When my husband mentioned that he had a work trip planned for Phoenix, I immediately wanted to go with him. I have family in the area, and it had been several years since my last visit. The thought of seeing them again, enjoying the Arizona sunshine, and exploring a new gluten free and dairy free food scene was too good to pass up.
So yes, there may have been a little pleading involved, and maybe even a bit of friendly bribery.
Thankfully, he said yes. Thanks to frequent flier miles and a very understanding husband, I was soon packing my bags for a quick trip to Phoenix. The visit went by far too fast, but I cannot complain. I spent meaningful time with family, enjoyed beautiful outdoor weather, and discovered more gluten free and dairy free food options than I expected.
So Many Gluten Free and Dairy Free Food Options
One of the first things I do when traveling is find a grocery store. It may not sound exciting, but it makes gluten free and dairy free travel so much easier. After landing, we usually pick up bottled water, lemons for lemon water, fresh fruit, vegetables, and safe snacks. When the kids travel with us, I also look for gluten free and dairy free buns, breakfast muffins, donuts, or other allergy-friendly treats. Having a small stash of safe food takes away a lot of stress and makes the rest of the trip more enjoyable.
Phoenix was a dream for grocery shopping. The area has Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts, which felt like a complete luxury coming from Montana. Having access to all three stores made it simple to find safe snacks, travel food, and a few special items that are not available at home.
I found several kid-friendly and adult-friendly snacks, along with a few treats to save for the kids’ Christmas stockings. I also discovered vegan, gluten free, and dairy free bars from Nelly’s Organics. I first bought one to try at the hotel, then went back to Sprouts for a few more flavors to bring home. They were a great option for a carry-on food stash, especially for anyone managing food allergies or looking for raw vegan snacks.
During the visit, my aunt took me to Pieology in Surprise for lunch. I had hoped to try the cauliflower crust because it was advertised throughout the restaurant, but after speaking with the staff, I learned that it contained dairy. Fortunately, they had other crust options available. Their gluten free and dairy free pizza crust was one of the best I have tried. It was soft, slightly chewy, and not overbaked, which is rare for many allergy-friendly pizza crusts. They also offered Daiya dairy free cheese and plenty of toppings.
The pizza was delicious, but the best part was sharing lunch and conversation with my aunt. It was exactly the kind of family time I had hoped for.
I had also heard excellent things about Jewel’s Bakery in Phoenix. It is 100% gluten free, which is always exciting for anyone who has to avoid gluten. Jewel’s is more than a bakery; it is a full-service cafe with a menu focused on brunch and comfort food. Being dairy free narrowed my choices, but I still found plenty to enjoy. I tried a berry muffin, fluffy waffles with warm maple syrup, and potatoes. The portions were generous, and the meal could easily be shared or saved for leftovers.
Their menu includes a wide range of options, especially for people who are gluten free but can eat dairy. If you are traveling with family or friends who have different dietary needs, this is a helpful place to consider. The atmosphere was welcoming, and I could easily imagine my kids enjoying breakfast there.
If you are visiting Old Town Scottsdale, be prepared for an impressive selection of gluten free and dairy free options. The area has a relaxed, stylish atmosphere and so many restaurants to choose from that I had trouble deciding where to eat. For those of us with food allergies, that is not a problem we face very often.
Kaleidoscope Juice is a great stop if you enjoy fresh juices, acai bowls, smoothies, or colorful plant-based meals. They offer cold-pressed juices, bakery items, waffles, toast with creative toppings, and wellness-style juice shots. I ordered an acai bowl, and the portion was huge. The fruit tasted fresh and refreshing, especially after a day of travel. I left with a to-go bowl and a new determination to make more acai bowls at home.
Kaleidoscope Juice was a lovely place for a solo breakfast, but it may not be the best choice for young children unless you plan to order food to go. Seating was limited, and there were breakable items for sale throughout the cafe. Since I was on my own, I brought a book and enjoyed a quiet, self-care kind of morning. The atmosphere was friendly, modern, and relaxed.
They also have several locations around the Phoenix area, which makes them a convenient option for a fresh and allergy-conscious meal.
Another Scottsdale restaurant I tried was Scramble, a breakfast and lunch spot with many locally sourced ingredients. The menu was gluten free friendly and clearly labeled, but I did need to ask questions to confirm dairy free choices. I explained more than once that I needed both gluten free and dairy free, and I asked that my bread not be toasted to reduce the risk of cross contamination.
I ordered the smoked turkey club sandwich, which was fresh and flavorful. It did arrive with cheese, so that was disappointing. In this case, I was able to remove the cheese myself because it was on a sandwich, but I know that is not safe or comfortable for everyone. If it had been mixed into the dish, I would have sent it back. It was a good reminder to ask the server to repeat the order before it goes to the kitchen. The restaurant itself was fun, casual, relaxed, and kid friendly.
A clear Scottsdale theme began to appear: relaxed restaurants, fresh food, and more gluten free options than I expected.
I definitely need to visit this area more often.
For a quick burger stop, In-N-Out Burger is always a favorite. I usually order the protein-style burger, which comes wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun, and I skip the sauce. I was told the sauce contained gluten and dairy, so I avoided it. Their fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, and they use sunflower oil, which can be helpful for people who also avoid peanuts.
Simple, quick, and satisfying.
When we visit In-N-Out with the kids, I bring gluten free buns with us. Staff have always been accommodating, and the kids are happy to have a safe burger option while traveling.
On our last morning in Phoenix, we stopped at Nekter Juice Bar near our hotel. Everything about it felt fresh, from the fruit to the smoothies to the overall menu. I decided to try something new and ordered the Pink Flamingo smoothie with dragon fruit. It was refreshing, bright, and exactly what I needed after packing and trying to fit all my snacks and shopping finds into my suitcase.
The dragon fruit was a pleasant surprise, and I would happily add it to our routine at home. It may have been a blessing that I did not discover Nekter earlier in the trip, because I could have been tempted to eat there every day. They have several locations in the Phoenix area, which makes them a convenient choice for smoothies and fresh options.
Phoenix and Scottsdale also offer beautiful outdoor recreation. I enjoyed a hike at Pinnacle Peak Park, and the weather was perfect. It was around 70 degrees, which felt especially wonderful after leaving Montana in snow, ice, and single-digit temperatures.
Pinnacle Peak Park was easy to find and easy to navigate, though it was busy. The parking lot filled quickly, and cars were lined along the street. The desert scenery was stunning, with rock formations, cactus, and views that felt completely different from the mountains of Montana. Arizona has a beauty all its own, and spending time outside there was one of the highlights of the trip.
The Phoenix and Scottsdale area has so much to offer for gluten free and dairy free travelers. Between the grocery stores, juice bars, cafes, pizza restaurants, burger stops, and outdoor spaces, I could have stayed much longer without repeating restaurants or running out of places to explore.
I am already looking forward to visiting family again and discovering even more allergy-friendly food options in Phoenix. If you have been to the area and have favorite gluten free or dairy free restaurants, it is always helpful to share recommendations with other travelers.
As always…
Eat well, feel well, and travel well. So long, Phoenix. You are a wonderful place to visit.
Jill
