Spotlight Blog – @simithecoeliac

This month we have the amazing Simi, who owns The Gluten Free Closet! She has a range of products that you can personalise from emergency snack bars, epi pen bags and more. Here is a little bit more about Simi and the amazing things that she does for the allergy community and more!

Could you please tell us a little bit about you and your involvement within the food allergy community?

I was diagnosed with coeliac disease at the age of 25. Like many others, it came as a bit of a shock and completely changed the way I approached food, social situations, and especially travel. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to manage coeliac disease with confidence while also trying to support others who are going through similar experiences. I found the online coeliac and allergy community to be such a helpful and comforting space when I was first diagnosed, and that inspired me to start sharing my own food finds, tips, and experiences, hoping to help others who might be navigating the start of their own journey. I now share my journey over on Instagram at @simithecoeliac, where I post about coeliac-friendly restaurants, gluten-free products, travel tips, and anything else I’ve found helpful along the way. Whether it’s a great new snack or a restaurant that truly understands cross-contamination, I love highlighting things that can make life a little easier (and tastier!) for others living with coeliac disease or food-related intolerances.

What would you recommend to people travelling abroad with food allergies?

My Top Tips Travelling with food allergies can feel daunting, especially when you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar. But with a little preparation, it can still be an amazing experience. Here are a few of my go-to tips for making travel safer and more enjoyable:

1. Do Your Research Before you go, spend some time researching the area you’ll be staying in, especially the local food scene. Customer reviews can be incredibly helpful; people often mention whether restaurants are allergy-aware, how accommodating the staff were, and what their overall experience was like. A bit of digging can go a long way in helping you feel more confident about where to eat.

2. Pack Safe Snacks I always travel with a stash of safe snacks in my suitcase or day bag. Whether you’re stuck on a delayed train or exploring somewhere remote, it’s a huge relief to know you’ve got something safe (and tasty!) to fall back on. It also takes some of the pressure off when you’re still figuring out your food options.

3. Consider a Cruise, Seriously! One of the best travel experiences I’ve had since my allergy diagnosis was going on a P&O cruise. I did it about a year after my diagnosis, and honestly, it was incredible. The staff’s awareness and understanding of allergies was beyond anything I expected. They took everything seriously but also made it feel totally normal. I never once felt like I was missing out, they made sure every meal was safe, delicious, and inclusive. If you’re feeling nervous about travelling with allergies, a cruise like that could be the perfect confidence booster.

3. Are there any particular products of yours that you would recommend for those this summer? Absolutely! If you’re heading out on day trips, festivals, or summer holidays, our snack bags are a total essential. They’re reusable, compact, and perfect for keeping your allergy-safe or gluten-free snacks close by. I honestly never leave the house without mine it gives me peace of mind knowing I always have something safe to eat, no matter where I am. Our gluten-free themed t-shirts are also perfect for summer. They’re super lightweight and comfy, making them ideal for warm weather. Plus, they’re a fun and stylish way to spread awareness while you’re out and about whether you’re at the beach, a BBQ, or just running errands. I love that they often spark conversations and help me feel proud to represent the coeliac and gluten-free community in a positive way. You can check them out over on my Etsy shop: theglutenfreecloset.etsy.com I’d love for you to have a browse and see what might be a great fit for your summer plans!

4. What is your top piece of advice for those who have first been diagnosed with coeliac disease.

My top piece of advice for anyone newly diagnosed with coeliac disease is to remember that you’re not alone. It might feel overwhelming at first, it’s a big lifestyle change, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions as you start to adjust. Give yourself time to process everything, and don’t be afraid to talk openly about how it’s affecting you, both physically and emotionally. Coeliac disease impacts more than just your diet, so being kind to yourself during the early stages is really important. One thing that helped me massively was connecting with the coeliac and gluten-free community. There’s such an amazing, supportive group of people out there who truly understand what you’re going through. Whether you’re looking for practical tips, reassurance, or just someone who gets it, that sense of community can make a world of difference. Living with coeliac disease definitely takes some adjusting, but with time, support, and growing confidence, it really does get easier, and you’ll find your new normal before you know it.

5. What are your favourite brands being someone with coeliac disease.

Oh, there are so many I love! When it comes to bread, I’m a big fan of Promise, Warburtons, and Genius, they all have such great texture and taste, which is a game changer when you’re used to gluten-free bread sometimes being a bit hit-or-miss. White Rabbit is another favourite of mine, especially their pizzas. They’re seriously delicious and perfect when you want something quick and comforting. For baking, I always reach for Creative Nature. The baking mixes are super tasty and really convenient, which makes baking at home way easier. Honestly, these brands have become my go-tos, and I’m always happy to recommend them to anyone navigating life with coeliac disease.