World’s largest gluten-free expo: Samples, cooking demos, beer and more

Those following a gluten-free diet will want to leave Sunday open. The world’s largest gluten-free expo is coming to the Pasadena Convention Center.

There will be sample-doling gluten-free-food vendors, a gluten-free beer garden and demonstrations of gluten-free cooking by former Bon Appetit food editor Kristine Kidd; chef Anna Sobaski; and Alex Thomopolous, host of “Bites & Booze: Gluten Free” on YouTube.

The Celiac Disease Foundation is holding the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More than 100 exhibitors will participate.

PHOTOS: Gluten-free dessert recipes

The term “gluten free” may sound like just another food fad highlighted in an aisle at Whole Foods, but it’s related to a real medical condition: celiac disease, caused by an adverse reaction to gluten.

There are countless blogs and websites devoted to gluten-free products and recipes, and the diet has gone mainstream. You can even order a gluten-free pizza crust from Domino’s.

Those wanting to learn more about gluten sensitivity can register to attend a national education conference to be held Saturday at the Pasadena Convention Center. Drs. Joseph Murray of the Mayo Clinic and Peter H.R. Green of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University are scheduled to speak.

Expo admission is $20 for adults and $15 for children at the door. Admission to the conference is $105. Special pricing is available for CDF members, and tickets also can be purchased for a breakfast. All conference attendees receive free admission to the expo Sunday.

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