Visiting the UK

Hotels

There are a lot of hotels which can provide gluten-freeWhen a food has less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten so it is safe for people with coeliac disease to eat. meals.

• Before you book a hotel, contact them in advance to ask if they are able to cook glutenA protein that is found in the cereals wheat, barley and rye. -free meals for you
• When you arrive at your hotel check again with staff at reception
• When you have your first meal, check again with the waiter
• Many of the larger hotels prefer to discuss the menu with you to find out which of the meals are gluten-free or which ones can be made gluten-free.

Eating in restaurants

Eating out in the UK is easy as long as you ask the right questions. There is a wide variety of restaurant chains and independent restaurants which are able to provide gluten-free meals.

• Ask the head waiter or chef which dishes are gluten-free and suitable. Some restaurants have a separate gluten-free menu
• If they are not sure, have a look through the menu and find dishes that you think may be gluten-free. Ask the waiter or chef to check if there is any gluten in the ingredients
• Check dishes such as soups, sauces and sausages with the restaurant staff
• Even if a soup or salad is gluten-free, remind the staff not to add croutons or bread
• If you contact us we can provide a list of restaurants in the area you are visiting which have been recommended by our Members on our online venue guide.

Shopping for gluten-free food

There is generally a good range available so buying gluten-free food should not be a problem. You can buy gluten-free foods from supermarkets, health food stores and from some pharmacies.

Supermarkets

• Specialist gluten-free products such as bread, pasta, crackers and biscuits can be found in the ‘Free from’ aisle in these stores
• The main supermarkets in the UK are Tesco, ASDA, Morrison’s, Waitrose and Sainsbury's
• Many supermarkets use a gluten-free symbol on some of their products which can be useful
• Many other foods such as cooking sauces, soups and ready meals are also gluten-free. All packaged foods bought in the UK are covered by labelling laws which means that you can tell whether a product is gluten-free or not. You can find out more about this on our page about reading labels.

Health food stores

• Health food stores such as Julian Graves and Holland & Barratt usually stock gluten-free foods.

Pharmacies

• Some of the larger pharmacies will have a display of gluten-free foods for you to choose from, while others will be able to order products for you to collect the following day. These special gluten-free foods can be expensive, so ask the price before you place your order.

Choosing safe foods

• All packaged foods bought in the UK are covered by labelling laws which means that you can tell whether a product contains gluten or not. You can find out more about this on our page about reading labels
• We produce a Food and Drink DirectoryOur annual Directory of gluten-free food and drink which manufacturers voluntarily submit to. which lists foods you can eat. You can order a copy of the Directory by calling our HelplineOur Helpline is staffed by dietitians and food experts. You can call them on 0845 305 2060. on 0845 305 2060 or by visiting our online shop.

Longer stays in the UK

If you are planning to stay in the UK for a long time you may like to get in touch with other people in the area with coeliac diseaseA condition where a person is unable to eat gluten as it makes their body attack itself. .

Coeliac UK has a wide network of local groups throughout the UK who have lots of local information about where to eat and buy gluten-free in the area. Find the group nearest to you on our local group page.