Hello Reader,

Last week, I shared some of the mental struggles I’ve been grappling with as I grow Love Me Gluten Free, and I can’t tell you how much it meant to read all of your supportive emails. Every single one of them lifted my spirits—thank you!

I know this has been a difficult week for many Americans. While I always try to share the positive, I’m writing this with a heavy heart. This time of year has always felt ominous, especially since 9/11, and this week was no different.

Today, I want to hold space for the raw emotions of this week and for anyone who is feeling a bit numb to it all. I'm right there with you.

Purity Oats Aren't What You Think

I was under the impression that purity oats were grown on dedicated gluten-free oat fields… but boy, was I wrong!

This week, I sat down with Seaton and Jill Smith, two gluten-free trailblazers, for my podcast, Gluten Free Unwrapped. I learned a great deal about oats and testing devices, from two of the leading experts on the topic.

While the Smiths are now known as the founders of the LEO gluten tester—a device I’ve shared both excitement and hesitations about (you can read my take on the LEO tester in this article)—I couldn’t help but ask them about their first venture, GF Harvest.

I asked Seaton to explain what makes purity protocol oats “purity protocol oats,” and whether they’re truly grown on dedicated oat fields.

He explained that purity oats are grown in thoughtful crop rotations on shared fields, but instead of planting oats the year after a wheat or barley crop, they’re planted several years later to lessen the risk of contamination.

Does this mean purity protocol oats are entirely free of wheat or barley bits? No, but it does mean there's a lower risk of gluten contamination. It also means that even purity protocol oats must be rigorously cleaned and tested for potential gluten contamination. Fascinating, right?

Seaton explains it much better, so I recommend listening to the full episode here. We dive into oats, gluten testing devices -- the controversy (and even hate) surrounding them -- and what Seaton and Jill are doing to improve the LEO gluten testers after the stinging Gluten Free Watchdog report.

This is a can’t-miss episode, and I learned SO much. Listen wherever you get your podcasts - Apple or Spotify.

Walmart ❤️ Gluten-Free

Did you know Walmart has a freezer tucked away in the fresh bakery aisle? It’s stocked with gluten-y ice cream cakes… and now Ethel’s and Antonina’s gluten-free treats!

My Walmart carried an assortment of Ethel’s dessert trays as well as muffins, cakes, and cupcakes from Antonina’s.

I’d love to see these goodies always stocked at Walmart, and that means we need to support them! The next time you’re craving something sweet, swing by Walmart—like my husband and I did last Saturday night after our dinner date. Seriously, Walmart was the perfect date night stop. 😂

PS: There’s an Antonina’s free product coupon inside the September Love Me Gluten Free box. Use it if you got it!

PPS: Can’t find Ethel’s at Walmart? Stock up online using my 20% off coupon code, LMGF20, at ethels.com.

Reserve Your October Box

Our September box sold out last week 🙌, so I flipped the switch early and opened my cart to pre-orders for October. That means there’s one waiting for you if you want in.

People sometimes ask, “Couldn’t I just get these items at a grocery store?”

Maybe… but what I’m offering is curated discovery. Each box is packed with items to try, love, and talk about.

We're excited to introduce you to new brands that might not be available at your local grocery store, or are brand new and haven't reached you yet (like the NEW Mission Chickpea Tortillas or Kevin's sauce pouches).

If you love food, want to explore new products and brands, and get serious value, join us.

Use code COZYOCTOBER for $10 off at lovemeglutenfree.com and reserve your October box—it’s packed with cozy fall treats and something for Halloween, too. (Coupon valid on subscriptions only.)

In the News

Happy Birthday! WOW Baking Company is celebrating its 21st birthday, and we wanted to wish them a very happy birthday. If you haven't tried these soft-baked cookies yet, what are you waiting for? Check 'em out at wowbaking.com and tell them I sent you. 😉

Pumpkin Donut Holes?!? I spotted gluten-free pumpkin donut holes in Trader Joe's Fall 2025 lineup. I haven’t seen them in stores yet, but I look every time I go. Once I find them, I'll share a full report.

Looking Good, Jessica! Jessica's Granola got a glow-up, and we're loving the new packaging. And Jessica just launched a new flavor too - Cinnamon Almond. Find these delicious granolas online at jessicasnaturalfoods.com.

Mmm, Butter Cookies: Leibniz Butter Biscuit cookies just launched a gluten-free version of its beloved bite-sized treats, and everyone who has tried them has fallen in love! Try them yourself and use the code LOVEMEGF20 to get 20% off through 11/1/25 on Amazon.com.

Omer Update: If you've been a subscriber here for a few years, you know I was following the story of Omer Shem Tov, a young man with celiac disease who was kidnapped at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th and held hostage in Gaza for over 500 days. Omer returned to his family earlier this year, and he's speaking in Denver next week. My husband and I got tickets to the event. Updates to follow - what should I ask him?

Thanks for being here, and have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Jenny

Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and/or TikTok.

Order a Love Me Gluten Free Subscription Box to reserve our October box!

Listen to the Gluten Free Unwrapped podcast.

Read about my journey to break up with gluten in my book, Dear Gluten, It's Not Me, It's You.

Go gluten-free fast - enroll in my SIGNATURE Gluten-Free Course.

Visit Good For You Gluten Free for more tips and recipes to help you live your best gluten-free life.