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Dietary Restrictions

Eating in Europe is sightseeing for your tastebuds. Deciphering the menu is half the fun! But some travelers have special needs when it comes to food: vegan, diabetic, low-salt, gluten-sensitive, lactose-intolerant, nut and other allergies, etc. Any tips for those with special diet concerns in Europe?

I want to add my comments! 

dietary choices when you fly
Don't overlook the possibility of selecting a special meal when you book your flight online. When booking my Air New Zealand flights to and from Europe this summer, I was able to choose from among a dozen meal types, and I was served before everyone else!
Jeff
Fresno, CA  USA   06/21/2009

Gluten-Free
I have sensitivities to gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and refined sugar. The best country I have found to travel in is Finland. Most pizza places (definitely the chains) have gluten-free pizza crusts available. Hesberger (their version of McDonald's) has gluten-free buns available for your burger. In fact, the government is so considerate towards celiacs that those who have gluten sensitivities get a monthly stipend to supplement their grocery money, as no matter where you are gluten-free tends to cost a little extra. (Beware though: not all of their famous licorice is gluten-free.) There are many gluten-free breads, pastas, cookies, crackers, cakes, muffins, cereals, etc. Also, Finnair made airline food taste good for the first time, and it was gluten-free! There are plenty of soy options if you can't have dairy as well and don't have any issues with soy. Everyone I came across was aware and understanding of food allergies. I received plenty of help from the locals. There are many celiacs in Finland, making gluten-free products free even above the Arctic Circle! Have a great trip!
Lynda
Fresno, CA  USA   06/17/2009

Dietary Restriction Help
My husband is allergic to anchovies so he thoroughly researches menu items that may contain the small fish and writes them down on a slip of paper he carries with him when in a foreign country. He also writes down the spelling of "anchovy" in whatever language the country uses, so there is no chance of ingesting even one anchovy.
Sarah <email>
Fallbrook, CA  USA   05/02/2009