I’m a sweet and salty girl.  I love granola for that reason.  Maybe it’s because I’m indecisive, so when I’m searching for a snack, I can’t decide if I want something salty or something sweet.

For that reason, chocolate covered pretzels are one of my favorite items from my gluten-eating days.  Any time I went on a road trip, chocolate pretzels were my treat.  I’m pretty creative in the kitchen, but I’ve never tried to make gluten-free chocolate covered pretzels.  Honestly, it seemed like more work than results, to make this delicacy from scratch.  And David doesn’t share in my love of chocolate covered pretzels; it’s not as much fun to make things for just me.

On a recent trip to the Howell Mill Kroger, I was perusing their natural food section (which has some of the best selection of gluten-free products) when my heart nearly skipped a beat, as an unfamiliar bag caught my eye…Glutino Chocolate Covered Pretzels!

What a day!  I immediately grabbed the bag, only hesitating for a second, when I saw the staggering price tag: $5.99 for a less than large bag.  But the price didn’t stop me as I immediately justified the purchase in my mind: One Starbuck’s scone costs almost $3 and this bag of pretzels was way more food than one measly baked good.  (Yes, that’s how my mind works…constantly justifying purchases.)

I had barely paid for my treat when I tore into the bag and sampled my discovery.  I was not at all disappointed.  I’ve always been a huge fan of Glutino’s pretzels so I wasn’t too nervous about how the gluten-free version of chocolate covered pretzels would translate.  Perfect crunch, saltiness, sweetness and texture.  And the chocolate, oh so good.

I love these pretzels.  In fact, they might be my favorite gluten-free packaged good right now.  Confession: I’ve already been back and bought another bag, as well as a bag of their yogurt covered pretzels.

Have you found these chocolate covered pretzels at any other stores in the Atlanta area?  Are there any other brands that make this item, that I just don’t know about?  Happy snacking!

When I heard Anne Palmer, program director for Johns Hopkins’ Center for a Livable Future, speak at the Georgia Organics Conference a few weeks ago, she showed photos of all of the random places that sell food.  Think about it for a second…why does Petco sell soda?  Why does Office Depot offer an array of M&Ms and Starburst?  No one ventures out to Staples looking for a Diet Coke.  These items placed carefully at the front of the store are what we refer to in the Metcalf house as ‘impulse buys.’

I must say though, I enjoyed seeing Palmer’s photos of brightly packaged food in the oddest places.  I loved picturing her carrying her camera everywhere, waiting to photograph a random shelf of ‘food.’  I couldn’t help but think about my endless searches through stores for any gluten-free products.  In my own travls, or just around town, I scour any food store, airport, bakery, or restaurant for a possible GF treat.  Anyone who has traveled with me knows that I’m more interested in shopping at natural markets than clothing boutiques.

When my friend, Anne, sent me the photo above, I was also reminded of Palmer’s photo slide show.  Of course I’m much happier about the shelf of food displayed in the picture because it’s all gluten-free.  No, Anne didn’t find this plethora of GF items at Pet Smart or 7-Eleven, but she did find it at…Target!  The Atlantic Station Target now sells quite the selection of gluten-free products, including my favorite pretzels by Glutino, Bob’s Red Mill GF oats, and the Betty Crocker baking mixes.  I can’t wait to go stock up.

Does your Target sell gluten-free items yet?  Feel free to send me any of your discoveries of unlikely spots where you find GF items.  We all need a little guidance as we navigate the gluten-free world!

Target at Atlantic Station – 1375 18th Street – Atlanta, Georgia 30363