Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a Gluten Free Expo, and I was like "Oh yeah!" So now I shall report my findings back to everyone.

1. There is a sense of community among gluten-free people.

No, seriously, I had so many random good samaritans tell me the best places to shop, give me recipe ideas, and tell me where not to go.

2. Sprouts is your friend. Literally all the vendors had their products available at Sprouts. Most products were carried at other stores, but everyone had their products at Sprouts.

3. Do not eat before you go. There are so many things to sample, you will get full after going up the first row.

I know for myself I didn’t eat, and I was getting full after the first row.

4. Bring a water bottle. There is so much food to sample, but I’m sorry no one brings water. I’m sorry, it just doesn’t happen.

5. Bring a credit/debit card and cash.

A lot of vendors had their products marked at wholesale. Some only accepted card, while others accepted only cash, and some accepted both. I got two bags of gluten free flour (cup to cup ratio) for just $5. Not everyone is selling at the expo though, I’m sorry, make a trip to Sprouts on your way home.

6. Your bag will get super heavy, bring a rolling cart or be prepared to make a trip to your car.

This was my haul, as you can imagine it was heavy. But it was wonderful with so many free samples.

7. Grab the coupons!

No seriously, I have $130 in coupons of brands I already use or now plan to use. It is harder to find gluten free coupons so take advantage of the ease of coupon hunting in the expo.

8. Bring Your I.D. in.

There were a few booths giving out alcohol samples, and to do so they do need to check your I.D. so if you are thinking of going in, make sure you have that.