Gluten Free Unwrapped

What happens when you can no longer choose your own food?In this season finale of Gluten Free Unwrapped, Jenny welcomes back disability rights attorney Mary Vargas to discuss one of the most overlooked topics in the celiac disease community: what rights do you have when someone else is responsible for feeding you safely?Together, they explore legal protections for people with celiac disease and food allergies in prisons, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.Mary shares insights from landmark cases involving incarcerated individuals denied medically necessary gluten-free meals and explains what the law does and does not protect when safe food is no longer fully within your control.In this episode, you'll learn:What rights incarcerated individuals have under the ADA and the ConstitutionHow prisons handle medically necessary diets like gluten-free dietsWhat protections apply in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilitiesWhat to do if a facility says it cannot accommodate your dietary needsWhen poor care crosses the line into disability discriminationThis powerful conversation is ultimately about dignity, equal access, and understanding your rights when your health is in someone else's hands. A must-listen episode for anyone with a food restriction.Connect with Mary VargasLinkedIn: @Mary VargasStein & Vargas LLPConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree)Subscribe to her weekly newsletterLinkedInInstagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox)Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription boxChapters00:00 Understanding Rights for Celiac and Food Allergies19:59 Food Access in Hospitals and Nursing Homes

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with registered dietitian and celiac disease expert Erin Kenny, founder of The Celiac Space, to tackle one of the most confusing topics in the gluten-free world: The Gluten Challenge.If you've already gone gluten-free but never received a definitive celiac disease diagnosis, should you start eating gluten again for testing? How much gluten is required? For how long? And is a Gluten Challenge always necessary?Erin breaks down the latest recommendations, explains who should and shouldn't consider a Gluten Challenge, and shares practical guidance for navigating the diagnostic process.Jenny and Erin also discuss the story of a well-known gluten-free influencer who spent years believing he had celiac disease, only to discover through genetic testing that celiac was unlikely. His experience highlights the importance of getting the right testing and understanding what a diagnosis can—and cannot—tell you.Whether you're newly gluten-free, questioning a past diagnosis, or trying to help a loved one navigate testing, this episode will help you better understand the path to answers.What You'll Learn:What a Gluten Challenge is and why it may be necessaryWho should consider a Gluten Challenge—and who may not need oneHow much gluten is required for accurate testingThe role of genetic testing in ruling celiac disease in or outWhat to do if you can't tolerate eating gluten againCommon misconceptions about celiac disease diagnosisHow to advocate for yourself during the testing processChapters00:00 Understanding the Gluten Challenge10:37 Erin's Personal Journey with Celiac Disease20:30 The Role of Genetic Testing22:56 Exploring Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity30:31 The Value of a Definitive DiagnosisConnect with Erin KennyThe Celiac Space websiteThe Celiac Space InstagramConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree)Subscribe to her weekly newsletterLinkedInInstagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox)Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box

What rights do people with celiac disease actually have? In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with disability rights attorney Mary Vargas to break down how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people living with celiac disease and food allergies.Mary shares how her family’s personal experiences led her into disability rights law and walks through landmark cases involving restaurants, colleges, camps, and public spaces that helped shape protections for the gluten-free community.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How celiac disease is protected under the ADAWhat rights you have in restaurants, schools, camps, and workplacesThe landmark cases changing gluten-free accommodationsWhat “reasonable accommodations” actually look likeWhy advocacy continues to create change for the gluten-free communityThis episode is an empowering conversation about inclusion, accessibility, and learning how to confidently advocate for yourself or your family while living gluten-free.Connect with Mary VargasLinkedIn: @Mary VargasStein & Vargas LLPConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Instagram (@goodforyouglutenfree)Subscribe to her weekly newsletterLinkedInInstagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox) Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription boxChapters00:00 Understanding Celiac Disease and Disability Rights05:41 Legal Protections Under the ADA09:02 Landmark Cases: JD vs. Colonial Williamsburg14:11 Restaurant Rights and Accommodations18:43 College Dining Rights and Responsibilities22:39 Navigating Workplace Accommodations37:13 When to Consider Litigation

In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with registered dietitian and celiac specialist Jessica Lebovits to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of living gluten-free: micronutrient deficiencies.Jessica explains why people with celiac disease are so prone to deficiencies in nutrients like iron, vitamin D, calcium, folate, and B12 — and why those deficiencies can persist even after going gluten-free. She also shares practical advice on nutrient testing, supplementation, and how to build a more nutrient-dense gluten-free diet.Jessica also discusses the published micronutrient guidelines she co-authored for people with celiac disease and why they’re such an important tool for long-term healing and wellness.What You'll Learn:Why nutrient deficiencies are common in celiac diseaseHow to approach supplements without overdoing itThe importance of a “food-first” approach to healingConnect with Jessica LebovitsInstagram: @gfree_rd & @bellybestieclubLinkedIn: @Jessica LebovitsMicronutrient Considerations for Celiac Disease published in Practical Gastroenterology: Micronutrient Considerations for Celiac DiseaseConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram and FacebookJenny on Instagram and subscribe to her newsletter.Jenny on LinkedIn Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription boxChapters00:00 – Why Nutrients Matter on a Gluten-Free Diet06:00 – The Most Common Deficiencies in Celiac Disease13:00 – What Nutrient Levels Celiacs Should Be Testing21:30 – Food First vs. Supplements: What Actually Helps?

What happens when a childhood rooted in farming, homemade food, and simple ingredients meets the modern need for clean, portable snacks? In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny sits down with Zora Tabin, founder of Wild Zora, to talk about her incredible journey from growing up in communist-era Czechoslovakia to building one of the most trusted clean snack brands in the gluten-free space.Zora shares how her family’s connection to farming, whole foods, and using every part of the animal shaped the way she thinks about food today. She opens up about moving to the US and eventually launching Wild Zora from her Colorado kitchen after struggling to find truly healthy, protein-packed snacks for her family.Jenny and Zora also dive into:Why clean ingredients matter more than everThe truth about “natural flavors”How Wild Zora pioneered protein-forward snacks before the trend explodedThe realities of building a self-manufacturing food businessWhy so many gluten-free consumers rely on portable meals and snacksThe growing interest in organ meats, freeze-dried foods, and regenerative agricultureWhether you’re gluten-free, ingredient-conscious, or simply curious about how thoughtful food brands are built, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and inspiration.Connect with Wild ZoraWebsite: wildzora.comInstagram: @wildzorafoodsFacebook: @Wild Zora FoodsLinkedin: @Wild Zora FoodsConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Zora Tabin and Wild Zora02:01 Zora's Background and Connection to Food04:29 Journey to the U.S. and Colorado08:07 Inception of Wild Zora: The Business Idea10:47 The Clean Eating Movement and Family Needs12:44 Challenges in Sourcing Ingredients15:39 Feedback and Growth in Farmers Markets17:13 Transitioning to Retail and Post-COVID Strategy20:38 Partnership with Josh and Self-Manufacturing22:58 Building a Brand with Personal Touch26:01 Navigating Challenges Post-COVID29:24 Innovations in Freeze-Drying Technology32:15 Catering to Diverse Dietary Needs36:21 Maintaining Creative Freedom in Business39:06 Connecting with the Community through Quality Products

Today on Gluten Free Unwrapped, we're tackling the topics that cause the most arguments, confusion, and anxiety in the celiac community. In fact, if you spend any time in gluten-free Facebook groups or on social media, you know that the rules of living with celiac disease can sometimes feel intense and contradictory.To help us separate fact from fiction, host Jenny Finke chats with Selena DeVries, a Registered Dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and is the voice behind Celiac Made Simple on Instagram.In this episode, Jenny and Selena discuss:How misinformation in online forums shaped Selena's approach to celiac disease today.Myth or Fact? Selena debunks many myths, including:Can you use a shared toaster?Is there gluten in envelopes?Is it safe to kiss a partner who just ate gluten?Are convection ovens a risk for cross-contamination?Do you need to worry about gluten in cosmetics?Decoding Food Labels: Selena shares the truth behind:Why some products can contain wheat and still be gluten-freeWhat precautionary labels like "May contain wheat" actually meanAre oats safe?This is another can't-miss episode to help you live your best gluten-free life.Connect with Selena DeVries, RDInstagram: @celiac_made_simpleWebsite: selenard.comConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Celiac Confusion03:07 Selena DeVries: A Celiac's Journey06:02 Fact vs. Fiction: The Shared Toaster Debate09:03 Envelope Glue: Myth Busting12:03 Kissing After Gluten: Understanding the Risks14:52 Convection Ovens: Debunking Cross-Contamination Myths20:12 Understanding Gluten in Cosmetics24:32 Decoding Food Labels for Celiac Safety33:37 The Controversy of Oats in a Gluten-Free Diet37:38 Navigating the Gluten-Free Journey with Confidence

We’re tackling the most debated device in the gluten-free community: Nima Sensor.If you’ve ever stared at a restaurant meal wondering, "Is this actually safe?" you’ve probably considered buying a Nima. But let’s be honest, the brand has had a rocky history. Amid debates over accuracy, fears of false positives, and the sudden disappearance of the product (and company) last year, the celiac community's trust is low.Earlier this year, Nima launched a comeback with new ownership and a revamp of the product. Is it better? And, can you trust it?In this highly anticipated episode, Jenny talks with Mike Glick, the new CEO of Nima, to ask the hard questions. Mike doesn't hold back as he unpacks the controversies, explains how the technology has been rebuilt from the ground up, and shares what every celiac needs to know about testing their food.We'll uncover the truth about:The Big Relaunch: What’s changed, and why the new team had to rebuild the tech from scratch.The Accuracy Debate: We tackle false positives, cross-contact, and how to interpret what the sensor is telling you.The Mental Health Toll: Does testing your food give you peace of mind or cause more food anxiety?The Future of Nima: What’s next and how Nima plans to win back trust.If you’re a die-hard Nima user or a total skeptic, you cannot afford to miss this episode.Coupon: GOODFORYOUGLUTENFREE for 15% off your purchase (affiliate).Additional Reading: What You Need to Know About the Nima Gluten Device Before You Buy – Perspective from a Celiac & Nutrition ProfessionalConnect with Mike and NIMAWebsite: nimanow.comInstagram: @nimapartnersFacebook: @NIMA PartnersLinkedIn: @Mike GlickConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

What does it really look like to live with more than one chronic condition?In this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny Finke is joined by Lorin Smith, creator of Good Gluten Free Grub. Lorin lives with both celiac disease and type 1 diabetes, and she’s built a powerful community through her content on social media, her podcast, and gluten-free events in Utah.We talk honestly about managing both conditions, from the daily realities of food and blood sugar management to the emotional weight of trying to feel “normal.”We also deep dive into GLP-1 medications, and Lorin shares her personal experience with the wonder drug, including how it has impacted how she manages her celiac and diabetes symptoms, and some of the surprise side effects it's had in her overall health journey, and how she thinks it could help others struggling with chronic disorders.In This Episode, We Cover:The stress of managing two chronic conditions: celiac disease and type 1 diabetesLorin’s experience using GLP-1 medicationsWhat to consider if you’re curious about GLP-1s and you have celiac or type 1 diabetesHer experiences building a gluten-free social media following, podcast, and local communityConnect with Lorin (Good Gluten Free Hub)Website: goodglutenfreegrub.comInstagram: @goodglutenfreegrubFacebook: @GoodglutenfreegrubLinkedIn: @Lorin SmithThe Good Gluten Free Grub PodcastConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.comChapters00:00 – Introduction & Lorin's Story04:03 – Celiac Diagnosis & Finding Relief08:03 – Discovering the Gluten-Free Community12:46 – Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis16:12 – Celiac & Type 1 Connection22:06 – Managing Two Chronic Conditions23:27 – Discovering GLP-1 Medications28:11 – Life on GLP-1: Results & Impact33:37 – Side Effects & Responsible Use37:40 – Advice for GLP-1 & Chronic Illness39:55 – Building a Gluten-Free Business & Community46:45 – Rapid Fire + Final Thoughts

Today on Gluten-Free Unwrapped, Jenny Finke interviews Kristine Tran, the co-founder of NUFS, a fast-growing seed-oil-free cracker brand found at Sprouts and Whole Foods.While the crackers are amazing, what makes this brand truly special is the story behind it.Kristine shares how her father’s health challenges, including a diabetes diagnosis, became the catalyst for creating a product she and her co-founder/sister, Jess, felt proud to feed their own family. In this conversation, we talk about the early pivots that shaped NUFS, including their shift from superfood bites to crackers, the realities of building and scaling a food brand, and what it’s like to run a business with your sister.We also dig into what it takes to stand out in a crowded CPG space, why certifications like gluten-free and kosher matter, and how they think about ingredient quality, pricing, and building trust with their customers.And of course, we talk about the fun stuff too, including how Kristine came up with the Hot Honey flavor and what might be coming next.In This Episode, We Cover:The personal story behind NUFS and how their father’s health inspired the brandKristine’s background in finance and how it shaped a thoughtful, customer-first approachThe evolution from superfood bites to crackers, and why they made the pivotWhat it’s really like building a business with your siblingHow they developed a clean-label cracker that actually tastes goodThe story behind their Hot Honey flavor and what makes it so uniqueHow they broke into major retailers like Sprouts and Whole FoodsThe realities of scaling a food business and growing quicklyWhy gluten-free and kosher certifications have been key to building trustTheir perspective on pricing, ingredients, and educating consumersFood trends they’re watching and what’s next for NUFSDiscountUse code LOVEME10 for a special discount at getnufs.com. Connect with Kristine (NUFS)Website: getnufs.comInstagram: @getnufsFacebook: @NUFSLinkedIn: @Kristine TranConnect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.com

On this episode of Gluten-Free Unwrapped, we welcome Nicole Hunn, the mastermind behind Gluten Free on a Shoestring. Nicole is a bestselling cookbook author, prolific recipe creator, blogger, and entrepreneur.We dive deep into Nicole’s journey - starting from her early days navigating life as a new mom with a son diagnosed with celiac disease, to leaving her career as a lawyer to start one of the most influential GF blogs in the world.Nicole shares the inspiration behind her cookbooks, her philosophy on creating nostalgic “favorite” recipes, and the story of how she created her all-purpose GF flour blend.In this episode, you’ll hear Nicole’s expert insights on:How she navigated the early days of GF cooking for her son and turned frustration into a blog and cookbook seriesHer best recipe hacks and advice for baking gluten-free with confidence (hint: flour blends matter more than you think.)How changes in blogging, social media, and the digital landscape are shaping the future of recipe creatorsNicole’s personal reflections, proudest accomplishments, and her goals for the futureConnect with Nicole and Gluten-Free on a ShoestringWebsite: glutenfreeonashoestring.comInstagram: @gfshoestringFacebook: @Gluten Free on a ShoestringLinkedIn: @Nicole HunnGet her bread recipe here.Connect with Jenny Finke (host)Follow Love Me Gluten Free on Instagram (@lovemeglutenfree) and Facebook (@lovemeglutenfreebox).Follow Jenny's founder content on Instagram at @goodforyouglutenfree and subscribe to her newsletter at welcome.goodforyouglutenfree.com.Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfinke/Order a Love Me Gluten Free subscription box at lovemeglutenfree.comChapters00:00 – Meet Nicole Hunn3:00 – A Life-Changing Diagnosis8:30 – The “Dark Ages” of Gluten-Free Food13:00 – Learning to Bake from Scratch15:00 – Building Gluten-Free on a Shoestring18:00 – Cookbook Success & Recipe Development22:00 – The Science of Gluten-Free Flour28:00 – Best (and Worst) Gluten-Free Flours34:00 – Food Restrictions, Elimination Diets & Balance37:00 – The Reality of Blogging Today48:00 – Raising the Standard for Gluten-Free Food54:00 – Rapid Fire: Recipes, Favorites & Kitchen Truths1:03:00 – Where to Find Nicole + What’s Next