Free From
FAQs
Lactose intolerance is when the body cannot digest lactose. Lactose is a type of sugar which is mainly found in milk and dairy products.
If you are lactose intolerant, you may develop symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea and stomach cramps within a few hours of eating any food which contains lactose.
Lactose intolerance is a common issue amongst adults. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and some people may still be able to consume a small amount of dairy.
Fortunately, there are now a number of dairy alternatives available now which you can substitute for a lactose free diet, if you are unable to eat dairy.
As lactose is mainly found in dairy products, you should avoid anything containing dairy if you are sensitive to lactose.
This includes, but is not limited to, butter, cheese, cream and milk.
Luckily, you do not need to miss out on anything when following a dairy free diet as there are lots of alternative products available which do not contain any dairy.
There are lots of different dairy free milk alternatives to choose from, so you can try them all before deciding on the one you like best.
Gluten is the general name for the proteins which can be found in wheat.
Gluten can be found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye, which means that it is commonly found in foods like bread, pasta and pizza.
If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, then you will need to follow a gluten free diet.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where eating gluten can lead to damage in the small intestine. When this damage occurs, your body cannot properly absorb nutrients.
Common symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhoea, abdominal pain and indigestion.
Gluten sensitivity is a milder form of gluten intolerance, which is also more common.
Many of the symptoms of gluten sensitivity are the same as those of celiac disease, however, it is not as severe or as serious.
Gluten needs to be avoided at all costs if you have celiac disease. But if you are sensitive to gluten, you may be able to eat small amounts without experiencing serious discomfort.
If you do not have any digestive issues then eating gluten is not necessarily bad for you.
However, gluten is found in a lot of simple carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta, and is well known that eating too many of these can lead to weight gain.
Again, if you are or have become gluten intolerant, you do not have to miss out on all of your favourites.
Here at Holland & Barrett, we stock a wide range of gluten free foods, including gluten free bread, gluten free flour for baking and gluten free snacks.
Grains which contain gluten include rye, barley and spelt as well as wheat. Therefore, if something is wheat-free, it may not necessarily be gluten free as well.
If you do have a food intolerance or allergy, you should ensure that you check the label of any product to ensure that it doesn’t contain that food before eating.
If you, or someone you are buying for, have food allergies, intolerances or special dietary requirements, it should not follow that you have to miss out on everything that tastes good.
Our great range of free from foods are the perfect testament to this, with delicious alternatives available to cater for every type of allergy and intolerance.
Free from breakfast
Let’s start at the beginning, with the most important meal of the day.
Our free from breakfast cereal includes gluten free granola and gluten free muesli, both of which are great options if you have a gluten intolerance or suffer from coeliac disease.
Deliciously Ella Original Granola is free from both gluten and dairy and contains natural ingredients such as almonds, oats, cinnamon, orange juice, maple syrup, coconut chips, raisins and a mix of seeds.
Better still, it is high in fibre and absolutely delicious – making it perfect for an easy breakfast. Simply mix with fruit and yoghurt, milk or a vegan milk alternative, for a great start to the day.
The Deliciously Ella range also includes Fruity Bircher Muesli which is packed full of yummy ingredients including finely milled oats, apple and raspberry pieces as well as sunflower and chia seeds, for a sweet, crunchy breakfast.
It is gluten free, dairy free, high in fibre and a great source of protein.
Free from snacks
If you have got a sweet tooth, then the good news is that there are also lots of sweet snacks available in various free from ranges, including vegan and gluten free cakes, chocolate and sweets.
Nakd offer a range of gluten, wheat and dairy free bars which are also suitable for anyone following a vegan diet.
They contain all natural ingredients and best of all - no added sugar whatsoever! They are just raw fruit and nuts – ideal for lunchboxes or snacking.
The Nakd bars are available in a range of flavours, including Cocoa Orange Fruit & Nut Bar, Bakewell Tart and Blueberry Muffin amongst others.
Savoury free from foods
If you prefer savoury to sweet, then there are lots of options here too.
The Eat Real range offers a variety of different flavoured chips which are gluten free and also suitable for vegans.
Choose from Chilli Lemon Lentil Chips, Sea Salt Hummus Chips and Sour Cream & Chives Quinoa Chips.
Free from home baking ingredients
Baking for yourself or someone else with dietary requirements can be tricky but there are plenty of substitutions to ensure you get it just right.
For dairy intolerant or vegan bakers, we have lots of home baking alternatives.
Try swapping butter for coconut oil or a nut butter.
Egg replacements can also be used and, if the recipe calls for milk, try almond milk, soya milk or oat milk instead.
For any who is gluten intolerant or coeliac, you will find gluten free cooking essentials such as brown rice flour and coconut flour.
