Can you eat gluten-free in Belize? Let’s jump back to this topic I discussed in an earlier blog from last year. However, I have so much more to say on this topic. Belize is a developing country so there are no big box stores or food chains. (May I add this is also one of the things I love about it even more.) They do have options. When I was there last year I would ask a few questions regarding how the food was prepared or cooked. Most responses were positive experiences where someone looked into it for me. The staff always found something for me to eat. Even if it was a salad with bbq chicken. I will say I did love the fresh foods.
This year I decided to do a little bit more research. We had agreed this time to cook some meals at our Airbnb. We would still go out and try some new restaurants on our travels. If you are in San Ignacio, Santa Elena area there is a grocery store called SANSCO. They have gluten-free options for some things. This is where I found gluten-free flour, pasta, spaghetti sauce, corn chips, spring roll wrappers, rice noodles, etc. I was also told New flags carry some items as well. While I cannot confirm this as I didn’t get a chance to check. I will provide updates when I go back.
I did not find a place that bakes gluten-free bread. While traveling that could be an issue for some but they do sell flour at several locations so living here you could bake your own. Look for the labeling Sin Gluten on packages. You may also see the symbol for gluten-free on some items. Go to the butcher to get your sausage and burger patties. You can simply ask there what they use as a meat binder. You will be surprised with how many do not use wheat or bread crumbs. When I asked at a butcher shop I was told they did not put anything like that in their meats.
There are so many fruits and vegetables that I never missed a lot of gluten-free foods. I was too busy enjoying all the fresh local fruit and yogurt. My other comment here is if you are traveling to Belize and feel you need bread, cakes, or cookies. Pack some of it in your checked luggage. You are allowed to bring in some food especially since it is a health issue.
I am not sure how available gluten-free products are in the San Pedro area or any of the beach areas as I never traveled there. I am simply just stating you can manage gluten-free in Cayo. There are several health food stores there as well that carry gluten-free flour and a few other things.
I found more gluten-free items in Spanish Lookout and Belmopan. Both were part of a health food chain there but it was still an option. I was able to order breakfast at Pops restaurant and simply asked for corn tortillas instead of flour or fry jacks. The gluten-free items I did find at these locations were a little bit more expensive than SANSCO but even in Newfoundland, I find a lot of gluten-free items have become even more expensive.
Most seasoning mixes I found there did not contain gluten. If you want to live a simpler lifestyle you can manage eating here. A lot of gluten-free bread, cakes, and cookies I find really heavy and dense to eat. In the heat, I never missed them. I simply adjusted to my surroundings. With all the fresh fruits and vegetables available I didn’t need a lot of gluten-free snacks.
If you are staying for an extended amount of time I would also look at potentially getting some items shipped in. There are companies you can order from and see how it goes in shipping the items. I will be doing this once I get there to see how expensive it will be when I do get cravings for heavier foods. I would assume customs will be a big part of the cost of getting these items in.
