Strictly Gluten Free, located at 396 A Larkfield Road in East Northport, is a premiere Gluten Free Market with a personal touch. Husband and wife owners, Steve and Angela Distefano had the idea for Strictly Gluten Free five years ago when Angela was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. They knew that as a family they would be living a new lifestyle but they also agreed they were not ready to sacrifice flavor or budget to live that lifestyle. The couple realized that other people were in the same situation. The Distefano’s did not just open a storefront and stock foods with Gluten Free labels. They spent two years doing research and located the BEST possible products to bring to their market. That research is never ending; Steve attends trade shows throughout the year and tastes every single product that comes into the store. “We don’t want people to sacrifice when choosing gluten free foods, not nutritional value, price, and especially not taste.” Steve is an active participant in the gluten free community locally and nationally holding positions on the board of directors of both Kicking 4 Celiac Foundation and The Natural Products Association East.
The store itself is something to see. Products include, beverages, snacks, crackers, breads, breakfast, lunch, appetizers, grab and go items, cosmetics, pasta’s, gluten free flours, vitamins, supplements, even novelty items, like plastic free container bags, bamboo bottles and unique allergy alert charm bracelets. Strictly Gluten Free hosts in-houseeducational events, bringing in wellness experts and offers in store videos educating on food processing and GMO labeling. Currently Steve is working on putting together cooking demos at the store. “When someone comes in the store, we educate them on how to maintain the lifestyle wherever they may be.”
Make the trip, stop by this market even one time and you will see why this experience is so much more than an isle or a shelf in a grocery store. Strictly Gluten Free offers you a network; they understand the financial hardship that occurs if an entire family is living the lifestyle and as such they offer loyalty programs, discounts, knowledge, education, understanding and most importantly support. Owner Steve DiStefano says, “This is our lifestyle and we will help make it yours”. They understand the journey and hope to make it easier for those who follow after them. Every person with a gluten allergy or just a yearning for healthy products should head out there for a truly memorable experience.
Simply can’t make it out there? Strictly Gluten Free has an online web store and community that mirrors their brick and mortar location. www.strictlyglutenfree.com offers amazing products, an informative blog, discounts and an online community to be part of.
Strictly Gluten Free located at 396 A Larkfield Road East Northport opened seven days a week www.strictlyglutenfree. com.
