Gluten Alert! Enjoy Festivals Gluten-Free

Warm summer evenings, great music, good vibes, nice people, a feeling of freedom: Yes, it's back – the absolute coolest time of the year, festival season! The most famous are certainly Rock im Park, Rock am Ring, Wacken Open Air or the Harley Days in Hamburg. But the Poolbar Festival, the Donauinselfest, the Urban Arts Form Festival or the See-Rock Festival are also worth a visit. They are all summer, joy and live music!

Many music festivals now offer gluten-free food options. As more and more people suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, organizers are striving to offer a variety of foods that meet the needs of festival-goers. If you are looking for gluten-free food at a music festival, you should inform yourself in advance about the food stalls and options. Many festivals now have special areas or stalls that specialize in gluten-free or allergen-free foods. These then offer a selection of dishes that are prepared without gluten.

The availability of gluten-free food at music festivals varies greatly from festival to festival. While some festivals may have a wide selection of gluten-free options, others may offer only limited options. It is almost impossible to refer to the gluten-free offerings of all festivals, so I will simply report on my own experiences here. In recent years I have been to one or two festivals, including, for example, Lollapalooza in Berlin, Tomorrowland in Boom (Belgium) or Panama Open Air in Bonn.

DRINKS

Festivals usually offer a variety of drink options, including gluten-free ones. Of course, every festival has non-alcoholic offerings. Coca-Cola, sodas or apple spritzer are the norm. Alcoholic, gluten-free drinks are a bit more complicated. If you don't want to resort directly to high-proof drinks like cocktails or shots, there are only limited alternatives to gluten-containing beer. Now and then, wine is also offered for this reason, but more often cider or, in the Rhine-Main region, apple wine. Refreshing and, above all, not so strong alcohol.

Here are some examples of gluten-free drinks often available at festivals:

- Water: Water is always a good choice and usually available everywhere.

- Fruit juices: Freshly squeezed juices from various fruits are often available at festivals. Make sure they are not mixed with other ingredients that could contain gluten.

- Sodas: Many sodas are gluten-free, but it's important to check the ingredients list as some brands may contain gluten-containing ingredients.

- Cider: Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apples. Many cider brands are gluten-free, but here too, it is advisable to check the labels.

- Wine: Most wines are naturally gluten-free. However, it is important to note that some wines may contain gluten-containing ingredients during the fining process.

- Gluten-free beer: In recent years, gluten-free beer brands have also come onto the market. These beers are either brewed with gluten-free ingredients such as millet, rice or buckwheat, or the gluten is broken down during the brewing process with the help of enzymes.

FOOD

The gluten-free offerings vary greatly at different festivals. Additionally, it is always important to speak with the food stalls themselves to ensure that there is no cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Here are some examples of gluten-free foods often available at festivals:

- French fries: French fries are always available. BUT BE CAREFUL and please ask if they are really gluten-free. This means they consist of natural potato products, without breading and without additives, and are prepared in frying fat that is USED EXCLUSIVELY for this purpose.

- Grilled meat: Many grill stalls offer grilled meat such as chicken, beef or pork, which is generally gluten-free. However, pay attention to possible marinades or spice mixtures that could contain gluten.

- Salads: Salad stalls often offer gluten-free options, such as mixed green salads or salads with various vegetables. Make sure that no gluten-containing dressings or croutons are used.

- Rice dishes: There are often stalls that offer rice dishes such as fried rice or paella, which are generally gluten-free. However, always ask about the ingredients used and possible contamination.

- Gluten-free snacks: You may find stalls or food trucks that specifically offer gluten-free snacks, such as gluten-free chips, popcorn, nuts or seeds.

- Fruits and vegetables: Some festivals also have stalls where fresh fruits and vegetables are offered. These are naturally gluten-free and a healthy option.

Apart from that, it can actually be difficult at some festivals. I found the offerings at the world-renowned Tomorrowland disappointing, as they didn't even provide proper allergen labeling for their food. For its size and otherwise professional and detailed execution, this is truly somewhat negligent and disappointing. Nevertheless, at all festivals, polite and more or less competent responses were given to relevant inquiries. The offerings and allergen labeling at Lollapalooza are exceptionally good. There you have a choice between Thai food, Indian, baked potatoes, and much more.

CONCLUSION

However, I think it's an overreaction to let a lack of gluten-free options deter you and therefore forgo a festival visit. You can always find some gluten-free option, even if it's a delicious Magnum! If the food offerings at the festival grounds still give you a stomachache, you can, of course, bring your own small snacks. My packing list for "Festival Food" includes, for example, homemade energy balls, nuts, fruit, and muesli bars – this way you'll certainly get by and do yourself some good!

Admittedly, it's not always easy, but with a little preparation, flexibility, and GluteoStop tablets as a precaution before each consumption, it's absolutely feasible.

So, let the anticipation for the next festivals begin!

Your

Lisa

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