No discussion about Feingold-safe food would be complete without mentioning Ian's Natural Foods.

They are the end-all, be-all of Feingold-safe and Gluten-free/Casein-free food. They are the type of food that if you only read the label, you'd think it would taste like cardboard because of all the things it isn't. It is so allergen-free that really, you'd expect tastelessness.

But NO.

Ian's is tasty. It is so tasty!

Now, not all Ian's products are completely allergen-free; however, their labeling system is very clear. Upfront, the consumer knows that their bread crumbs contain both wheat and dairy, for example. It is easy to know at a glance whether a product is appropriate for a consumer's particular needs.

Fortunately, many of the Ian's products are a-OK with us. The aforementioned bread crumbs are perfect for various recipes, from Breaded Chicken to Eggplant Parmesan. One concern people just starting out on the Feingold diet have is whether their "family recipes" can be translated appropriately. Ian's steps in for some of those ingredients that otherwise might be tough to replicate without using the (highly processed, petroleum-based-preservative-containing) "common brands" our grandmothers used in their dinners.

My boys' favorite Ian's product is their SuperTots, french fries in the shape of the alphabet, created from potato, peas, carrots, and cauliflower. They are quick to make, and also quick to disappear into my kids' tummies. Ditto for the French Toast Sticks. Mmmmmm. French Toast Sticks!

Surprisingly, the boys haven't gotten into the chicken nuggets (they prefer actual grilled chicken,) although they give the fish sticks a thumbs-up. Both these products are good substitutions for the artificial deep-fried variety if your child is interested in those foods deemed by the public-at-large (literally) as "kid-friendly" that actually aren't. Ian's kids' stuff is healthful, though.

I am an onion-ring addict, so I think I'd better try Ian's version, especially because they are apparently okay to go in the microwave. You know, in case I am just too darn impatient to wait for the oven...

Ian's also has tons of other kid-friendly organic, all-natural, wheat-free, gluten-free food like cheeseburgers, meatballs, and pizza. I haven't explored these yet, but I expect I will.

Really, Ian's is worth a look if you are looking for all-natural, preservative-free food. Plus, they have a whole series of wheat-free/gluten-free products (which in many cases are casein-free as well.)

See, "convenience food" need not be complete junk!

--

Ian's has not sent me any free samples, paid me to say anything nice about the product, or otherwise encouraged me to write about their product. Similarly, the majority of other products I mention in the "Feingold Tips" section are simply those which our family happens to use. I share them here just as information to other families interested in the Feingold Diet and all-natural alternatives to "popular" brands.