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By: Chaya Hagler
Being gluten-free can be tough, and living gluten-free while keeping kosher in an out-of-town community? Even tougher. But thankfully, here in Jacksonville, we have some great options that make it a little easier to enjoy delicious food without feeling deprived.
Craving Israeli food or a burger? Gili's Kitchen has got your back. You can grab a burger on a gluten-free bun or on a bed of lettuce, enjoy a shawarma platter (just hold the pita), or dig into a hummus plate. And for dessert, don’t miss their flourless chocolate cake. It's rich, decadent, and, best of all, gluten-free.
Sometimes you just want some dairy comfort food, and that’s where Beyer’s Bakery comes in. Beth makes incredible gluten-free pizza and will prepare it for you before she starts her regular pizza run, ensuring the kitchen is clean from flour. It’s a game changer.
Over at Chabad of Southside, you’ll find a gem: Ahava Café. Whether you want to eat outside with a beautiful water view or cozy up inside, you’re in for a treat. Their fresh salads are amazing, especially when topped with the best pesto dressing, and you can enjoy any of their sandwiches or paninis on gluten-free bread.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, Nothing Bundt Cakes always has at least one gluten-free flavor. Perfect for a special occasion or just a sweet treat.
And if you’re looking for more options, places like Olive My Pickle and local kosher ice cream shops have you covered too. Plus, within a quick 6-minute drive from the Mandarin area, you’ve got Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, both packed with gluten-free goodies. From cookies and muffins to baking ingredients and snacks, there’s always something to satisfy your cravings.
For gluten-free products, don’t miss out on some great finds at local stores. At Whole Foods, look for Abe's gluten-free muffins, Lesser Evil snacks, Mid Day Squares, Simple Mills treats, and Jovial pasta—which, in my opinion, is the best gluten-free pasta. You’ll also find a variety of gluten-free breads. Many of these can also be found at Walmart, making it easy to grab your favorites while shopping for other essentials. Trader Joe’s is another fantastic option, offering gluten-free cookies, pasta, seasonal baked goods (when available), overnight oats, granola bars, and snacks like chips, Bamba, and corn chips. Winn-Dixie, particularly at the Loretta and San Jose location, carries a selection of gluten-free items, including gefilte fish, mock crab, kosher cheeses, and proteins, making it easier for those keeping kosher to find gluten-free options.
Another hidden gem just a 12-minute drive from our neighborhood is Mega Liquidation. This spot offers products from stores like BJ’s, Target, and Sprouts. Items that are being discontinued, no longer carried, have undergone packaging changes, or are nearing expiration. Prices can be incredibly low, sometimes as little as $0.50! You’ll find a wide range of goods, from pantry staples and snacks to refrigerated and frozen items—even, at times, kosher wine. While selection can be hit or miss, it’s usually a major win; I can fill a cart for under $50! Just be sure to check labels carefully for expiration dates, gluten-free status, and kosher certifications. Totally worth a visit! Bonus: Beyond food, they also carry housewares, clothing, bedding, rugs, and more.
For a convenient option, consider Thrive Market, an online store that delivers right to your door. You can filter your searches to show gluten-free and kosher products, making shopping super easy. They offer a huge range of items, including their own brand, which features a variety of healthier snacks and pantry items that are both kosher and gluten-free—many are even seed oil-free. From pasta and boxed mac and cheese to couscous, different kinds of rice, gluten-free flours and baking ingredients, muffin and cake mixes, cookies, and chocolate—if it’s gluten-free, they likely have it. Anything I can’t find locally, I order from Thrive Market and have it delivered straight to my door. Plus, if you use my referral link, you’ll get 40% off your first order and a free gift: http://thrv.me/TencCt.
For those venturing out on day trips, St. Augustine, Ormond Beach, and Amelia Island offer great spots with kosher and gluten-free options. In St. Augustine, you can grab a treat at Ben & Jerry’s, which offers a variety of gluten-free flavors. For a more substantial meal, head to Gili’s Kitchen 2.0 in Ormond Beach, where they serve up delicious gluten-free dishes. If you find yourself in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, be sure to stop by Cinnamon Bear Ice Cream, where you’ll not only find gluten-free options but also spot a mezuzah on the door, adding a warm, familiar touch to your sweet treat. FYI, for places like Ben & Jerry’s and Cinnamon Bear, check their ingredient books to ensure you're choosing flavors that are gluten-free and kosher-certified. These books provide detailed information on ingredients and certifications.
These spots are perfect for those looking to enjoy tasty food while traveling outside of Jacksonville without compromising on dietary needs. Whether you're exploring St. Augustine's historic charm, relaxing by the beach in Ormond, or visiting Amelia Island, these eateries make your day trip that much more enjoyable.
Being gluten-free might have its challenges, but here in Jacksonville, we definitely don’t have to feel deprived. It has become a surprisingly great place to navigate, with restaurants, stores, and even hidden gems catering to our needs. There’s no reason to feel limited—we can still enjoy amazing food and great finds while sticking to our dietary needs. Great food is always within reach!