Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Baseball and summer go together like peanut butter and jelly. I love going to a Saturday afternoon game or a warm summer night contest. I try to always be responsible by having a meal beforehand that will hold me over, but sometimes I need a mid-game snack. Whether the innings are particularly long, the game goes into extra innings or I just want to indulge in some over-priced, unhealthy stadium food, every now and then it’s necessary.

Most stadiums and most security guards won’t give you a hard time if you bring your own snack and sandwich and explain your “food allergy”, but if you forget your snack or finish it and are still hungry, you may have to venture to the concession stands. This can be a risky endeavor because the cleanliness and therefore cross-contamination-freeness of stadium concessions stands can be iffy, so always scope out the situation (whether you’re gluten intolerant or not!) before ordering. Hebrew National and Ballpark Franks are gluten free, as are cotton candy and whole, still in the shell peanuts (but check the package anyway!). Popcorn can be ok, but that depends on what it’s cooked in. If you have your tickets in advance, call up the stadium’s customer service and inquire about all the brands and ingredients. I know Yankee and Shea Stadiums sell Carvel ice cream, which is also gluten free (although the chocolate crunchies and sprinkles are not)!

So, as usual...be well prepared by eating before the game, bringing your own gluten free snacks and trying to get as much information as possible ahead of time. Enjoy the baseball season and Let’s Go Yankees! Sorry, Red Sox fans....check out GFDelights.com to find a great pre or post-game restaurant to accommodate your gluten free needs!