Gluten-Free Product Review: Lucy's Holiday Cookies

Lucy's Holiday Gluten-Free Cookies Review

Stocking Stuffers for Celiac and GF-dieters, the easy way.

[by Kate — guest gluten-free blog author] 

Odds are that the Gluten Free friend, family member, or coworker on your Christmas/ Holiday list was not so naughty this year as to earn him or herself a nice big, hunk of coal. But, for anyone not super familiar with Gluten Free eating, finding the perfect GF stocking stuffer or small gift could pose a bit of a challenge. So much of a challenge, in fact, that coal might start to look like a decent solution. Okay! Maybe that's a stretch...

Over the years the Gluten Free market has become increasingly populated with pre-made food items that are both tasty and pretty affordable. They still, typically, cost a little more than their wheat-containing counterparts but there are a lot of options out there nowadays that won't break the bank.

Tasty pre-made Gluten Free baked goods, like cookies, are more readily available now than when my father went on the Gluten Free diet about 8 years ago. In fact, companies like Lucy's are even developing Gluten Free baked goods geared toward the holidays, including their new "Holiday Sugars" and "Chocolate Merry Mint" cookies.

Overall Impression

The cookies were fine. The holiday sugar cookie tasted more or less identical to their normal sugar cookie, it seems to vary mainly by way of holiday re-packaging and marketing. The chocolate mint cookie was the better of the two and is apparently actually produced as a special holiday-only flavor.

In general, I'd describe them both as crunchy though perhaps a bit silty on the tongue. But, I think they're decent (for pre-made GF cookies) and if I had to live completely within a gluten-free diet and/or within the restrictions a host of other allergies may impose, I'd definitely be happy eating them.  Not having any particular restrictions aside from being vegetarian (I can eat "normal" - non gluten-free foods if I choose to), I can honestly locate pre-made cookies I would rather eat instead.  Depending on your skill in the kitchen and time you have available, you can probably create overall better fresh homemade gluten-free cookies.  But, in a pinch, these should do just fine.

Diet Considerations

Both of Lucy's Holiday Cookie varieties satisfy an impressive range of common dietary restrictions; they are:

• Gluten Free
• Peanut Free
• Tree-Nut Free
• Dairy Free
• Egg Free
• Trans-Fat Free
• Kosher
• Cholesterol Free
• All Natural

In other words, whether you're searching for a small item as a gift or stocking stuffer for someone who is Gluten Free, Vegan, allergic to nuts, or lactose intolerant, these cookies have you covered!

Lucy's elimination of these allergens does not only speak to their interest in individuals practicing a range of specialty diets, it speaks to the company's awareness of an issue plaguing many Gluten Free eaters--a large number of the Gluten Free population, in addition to not tolerating wheat products, suffer a host of other food allergies and sensitivities. For the individuals with Gluten Free eating requirements and additional food allergies to boot, safe pre-made foods are hard to find, and Lucy'sis one of the companies that caters to them.

Lucy's commitment to their Gluten Free and Allergen afflicted client base is readily signaled on their website, which prominently displays their Gluten Free certification, their dedicated production facilities, and the list of allergens the company has made its reputation on excluding from its products. In addition, the website provides a page of Food Allergy Resources including links to support groups and information for persons with Celiac Disease or food allergies.

Continue to read this Gluten-Free Blog for all sorts of gluten-free recipes, product-reviews, and related information. In addition, visit my Gluten-Free Recipes Site where many of the recipes I have featured on this blog are available