Celiac Around the World - Italy with Greta
- nwheeler01
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read

In this edition of my Celiac Around the World series, I’m excited to introduce Greta from Italy. Diagnosed with celiac disease at 17, Greta shares what it’s like to navigate daily life gluten-free in a country known for its love of pasta, pizza, and fresh bread.
Beyond the challenges of food choices and cross-contact, Greta talks about how celiac disease has helped her recognize true friendship. Real friends are the ones who let you choose the restaurant, make sacrifices without complaint, and support your health without hesitation. Her experience is a powerful reminder that living with celiac can bring clarity, not just to your diet, but to your relationships, too.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with Celiac?
"Hallo! ;) My name is Greta, I’m 19 years old and I come from Italy! I study law in Innsbruck, I love traveling all around the world, and…guess what?! I have Celiac! I was diagnosed with Celiac when I was 17 years old. I found out I had Celiac, as I hadn't had my menstrual cycle yet (not even once!). Moreover, I often felt bloated…not a nice feeling at all!"
Do any of your family members have Celiac?
"In my family, I'm the only one who has Celiac. However, my family started eating gluten-free at home in order to support me and transmit the message that my new gluten-free lifestyle was normal and completely accepted."
What do you find to be the hardest part of living with Celiac? Are there any positives that you feel came from your diagnosis?
"Celiac can be both a friend and an enemy. In fact, sometimes it represents a fun adventure, for example, when discovering new restaurants all around the world and trying new recipes. In contrast, sometimes living with Celiac can be really hard! In fact, on some occasions, Celiac can be perceived as an obstacle and a limit, for example, when hanging out with friends or traveling abroad. However, people who love you are going to understand the problem and show you their love through small but significant actions. As an example, I want to report a personal experience: I was in Krakow with a group of friends who decided to change restaurants only because there weren't any gluten-free options. For this reason, I personally believe Celiac can be your best resource: it can be helpful to make new friends and feel loved."
Do you know anyone else with celiac?
"Yes, I have known many people with Celiac even before my diagnosis. However, I didn’t know Celiac is a disease and wasn’t able to understand that having Celiac doesn’t simply mean to eat gluten-free. This is why I feel sorry, because I wasn’t sensitive enough to understand their feelings or difficulties. Moreover, since my diagnosis, I have met other people with Celiac, as in Italy, there is an association dedicated to Celiac disease called AIC (Associazione Italiana Celiachia). In my opinion, this association is very important and helpful, as it gives the possibility to people dealing with Celiac to share a common problem. However, its main function is to establish which restaurants can be defined as safe for people with Celiac."
EATING OUT IN ITALY

How knowledgeable is the food industry regarding Celiac disease?
"The food industry of gluten-free products in Italy has developed a lot during the last years, as the number of diagnoses has significantly grown. In fact, there is a lot of offers and products that can be bought in pharmacies, specialized shops, and supermarkets. Moreover, on every product (even if not specifically produced for people with gluten sensitivity or Celiac), it is specified if it is gluten-free or not."
Are the menus clearly marked for allergens and gluten-free food?
"Menus aren’t always marked for allergens and gluten-free food, but thanks to AIC, it is possible to understand if a restaurant is safe or not. In fact, even if on a menu there is the gluten-free symbol, it doesn’t mean there is no cross-contamination."

Do restaurants usually have something you can eat safely?
"If restaurants aren't part of AIC, they do not guarantee a plate is completely safe and without any type of cross-contamination. However, in some cases, a restaurant not part of AIC can be well informed about Celiac and prepare something safe to eat."
What is the easiest/hardest about eating out?
"The easiest part about eating out is that, thanks to AIC, it is easy to understand which restaurants are safe for people with Celiac. The hardest part about eating out is that there aren’t many safe restaurants or gluten-free options. This is why it can become repetitive and boring."
How common are Celiac/gluten-free dietary restrictions in Italy?
"In Italy, only 1% of the population is affected by Celiac disease, but many people decide to eat gluten-free because of reasons linked to health or dietary restrictions. In fact, many people believe eating gluten-free is healthier and can help in order to lose weight. This is why eating gluten-free has become a trend, which has some positives and some negative aspects. In fact, if many people eat gluten-free products, the offer is going to grow, but Celiac isn’t going to be taken seriously."
BUYING GLUTEN-FREE FOOD
Is it easy for you to find gluten-free options at the grocery store?
"Yes, it is easy to find gluten-free options at the grocery store. In fact, in every supermarket it is possible to buy gluten-free products. However, products usually cost more than normal products, and the choice is limited."
Are foods clearly marked gluten-free?
"Products produced specifically for people with Celiac are clearly marked gluten-free. However, it isn’t always easy to establish if a product is safe or not, as sometimes it is written that it may contain traces of gluten."
What would you say is your biggest struggle eating gluten-free in Italy?
"The biggest struggle eating gluten-free in Italy is that there isn’t a lot of information about Celiac disease. In fact, many people don’t know it is a disease and underestimate the issue. As a consequence, people think eating gluten-free just means avoiding corn, cereals, pasta, and pizza, and do not think about cross-contamination."
Is eating gluten-free more expensive in Italy?
"Eating gluten-free in Italy is expensive, as gluten-free products cost more than normal products…sometimes even double! Moreover, in restaurants you have to pay a small difference of price, as for example when eating pizza you are requested to pay two or three euros more. It isn’t a lot, but it’s unjust!"
Does the government help with the expense of gluten-free food?
"The Italian government helps with the expense of gluten-free food, as it gives a monthly amount of money to every person with Celiac disease with the objective of making up the difference with normal products. However, this amount changes based on gender and age. In fact, men receive more money than women, as they generally eat more. Moreover, teenagers until 17 years usually receive a higher amount of money, as they are in the development phase."
MEDICATION
Do you have to worry about gluten in your over-the-counter or prescribed medication?
"I don’t have to worry about gluten in my over-the-counter or prescribed medication, as all medicines and dietary supplements in Italy are gluten-free."
TRAVEL IN ITALY

If someone were coming to Italy for the first time, what would you say are the “must-see” spots?
"If someone was coming to Italy for the first time, they absolutely have to see Rome! The capital city of Italy is an open-air museum! It is full of history and beauty…and it’s the city with more gluten-free restaurants and hotels! However, for those who love nature and mountain hiking, the region called Trentino-South Tyrol is perfect!"


What are some of your favorite foods?
"As a good Italian, my favorite food is pizza!"

Greta also makes her own homemade bread. This looks amazing.

Greta’s story is such a great reminder that living with celiac disease isn’t just about food—it’s also about the people around you and the support you receive. Her experience shows that even in a place like Italy, where gluten is everywhere, it’s absolutely possible to live well and feel included.
Whether you're managing celiac every day or planning a trip abroad, I hope Greta’s story gives you a little encouragement and maybe even some inspiration to surround yourself with people who truly understand.