Where to buy?! - Mama Jeans

When looking for where to buy gluten-free food a good place to start is your local health food store.  You'll often find a good selection and knowledgeable workers.  Plus, you can be helping out your local economy!

I live in Springfield, MO and here we have "Mama Jean's Natural Market".  They have 2 locations - one of which is about a 10-15min drive from my house.

I have to say - I was VERY impressed by what I found!  The store had a neat atmosphere to it, like a local cafe.  I was amazed at the selection.  The store is geared towards natural products - so lots of organic, locally grown, vegan, and other alternative diets.

My first stop was the pasta section: 

They carried a wide range of brands and types of gluten-free pasta.  Corn, rice, brown-rice, quinoa, you name it, it was probably there!  All at reasonable prices.

Second stop was the soup section.  I was surprised to find most Campbell's and Progresso soups have gluten in them - even tomato soup!

This soup was one of my exciting finds.  A gluten-free cream of chicken soup!!  Cream of chicken soup is a very common ingredient in recipes.  It's used in most casseroles and quick oven foods.  I haven't tried this brand yet - but this is the first soup I've been able to find.

Their baked goods section was very impressive.  Lots of gluten-free mixes and flours.  Brands like: Namaste, Bob's Red Mill, Gluten-Free Pantry, Pamela's and many more.

The best gluten-free flour mix!  At an amazing price.  This same bag at Hy-vee was $12.39 on sale.

So.... how did Mama Jean's stack up in my three important categories?

     - Selection:  Great overall selection - pastas, soups, crackers, cookies, mixes, breads - pretty much anything you could need or want to eat gluten-free.  The only disappointment was they did not have Udi's brand loafs of bread.

     - Price:  This was my biggest concern going on and my biggest surprise.  Their prices were comparable to Walmart and Hyvee.  For some items they were actually cheaper!

     - Convenience - Their south side location is a few minute drive from my typically grocery store and not far from my house.  So, I could shop here easily without having to drive a long ways.

Overall, I was very surprised and pleased with Mama Jean's.  Friendly people, clean store, good selection, good prices, a great place for me to get my needed gluten-free foods.  Plus, they have a loyalty program that lets me earn a $5 coupon for every $100 I spend - every little bit makes a difference!

If you live in Springfield, Mo - I would strongly recommend Mama Jean's!