Finding gluten free products in Ottawa was not as difficult as I initially thought. As it turns out, many people are turning to a gluten free lifestyle, either due to allergies or due to a conscious effort to eat better. For myself, the change is due to an intolerance. So I began my quest to finding Ottawa stores that carried these goods. After months of searching the city, I was able to short list the best locations in downtown Ottawa.

1. Loblaws Superstores (both McArthur and Rideau locations)

The Loblaws Superstores have a section dedicated to gluten free foods, including various flours, pasta, snacks, and canned foods. A frozen foods section is also available for breads, pizza crusts, frozen dinners and tortillas.

2. The Natural Food Pantry (Billings Bridge Plaza, next to the food court)

This store has the widest selection of products that I have found in Ottawa. They sell many of the same products that are found at the Loblaws Superstores but also have a section of baked goods that don’t contain gluten. These are baked fresh daily and taste great!

3. Bulk Barn (South Keys location)

The best place to find cheap gluten free flours is The Bulk Barn. Here you can find teff flour, arrowroot flour, tapioca flour and various others. Since foods with no gluten are typically expensive, this store is definitely the best bang for your buck.

4. Rainbow Foods (Richmond Road)

Has a section of gluten free foods.

5. Nutrition House (Rideau Centre)

This is mainly a health food shop but does sell gluten free products.

Although I spend most of my money in the first 3 stores, I always make sure to buy my flours at the Bulk Barn. The savings are incredible. Just make sure to buy glass containers to store the flours and make labels for them for easy identification.