Celiac Around the World: Portugal
- nwheeler01
- Jun 14
- 7 min read
Updated: Jun 16
What happens when a doctor becomes the patient? For Dr. Ana Pimenta in Portugal, being diagnosed with celiac disease, along with her mother and young son, deeply transformed not only her personal life but also the way she approaches patient care. In this inspiring interview, Dr. Pimenta shares how her experience living with celiac disease has led her to become an advocate for education, awareness, and community support. From creating helpful resources to connecting with others in Facebook groups, she’s working hard to make life with celiac a little easier for those around her.
How old were you when you were diagnosed with Celiac?
"I was 37 years old."
How did you find out you had Celiac?
"I suspected I had celiac disease after my last pregnancy due to developing lactose intolerance, experiencing significant fatigue, and having elevated antinuclear antibodies before pregnancy. Considering my family history of rheumatoid arthritis, I connected the dots and thought about celiac disease."
Do any of your family members have Celiac?
"Yes. My mother and my youngest son were both diagnosed after me because I had them screened as direct relatives of a celiac."
What do you find to be the hardest part of living with Celiac?
"The lack of freedom to choose where to eat."
Are there any positives that you feel came from your diagnosis?
"Yes. My diagnosis broadened my perspective as a doctor. I developed protocols for the follow-up of celiac patients and those with non-celiac wheat sensitivity, and I started offering consultations specifically for these conditions. I also began volunteering in this field, co-administering a Facebook group dedicated to the celiac community called Viva Sem Glúten Portugal. Additionally, I started giving training in this area and have delivered several international lectures on these topics. Through this journey, I have met and helped build a strong celiac community, both in Portugal and internationally."
Do you know anyone else with Celiac?
"Thousands! The group I co-administer has over 20,000 members. I have provided medical consultations to hundreds of celiac patients. In my close circle of friends, there are now many celiacs and their families. After my diagnosis, I conducted genetic testing on my direct relatives and have been monitoring those with genetic risk. I diagnosed my mother with celiac disease four years after my own diagnosis, at the age of 69, and also my youngest son, 17 months after my diagnosis, when he was still a toddler."
Eating Out
How knowledgeable is the food industry regarding Celiac disease?
"In Portugal, as in the rest of Europe, packaged food products must list allergens in the ingredients, including wheat, rye, barley, and gluten. Many companies also declare the possible presence of traces. Regarding the restaurant industry, it is mandatory to provide allergen information on menus, lists, online, or even verbally. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of knowledge about celiac disease, although awareness has improved in recent years. The Portuguese Celiac Association certifies restaurants, and while the list is still limited, it is growing year by year."
Are the menus clearly marked for allergens and gluten-free food?
"It is not common to find menus with allergen descriptions, although it is legally required for restaurants to be able to provide this information for each dish."
Do restaurants usually have something you can eat safely?
"Portugal, being a Mediterranean country, makes it easier to find naturally gluten-free options. However, it is essential to ask questions about how cross-contamination is managed."
What is the easiest/hardest part about eating out?
"After 14 years as a celiac, what I find most difficult is the lack of freedom of choice."
How common are Celiac/gluten-free dietary restrictions?
"In Portugal, it is estimated that 1% of the population has celiac disease, although there is still significant underdiagnosis."
Would you like to share pictures or information about any traditional dishes from your country?
"When it comes to traditional Portuguese dishes, it is important to check and ensure that grilled meats are not marinated (e.g., in beer), that no Knorr stock cubes or potato flour contaminated with gluten are used in rice or soups, and that meat dishes do not contain chouriço with gluten, alheira, or farinheira (a type of chouriço made with wheat flour).
Fish dishes are generally safe, but for seafood rice, make sure that no Knorr stock cubes or imitation crab (delícias do mar) are used, and regarding cotfish check they don't serve it with Broa de milho (corn bread but usually takes part of wheat flour also).
Regarding desserts typically found in restaurants: Arroz doce (rice pudding) is usually gluten-free (just check they don't use pudding powder for color and flavor), egg-based puddings (such as Flan, Abade de Priscos, Molotoff – be cautious if the oven is not contaminated) are gluten-free, Baba de Camelo, and chocolate mousse (ask if the chocolate contains traces of gluten).
To try the iconic Pastéis de Nata (gluten-free version) in Lisbon, visit Rice Me Deli or order from Batarda’s. In Porto, order from Boca de Leão and Celíacias. In Braga, visit Bonna. Batarda’s delivers nationwide."
Below are some traditional dishes and considerations from Dr. Ana Pimenta to ensure they are gluten-free.
Traditional Portuguese Dishes Adapted for a Gluten-Free Diet
Meat Dishes
1️⃣ Carne de Porco à Alentejana (Alentejo and Algarve) – A dish combining marinated pork with clams. Be careful with seasonings and marinades, as some may contain gluten. The traditional fried bread can be replaced with gluten-free bread or omitted.
2️⃣ Cozido à Portuguesa (Nationwide, with regional variations) – One of Portugal’s most iconic dishes, made with different meats, sausages, and vegetables. Watch out for sausages, as they may contain gluten. Choose certified gluten-free versions.
3️⃣ Arroz de Pato (Central Portugal – Coimbra and Baixo Mondego) – A classic dish from the Coimbra region, made with duck, rice, and sausages. Check the chouriço, as some contain gluten.
4️⃣ Bitoque (Nationwide) – A simple yet popular dish consisting of a steak, French fries, rice, and a fried egg. Be cautious with sauces (such as mustard and cream sauces) and pre-fried potatoes, which may contain traces of gluten.
5️⃣ Feijoada (Northern Portugal – Minho and Porto) – A hearty bean stew with pork and sausages. Choose gluten-free sausages, as some may contain breadcrumbs or wheat flour.
6️⃣ Tripas à Moda do Porto (Northern Portugal – Porto) – A historic dish from Porto, made with tripe, beans, and sausages. Be careful with farinheiras and chouriço, as they may contain gluten.
Fish and Seafood Dishes
7️⃣ Polvo à Lagareiro (Nationwide, especially in Beiras and Trás-os-Montes) – Oven-roasted octopus with potatoes and plenty of olive oil.
8️⃣ Caldeirada (Coastal regions – Algarve, Lisbon, Setúbal) – A fish and seafood stew with potatoes and tomatoes. It’s naturally gluten-free, but check whether industrial broths or flour are used to thicken the sauce.
9️⃣ Sardinhas Assadas (Coastal regions – Lisbon, Setúbal, Algarve) – One of Portugal’s most traditional festival dishes. Typically gluten-free, but be cautious with accompaniments like bread and salads with industrial dressings.
🔟 Cataplana de Marisco (Southern Portugal – Algarve) – A seafood and fish dish cooked in a cataplana (a traditional copper pot). It is naturally gluten-free, but check the broth ingredients.
1️⃣1️⃣ Marisco Cozido (Coastal Portugal) – Boiled shellfish like percebes, shrimp, crab, and lobster, cooked only with water and salt. Naturally gluten-free, but avoid industrial sauces that might contain gluten.
Codfish Dishes
1️⃣2️⃣ Bacalhau à Brás (Nationwide, originally from Lisbon) – Shredded cod mixed with French fries and scrambled eggs. Be careful with store-bought fries, as some brands may contain traces of gluten. Homemade fries are a safer option.
1️⃣3️⃣ Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá (Northern Portugal – Porto) – One of Portugal’s most famous codfish dishes, made with potatoes, onions, and olive oil.
1️⃣4️⃣ Bacalhau Cozido com Grão (Nationwide) – A simple and nutritious dish, often served at Christmas Eve dinner. Naturally gluten-free, but check the label of canned chickpeas, as cross-contamination is possible.
Soups and Other Traditional Dishes
1️⃣5️⃣ Caldo Verde (Northern Portugal – Minho and Douro Litoral) – A soup made with potatoes, kale, and chouriço. Many chouriço varieties contain gluten, so choose carefully.
Buying Gluten-Free Food
Is it easy for you to find gluten-free options at the grocery store?
"Yes, large supermarket chains like Continente, Pingo Doce, Mercadona, Auchan, and Supercor offer specific products for celiacs. Additionally, there are specialized stores such as O Celeiro that carry gluten-free products."
Are foods clearly marked gluten-free?
"In Portugal, as in the rest of Europe, packaged food products must list allergens in the ingredients, including wheat, rye, barley, and gluten. Many companies also declare the possible presence of traces."
What would you say is your biggest struggle eating gluten-free in your country?
"There are still some restaurants that do not manage cross-contamination adequately."
Is eating gluten-free more expensive?
"Yes, gluten-free products can cost 2 to 3 times more than regular products."
Does the government help with the expense of gluten-free food?
"Yes, products specifically made for celiacs can be considered a health expense, with a 15% refund on income tax (IRS) in Portugal."
Medication
Do you have to worry about gluten in your over-the-counter or prescribed medication? "Medications regulated by INFARMED (the Portuguese regulatory authority) must mention if they contain wheat or gluten. This is a regulation across Europe for medications that contain gluten. However, supplements and vitamins are not regulated by INFARMED, so it is important to only purchase those that explicitly state gluten-free on the label."
Travel
If someone was coming to visit your country for the first time, what would you say are the “must-see” sites?
"If you're visiting Portugal for the first time, there are several must-see spots across the country:
Lisbon – The capital of Portugal, with its charming neighborhoods like Alfama, the iconic Belém Tower, and the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery. Don't miss a tram ride on the famous Tram 28.
Sintra – Known for its fairy-tale castles like the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. The town's lush landscapes and historic palaces are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
View of Porto Photo by Terri Hepp Porto – Famous for its wine and beautiful riverside. You can visit the Ribeira district, the stunning Livraria Lello, and of course, the Port Wine Cellars.
Alvor (the Algarve Region) Photo by Terri Hepp Algarve – Known for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and charming towns like Silves. It's also great for golf lovers and those looking for relaxation by the sea. My favorite beach is the stunning Praia da Falésia, located near Albufeira, where you can also enjoy a delicious gluten-free pizza at Senhor Frogs restaurant.
Madeira – A beautiful island with lush gardens, scenic viewpoints like Cabo Girão, and hiking trails in the Laurisilva Forest (a UNESCO site).
Douro Valley – The region is famous for its wine, particularly Port wine, with scenic vineyards along the Douro River."
Dr. Ana Pimenta’s personal experience with celiac disease has shaped the way she approaches her work, as both a doctor and an advocate. Her focus on education and community support is helping others in Portugal feel less alone and more empowered to manage their health. By combining medical knowledge with real-life experience, she’s making a lasting impact on the celiac community.
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