Gluten Free Holidays on Madeira are Easy to Have

Gluten Free Holidays on Madeira are Easy to Have

Gluten Free on Madeira

A gluten allergy or intolerance is, unfortunately, a fairly common problem.  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If a person suffers from a gluten intolerance, this protein can cause digestive problems such as gassiness, abdominal pains and cramps or diarrhea.  Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten allergy, affecting the immune system.  Hence, finding gluten free (GF) food and restaurants on holiday can be tricky and makes the holidays less enjoyable.

In this post, we will focus on gluten free and not on celiac suited GF (which is much more complex).  Hopefully, it will help you enjoy Madeira even more.

Gluten Free Food on Madeira?

To eat gluten free, you can indulge in the following products:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Meat and poultry
  • Fish and seafood
  • Dairy
  • Beans, legumes, and nuts

None of the above are hard to find fresh on Madeira Island.  Furthermore, the two main supermarket chains on Madeira ( Continente & Pingo Doce ) have a GF range.

Sem Gluten Pingo Doce - Gluten Free Madeira

Sem Gluten Continente - Gluten Free Madeira

Please look for the logo here below to make sure that what you buy really is gluten free.

Sem Gluten - Gluten Free Madeira

Restaurants

There is one restaurant on the island which prides itself on being solely gluten free and it is called: My Way.  However, there are many restaurants catering to a gluten free public.

For pastry and cake lovers, there is a superb address in downtown Funchal – Alfazema e Chocolate.  You can find it close to the Monte Cable Car departure.

Handy Gluten Free Card from non Portuguese speakers

Should you wonder whether a restaurant can cater to your dietary needs, here is a card which you can download and print before you go to Madeira.  It explains nicely what you mean by gluten free to restaurant personnel if you do not speak Portuguese.  To download the card, click Here.

A social media page is dedicated to gluten free eating on Madeira and it has many handy and helpful tips.  Another site lists many gluten free meals and snacks readily available in Portugal and on Madeira.

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