Interview with Lee Tobin of Whole Foods Market

The Gluten Free Consumer recently had a chance to sit down and talk with Lee Tobin of Whole Foods

Market. Tobin is in charge of the Whole Foods Gluten Free Bakehouse and was diagnosed with Celiac Disease back in 1996. Tobin said working at Whole Foods allowed him to learn about eating and cooking

gluten-free and helped him avoid the steep learning curve most individuals deal with.

Tobin wanted to able to experiment with and create baked goods he could share with others. Whole Foods allowed Tobin

to experiment afterhours in their facilities and the result was a whole new marketable line of products. The Whole Foods Gluten Free Bakehouse currently serves 321 stores nationwide with over 20 gluten free products made on a regular basis, including breads, muffins and cookies. Tobin is proud of the lightweight bread the Bakehouse has recently created. Gluten Free Bakehouse also makes some gluten-free products without dairy.

Lee Tobin went on to tell The Gluten Free Consumer: “I find the gluten-free diet very easy to adapt to…. You should follow recommended dietary guidelines.” Tobin also points out, “Half your diet needs to be fruits and vegetables and since you are following that half of your diet is gluten-free and add meat to that, poultry and seafood…. Adapting to gluten-free diet [means] you are going to have to do a little more  cooking for yourself and shopping the perimeters of the store,[this way] you will have a much easier time adapting.”

The Whole Foods Gluten Free Bakehouse takes food safety very seriously by creating a dedicated facility for gluten-free products to eliminate any chances for cross contamination. They also do routine tests to make sure that there is no hidden gluten. Tobin informed The Gluten Free Consumer of a whole range of tools for those living with Celiac Disease that could be employed to ensure a safe and convenient gluten free shopping experience. For example, very Whole Foods Market carries a list of gluten-free products that can be found on location. This list is personalized for each individual store and is updated on a regular basis. In addition, many locations use shelf labels to draw attention their gluten-free products.

The Gluten Free Consumer was impressed with the knowledge and understanding that Whole Foods shared and the genuine concern expressed for the frustrations of shoppers with gluten intolerance. Many of the products reviewed by The Gluten Free Consumer team are on the shelves at Whole Foods Market.

Whole Foods is committed to helping you have a safe and convenient shopping experience. If you have any concerns or would like to know more about shopping gluten free at Whole Foods, please visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/gluten-free-products.php. Their staff is friendly and will help you find the resources you need. We really have to praise their attention to detail in serving their customers.