What is gluten?
The quick and easy answer is that gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and (sometimes) oats. (Oats need to be certified gluten-free to ensure that they are, in fact, gluten-free).

Why is avoiding gluten important?
For some, gluten can be toxic. There are many conditions such as Celiac Disease, Gluten Intolerance and other illnesses that render gluten toxic to the body. Although some people have chosen to avoid gluten simply because they feel better, it is generally a medical condition that needs attention. If you believe that gluten is making you sick please check the Gluten Intolerance Group's website for more information.

What is the treatment for Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance?
A lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.

If I, or one of my friends or loved ones, need to follow a gluten-free diet what food can we eat?
There are amazing options for living gluten-free and enjoying the food. Gone are the days of dry, crumbly cookies and bread that tasted like the packaging it came in. There are companies such as Pamela's Products that have devoted themselves to delicious gluten-free food, and you can create your own wonderful dishes. The following grains and starches are allowed (taken from the Gluten Intolerance Group's website): Rice, Corn, Soy, Potato, Tapioca, Beans, Garfava, Sorghum, Quinoa, Millet, Buckwheat, Arrowroot, Amaranth, Tef, Montina®, Nut Flours. Also, fruit, vegetables and meat* are naturally gluten-free. (*Always check additional ingredients in your meat to ensure that they have nothing added, most deli meats contain gluten fillers. There are brands that are gluten-free, check with the deli counter when ordering.)

The following grains contain gluten and are not allowed: Wheat (durum, semolina, kamut, spelt), Rye, Barley, Triticale. For a more complete list visit the Gluten Intolerance Group's website.

Where can I find more recipes?
Visit the Pamela's Products website and click on Recipes. Also, check back to our "How's It Going" blog for other participant's comments. You can also search online for gluten-free recipes or visit your local bookstore and pick-up a gluten-free cookbook.

What if I'm the only gluten-free person in my family?
GREAT! Invite the other members of your family to join you in the challenge. We don't want to make them live gluten-free forever, just for one weekend. Our hope is that they'll gain a better understanding for what you face everyday.

Does it cost money to do the Challenge?
No. The Gluten Free Challenge does not cost anything. It was created to help build community and to have fun.
There is never a fee involved.

How does the Gluten-Free Challenge work?
It's very easy. Simply sign up by filling out the form below. If you press the "submit" button you're pledging to live gluten-free for a complete weekend in May (if you already live gluten-free everyday, please remember to encourage your friends and loved ones to take the challenge)

Once you're signed up, we'll send you a Recipe of the Day and a helpful Tip of the Day every day for the month leading up to the challenge. You get to try (at least) one new recipe each day. By the time the challenge weekend rolls around, you'll have a full repertoire of recipes for creating a delicious and enjoyable weekend.

Our hope is that for the novice we'll help you get started, and for the seasoned pro you'll learn something new. The recipes are tantalizing and simple, and many are recipe contest winners.

When is the Gluten-Free Challenge?
In May, right in the heart of Gluten-free Awareness Month over the weekend of May 21 & 22. But, don't forget to sign up early for more chances to win free products, receive the daily recipes and tips, and share your experiences.

You can also join us on Facebook.

Why have a Gluten-Free Challenge?
Living gluten-free can feel isolating, but it shouldn't. We believe that if we invite our gluten-consuming friends and family to join us at the table, we can all enjoy a delicious meal together. Our goal is not to change everyone to a gluten-free diet, but to simply show our gluten-consuming friends and family that they can enjoy our food with us. We believe that everyone who to takes this challenge for their gluten-free loved one, will find that eating together is more enjoyable, easier and less stressful. We want to hear about dinner party invitations (without worry), breakfast in bed again, and all of the other wonderful food related ways we show we care... for everyone!