Did you know that May is Celiac Awareness Month? Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It affects nearly 1 in 100 people. Hy-Vee registered dietitians are in each store and are available to answer your questions related to gluten-free foods whether you have Celiac Disease, gluten-intolerance or are needing to limit gluten in your diet.

The Hy-Vee Registered Dietitian Pick of the Month is Glutino® gluten-free pretzel twists, sticks and chips. Glutino® has been making gluten-free products for more than 30 years, and customers have come to love their great-tasting product lines, from baking mixes to cookies to even pizza. Glutino® pretzel varieties are a great gluten-free snack option that can be dipped into hummus, made into nachos, complimented with veggies and even chopped up and added to energy bites!

Have you explored your Hy-Vee gluten-free section lately? If not, take a stroll down the aisle and see what is new. Our managers and dietitians take great pride in offering a large selection of gluten-free products for you to choose from. Due to advances in food technology, sensory evaluation and packaging, the quality of gluten-free baked goods has improved considerably over the past five years.

It is important to note that Hy-Vee also carries products throughout the store that are naturally gluten-free, including quinoa, rice, popcorn, potatoes, corn, beans, lentils, peas, fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, cheese and most yogurts, just to name a few. If you ever have questions, feel free to reach out to your local Hy-Vee Dietitian, who is your number one source for everything gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Pretzel Nachos

Serves: 8

All you need:

1 (8 oz) bag Glutino Gluten Free pretzel chips or pretzel twists

3 cups shredded 2% cheddar cheese

2 tomatoes, chopped

½ red onion, diced

¼ cup sliced black olives

2 green onions, for garnish

1 lime, cut into wedges for garnish

All you do:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a bowl, combine pretzel chips (or twists), cheese, tomatoes, onion and black olives.

3. Place mixture in an oven-safe baking dish and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted.

4. Top with green onions and a squeeze of lime.

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Nutrition Facts per serving: 260 calories, 13g fat, 7g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 30mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate, 3g fiber, 4g sugars, 11g protein. Daily Values: 15% vitamin A, 8% vitamin C, 30% calcium, 0% iron.

Source: Glutino Gluten Free Pretzels

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The information is not intended as medical advice.

Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

Laura Schmidt is a registered dietitian representing Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community.