of stock via Amazon at the mo. For other stockists, see here. There may well also be others.

Please note, there may be a socially embarrassing side effect - yes, wind! The antidote to which is spelled out here (PHEW!).

Obviously, this isn't a cure as such, the article to which I originally referred mentions that not ALL who had the formula improved, those that did, responded well within the first year, which indicates a golden window of opportunity which we have missed, I'm not sure whether that means it still might work (so is worth a try), or not. However, work is now being done on translating this research into a proper treatment. There's still so much to learn, but it is certainly a fascinating glimpse of the light at the end of a dark and dreary tunnel!

As for me, I'm not sure that LGG will crack my multiple problems, so I'm still hoping for fecal transplants to become a standard treatment, for re-balancing dodgy guts - yes it's been done and seems to work for some gut conditions. Although hopefully, they will find a less messy way of going about it! 

I know... 

EWWWW!! 


But anything is better than living without... I don't do this for the fun of it, you know!



Please note: 
This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).


Related Posts:

How to have an allergy free baby

Are we really allergic?

Oo! Ah! Christmas Chocolat! 2015

My first dairy free Christmas was decidedly bleak - we were brand new to being dairy free and had no idea of what was out there that was safe to eat. This year, there is a good amount of choice available and so hopefully there's something for everyone. As usual, I've tried to track where these can be found. And, as at Easter, I've decided to cut down the waffle and provide some easy comparison charts to help you find the dairy free chocolate that's right for YOU!

This table shows the range of products available and where to find them:

	Advent Calendar	Selection Box	Chocolate Novelty Figures	Chocolate Boxes	Chocolate Coins	Tree Decorations
Ayni	Shapes for Advent calendars – online only	x	Online only	Online Only	x	x
Booja Booja	x	x	x	Waitrose, Sainsbury’s Holland & Barrett Ocado	x	x
Choices (also make Tesco, Sainsbury’s & Asda’s free from chocolate)	Sainsbury’s Tesco Asda Holland & Barrett Ocado	Holland & Barrett Ocado	Sainsbury’s Tesco Asda	Sainsbury’s Holland & Barrrett Ocado	Sainsbury’s Tesco Asda	X But see this post!
Cocoa Libre	x	x	Holland & Barrett	x	x	x
D & D Chocolates	Online only	x	Online only	Online only	x	Online only
Kinnerton	By pre-ordering online only	x	Asda Ocado	x	x	x
Moo Free	Sainsbury’s Waitrose Ocado	Sainsbury’s Ocado	Waitrose Ocado	x	x	x
No Muu	Shapes for Advent calendars – online only	x	Online only	x	x	x
Plamil	Holland & Barrett	x	Holland & Barrett	x	x	x

Please note, you may need to shop in the larger supermarkets to find these products and avoid disappointment. Holland and Barrett may well hold some great promotions nearer Christmas, if you can hold your nerve and wait until then!

The Choices Advent Calendar under the Sainsbury's label

You may see larger ranges of chocolate listed elsewhere as dairy free, but many of them contain traces or are made on the same production lines as milk products. All of the chocolate in this table is definitely dairy free - no may contain dairy or traces of dairy in this little lot! 

This table shows key allergen information for these dairy free chocolate brands:

	Dairy Free	Gluten Free	Soya Free	Egg Free	Nut Free	Vegan
Ayni	y	y	y	y	y	y
Booja Booja	y	y	y	y	x	y
Choices (also make Tesco, Sainsbury’s & Asda’s free from chocolate)	y	y	*Lecithin	y	y	y
Cocoa Libre	y	y	*Lecithin	y	y	y
D & D Chocolates	y	y	May Contain	y	y	y
Kinnerton	y	y	*Lecithin	y	y	y
Moo Free	y	y	y	y	x	y
No Muu	y	y	May Contain	y	y	y
Plamil	y	y	May Contain	y	y	y

Y = yes

*Soya Lecithin is the oil from the Soy bean. Technically, this should not cause a reaction in those allergic to soya, as the protein has been removed, but those who are particularly sensitive may still react. If unsure please consult with your Doctor/Dietitian.

Brand Lowdown:

Ayni

Ayni make handmade raw chocolate, which is naturally dairy free. Unfortunately only available online, it is quite reasonably priced and there is a good range of novelty shapes and lollies, some of which are made with white dairy free chocolate. They even make a chocolate house kit! Check out their products here.

Booja Booja

Booja Booja chocolate truffles are simply LUSH! They are on the somewhat pricey side, but they taste worth it. A small box from Waitrose or Sainsbury's will set you back about £6.95/£6.99. Larger boxes can be purchased from Holland and Barrett, but the largest selection by far can be found on Ocado.

A little luxury!

Choices/Celtic Chocolates

This brand originates from Ireland. They produce chocolate under their own label, as well as for Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury's free from label. They make a good range of Christmas chocolates. You can get best value by buying it under Asda's label, on the whole. Their Advent calendar is noticeably more expensive at Tesco and Holland and Barrett! Most of their chocolate is 'milk' chocolate, but they also make a white chocolate Santa and some dark chocolate mints.

Tesco? Choices actually!

Sainsbury's? Choices! Same product, different wrapper!

These Santas come in white or milk style chocolate

Cocoa Libre

I first came across this brand the other year and loved it. It is gradually becoming more available and I'm really excited to see this brand now available on the High Street at Holland and Barrett. Woo hoo! Otherwise the full range of their chocolate can be found online here. By the way, if you can't find it in your local Holland and Barrett, you can order online and have it delivered to your local store.

Love these cheeky little penguins - available in mint or milk flavour

D & D Chocolates

D & D chocolates use Plamil chocolate to make a nice range of seasonal offerings, including Christmas tree decorations!! You can find their range here. Their chocolate is a bit darker and firmer than some other dairy free chocolates, but I've heard their mint chocolate snowmen are lovely and won an award the other year! D & D Chocolates also make a carob range for those who can't have chocolate.

Kinnerton

This brand of dairy free chocolate is decidedly dark, rather than milk chocolate. Unfortunately, if you want one of their Advent calendars, you've missed the boat for this year. However, if you join their mailing list, they'll warn you next year. If you shop in Asda, you may well spot their hollow chocolate Santas, which would make perfect stocking fillers.

Actually quite a nice size in real life - kiddo loved hers last year!

No Muu

No Muu is a small family business, whose aim is to make safe dairy free treats suitable for kids. Their Lego men (not Christmas I know, but such fun) are pretty cute! Their range of novelty chocolate shapes includes white chocolate as well. Check out their Christmas range here.

Moo Free Chocolates

This brand is very popular with those who miss their normal milk chocolate. Usually Sainsbury's and Waitrose stock the Advent calendars and Mini Moo Santas, but I haven't seen them there this year just yet, although Sainsbury's have got their selection boxes. Waitrose always tend to take longer to get seasonal free from stock in. 

Their selection box includes one of their chocolate Mini Moo Santas

Plamil

Plamil's range can usually be found in Holland and Barrett. Their cheeky little chocolate snowmen are a hit in our house! They also make Holland and Barrett's own label chocolate products, such as their Advent calendar. If you can't find what you want in store, check out Plamil's online shop, here. 

You can now buy the Plamil snowmen in mini packs - great for stocking fillers!

Online

The good news is that should you find it difficult to find dairy free chocolate locally, there are places you can buy it online. Try the following websites if you are struggling to find dairy free chocolate locally:

Alternative Stores

Free From for Kids

Goodness Direct

Tasha's Dairy Free Delights (also make own dairy free chocolate products using Plamil)

The Vegan Store

Vegan Town

And... chocolate that is not quite dairy free enough for us

Not all 'dairy free' products are equal! Although Vegan products are made without milk, they may be made on factory production lines where other products that do contain milk have been made. This could mean that they contain traces of milk, which can cause problems for those who are quite sensitive to milk. However some people choose to be dairy free and those who are allergic to dairy have varying levels of sensitivity, so here are a few other brands that might interest those of you who are okay with traces of milk:

Aldi 

Hotel Chocolat

Lidl

Montezuma's dark chocolate

Zero Zebra - claim to be allergen free but are made on production lines where allergens have been handled and have caused mild allergic reactions in some allergic individuals.

Finally:

Hopefully this post has provided you with the information you need to find the chocolate that is right for you. The information included in this post may change over time, so follow @dairyfree on Twitter or Dairy Free Baby and Me on Face Book, to keep track of any updates.

Please note: 

This post is not an advert. I have not been paid to write this post. I am not sponsored in any way, even by advertising. I do not receive products free to review, although I have often been offered them. This is to try and maintain an unbiased approach. All views expressed are my own (unless I've asked for The Hub's or Kiddo's).

Related Posts:

Dairy free ways to decorate your tree



Kinnerton Dairy Free Advent Calendars

Cocoa Libre Dairy Free Milk Chocolate

May Contain - Explained