Gluten-Free Product: The Choice of Quality and Indulgence
A gluten-free product ? Let's decode it !
What is a gluten-free product ?
First of all, we had fun looking up the definition of the word "gluten" on Google, and here’s what came up: "Viscous nitrogenous substance that remains after the removal of starch from cereal flours." Frankly, this scientific definition is rather complicated, so we’ll share our way of explaining what gluten is (even to children).
Before talking about "without," you need to understand what "gluten" is, don’t you think? Gluten is a mixture of proteins naturally found in cereal grains such as wheat, barley, spelt, rye, etc., and it gives elasticity and binding to dough (to help you remember: gluten has the same root as "glue"). Without it, you can expect crumbly textures or what we call "Estouffe-gari" (a local term for something very dry and hard to swallow).
This protein can cause food intolerance known as celiac disease. But we’ll talk about that in a future article!
So, to summarize: a gluten-free product is one made without cereal grains and therefore without wheat flour, spelt flour, etc. For simplicity, look for the crossed-out wheat ear logo on the packaging, which certifies the absence of gluten in the recipe!
Which cereals do not contain gluten?
Interestingly, not all cereals contain gluten! And you don’t have to look far; you probably already know some! Here are three you likely have in your pantry, which also come in flour form (of course, there are others)...
Rice
A very digestible cereal with a neutral taste, it's probably the best-known substitute for wheat in baking. An excellent source of fiber, antioxidants, and vegetable proteins, it also provides B vitamins, various minerals, and essential trace elements.
Our take: not super indulgent...
Corn
We’re not talking about corn kernels for your salad but corn flour, used in cooking or baking (not to be confused with cornstarch). Generally mixed with other flours (chestnut, rice, etc.), it can also be used alone. With a neutral and subtly sweet taste, it is appreciated in baking for adding lightness to recipes. Crepes, pie crusts, cakes... it’s one of the few that provides a satisfactory texture in baking.
Our view? Nice, but still not indulgent enough for us!
Quinoa
Technically, quinoa is not a cereal. It's a small seed belonging to the family of plants called "Chenopodiaceae" (the same family as beets and spinach). Quinoa flour, like the two mentioned above, is very digestible and rich in nutrients, but in terms of taste, it has a slight bitterness combined with nutty notes. In practice, it should be used sparingly because it is very absorbent! If a recipe calls for 200g of wheat flour, replace it with 100g of quinoa. Halving the quantity is the simplest method for its use.
Our opinion? We don't use it in our gluten-free biscuits. Want to know our favorite ingredient for super indulgent gluten-free recipes? The answer is just below...
What to use instead of gluten in baking?
You’ll surely find many articles online suggesting a multitude of substitutes (buckwheat, chickpeas, coconut, chestnut...), but at Biscuiterie de Provence, we swear by almonds! Our beloved ingredient that we have always used in our specialties and which has made them famous over the years (even decades!).
Almond flour, naturally gluten-free, is an excellent alternative for those who cannot or do not want to consume gluten. Unlike rice flour, which has a high glycemic index, almonds offer numerous benefits such as being rich in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, in addition to being deliciously indulgent!
We love its texture, its flavors, its indulgence... Note that we make our own almond flour! We receive whole almonds and, like a roaster, we grind the almonds at the last moment to release their aromas. It is this almond flour, with its intense flavors, that we use in our doughs in the workshop.
Which biscuits or cakes to eat when you are gluten intolerant ?
It’s true that being in the snack aisle of your grocery store can be daunting if you are gluten intolerant. At Biscuiterie de Provence, our customers are happy to stock up on gluten-free products thanks to our delicious recipes and the variety of our ranges.
However, let’s be clear, our certified gluten-free products are not JUST for celiacs! We never intended to bake our specialties specifically to satisfy gluten intolerants. We are happy to delight the taste buds of all sweet tooths, whether they are intolerant or not. That’s what our customers love about our products. They are divinely good and please the whole family !
Traditional Gluten-Free Macarons
At Biscuiterie de Provence, you won’t find macarons formed by two shells like at Ladurée, but your sweet cravings will still be satisfied... Our almond macarons are one of our best sellers.
Made using traditional methods, our macarons have been delighting young and old gourmets for over 20 years. Appreciated for their wonderfully soft center, they are as delicious as they are delicate, combining the best ingredients for unique flavor combinations!
Rich in almonds (between 30 and 43% per recipe), with very short ingredient lists (based on almonds, sugar, honey, and eggs) for small pastries, gluten-free and dairy-free, simply irresistible!
Our range of almond macarons: Provence IGP honey, organic almond, organic lemon, organic chocolate, organic hazelnut, organic fig, and Valrhona Guanaja dark chocolate.
Moist Cakes Approved by Gluten Intolerants
In the same vein as our Almond Macarons, the range of soft cakes (many organic gluten-free options) has delighted almond pastry enthusiasts for over 20 years with its irresistible softness, exceptional fineness on the palate, and natural, preservative-free ingredients. Its unique packaging ensures long shelf life and allows it to be enjoyed at any time, possibly warmed, on its own or accompanied by cream, ice cream, or fruit salad.
This range offers numerous advantages with its quick and easy unmolding, anywhere. This dessert can be enjoyed at any time, for a snack or dessert. Athletes appreciate it as a quick snack, and families enjoy it during picnics. Our pastries truly have something for everyone, and since our customers are the best judges, here are some reviews from our product pages:
"Our guests have no idea that this excellent dessert is gluten-free."
"I serve it regularly to my guests. Always as healthy and tasty."
"Super tasty with a 'clean' composition and ESPECIALLY gluten-free. Thank you for the little gift in the package."
"Always as delicious. A gustatory experience."
As we say, you will be pleasantly surprised by our gourmet specialties! Gluten-free chocolate, gluten-free hazelnut, gluten-free lemon, or even gluten-free fruit... Whether you follow a gluten-free diet or not, our pastries win everyone over!
Biscuiterie de Provence Gluten-Free Certified Products
Gourmet specialties certified by AFDIAG
Rich in almonds, our gluten-free desserts, certified with the AFDIAG logo (Association Française des Intolérants Au Gluten), do not need 'fake gluten' to achieve an ultra-melting texture and an inimitable taste!
Who said gluten-free lacks flavor? In our factory, we specialize in creating 100% gourmet pastries, like homemade. Our goal? To bring the whole family and friends together for moments of sharing at snack or dessert time, without worrying about which products contain gluten. Our treats are so delicious that everyone, whether celiac or not, enjoys them with pleasure. Because WITHOUT gluten, yes, but WITH lots of taste, thanks to our carefully selected ingredients.
Manufactured and packaged in a dedicated gluten-free facility, our expertise and control measures allow us to guarantee the absence of gluten, validated by analyses and audits. You will see the famous crossed grain AFDIAG logo on all our gluten-free specialty packaging.
Say goodbye to gluten-free biscuits with dubious ingredient lists already on the market, and indulge in deliciously natural specialties! You will see the famous AFDIAG certified crossed grain logo on each package, along with a social security code for expense reimbursement.
Gluten-Free Products Reimbursed by Social Security
To help people with celiac disease follow their gluten-free diet, it’s important to know that Health Insurance can partially cover some of their expenses under certain conditions, providing all necessary documentation.
Flours, breads, pasta, and biscuits, each food category has its own reimbursement base, regardless of where you purchase your gluten-free treats! Whether in physical stores, online shops, supermarkets, or even pharmacies, you benefit from the same reimbursement conditions!
To know the amount of reimbursement, we direct you to an article on the AFDIAG website where you will also find a guide to the reimbursement of gluten-free products: https://www.afdiag.fr/au-quotidien/remboursement-des-produits-sans-gluten/
Order Our Gluten-Free Specialties Online
Order our guaranteed gluten-free recipes from our Factory! You will enjoy our special offers, discounts, and packaging options that we offer exclusively to our private customers. Here are the benefits of ordering from Biscuiterie de Provence:
- Responsive customer service reachable by phone (have a question? Need help? We are at your disposal)
- Exclusive offers, promotions, and events every month
- Secure payment (Credit Card, Check, Paypal)
- Careful order preparation
- Fast shipping with parcel tracking
- Invoice available for download in your customer account
- An attractive loyalty program
Do you or a family member follow a gluten-free diet or want to avoid gluten? Do not hesitate to contact us for any information request!
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VISITING THE FACTORY
Dive into the history of the Biscuit Factory, have fun with several playful activities adapted for the little ones, take a look at our various workshops (chocolate, calissons, biscuits...), discover how we work with passion and love for our beautiful region... Come and spend a pleasant family time, ending with a nice tasting in our gourmet hall of 300m2! You will find our 150 recipes, our fresh pastries and more than 350 locally sourced products carefully selected from producers near the Factory, and perhaps end with a little gourmet break in our tea room area.