Gluten-free dining gets approval tick

Gluten-free foodies can eat with confidence at The Alkaline Cafe after the eatery became the region’s first to receive accreditation from Coeliac Australia.

The Albany cafe is the third eatery in WA to get CA accreditation, meaning no traces of gluten will be found in the kitchen or on the premises.

Owners Melissa and Joel Homewood said it was an easy decision to make their menu completely gluten-free.

“I have gluten intolerance and have experienced how difficult it is to find genuine gluten-free options when eating out,” Mrs Homewood said.

“Businesses don’t realise how strong the demand is for gluten-free and it really wasn’t that difficult for us at Alkaline Cafe to change our processes and menu to be completely gluten-free.

“It’s good to have a place that people with coeliac disease can come and eat with confidence.”

The cafe’s owners said their focus was on seasonal fresh produce sourced from local farmers. They grow vegetables, ferment their own kombucha and do not use refined sugar.

People with coeliac disease do not react well to gluten.

Even small amounts of the protein, which is found in wheat, barley, rye and oats, can damage the lining of the small intestine.

Coeliac Australia chief executive Michelle Laforest said eating out could be challenging for people with the disease.

“I congratulate Alkaline Cafe for taking all the necessary steps to join our accreditation program,” she said.