Living Gluten-Free: An Interview With Chef and Author Aran Goyoaga
- nwheeler01
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Aran Goyoaga is one of the most influential voices in the gluten-free food world today. Raised in the Basque Country of Spain and a fourth-generation baker, Aran has always had a deep connection to food and craft. After moving to the U.S. at 24 to attend culinary school, her life took a new direction when both she and her son were diagnosed with gluten intolerance.
Instead of letting the diagnosis limit her, Aran reinvented gluten-free baking, proving it can be flavorful, beautiful, and nourishing. Today, she is the author of three highly acclaimed gluten-free cookbooks and teaches classes that empower others to cook with confidence.
This interview offers insights into her diagnosis, daily challenges, and how she thrives while living gluten-free.
Aran Goyoaga’s Journey Living Gluten-Free due to Gluten Intolerance
Aran was diagnosed at age 36 after months of debilitating symptoms, including vertigo and migraines. Once she removed gluten and wheat from her diet, her symptoms improved dramatically.
Does Gluten Intolerance Run in Her Family?
While there is no celiac disease in her family, several relatives also experience gluten intolerance.
Challenges & Positives of Living Gluten-Free
The Most Challenging Part of living with gluten Intolerance
For Aran, the biggest struggle has been hidden wheat starch in medications, especially her daily thyroid medicine. Wheat starch is also appearing in more gluten-free foods, making it difficult for those who are highly sensitive.
*Note - Gluten-free wheat starch is considered safe for people with celiac disease when it has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. That said, this is a controversial topic within the celiac community. As always, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your individual dietary and medical needs before determining the best course of action for you.
The Positives That Came From Her Diagnosis
Aran says the benefits have been life-changing:
She regained her health
She developed a deeper connection to her body
Her diagnosis reshaped her career, allowing her to help others through gluten-free baking
Does She Know Others With Gluten Intolerance?
Many people in her immediate circle are gluten intolerant, though she does not personally know anyone with celiac disease.
Eating Out Gluten-Free
How Knowledgeable Are Restaurants About Gluten-Free Needs?
Seattle, where Aran lives, has a strong awareness of food allergies. Many restaurants clearly mark gluten-free items or offer dedicated menus.
Are Safe Gluten-Free Options Available?
Most restaurants can accommodate her needs, although she notes that being dairy-free is often harder to manage than avoiding gluten.
What are the easiest and hardest parts of eating out
Easiest: Widespread gluten-free menu options
Hardest: Ensuring true safety (cross-contact, unclear ingredients, and untrained staff)
How Common Do You Feel Gluten-Free Diets Are Today?
Aran sees an increasing number of people avoiding gluten due to autoimmune or inflammatory issues, not just those with celiac disease.
Favorite Dishes in the Basque Country & Seattle
Many Basque dishes, soups, stews, and grilled fish are naturally gluten-free. In Seattle, Aran loves pho due to the city’s outstanding Vietnamese food scene.
Buying Gluten-Free Food
Are Gluten-Free Options Easy to Find in Stores?
Yes. Local supermarkets near Aran stock a wide range of gluten-free products.
Are Products Clearly Labeled?
U.S. labeling laws make gluten-free packaging relatively straightforward to navigate.
Biggest Challenge With Gluten-Free Packaged Foods
Many contain stabilizers and fillers. Aran prefers making her own bread, baked goods, and pasta from scratch. Fortunately, more clean-label gluten-free brands are emerging.
Is Eating Gluten-Free Expensive?
Yes, gluten-free ingredients continue to cost more than traditional options.
Gluten in Medication: A Hidden Struggle
Gluten, and more commonly wheat starch, can appear in both prescription and over-the-counter medications. This remains one of Aran’s greatest concerns, especially with the medications she takes daily.
A Personal Journey That Redefined Gluten-Free Baking
Living with gluten intolerance pushed Aran Goyoaga to rethink the way she baked and cooked, transforming limitations into creativity. What began as a personal necessity soon evolved into something much bigger. Discover Aran Goyoaga’s award-winning gluten-free cookbooks, where her journey turns into beautifully crafted recipes anyone can enjoy.
Discover Aran Goyoaga’s Award-Winning Gluten-Free Cookbooks
Aran Goyoaga is the award-winning author of three gluten-free cookbooks that have helped redefine what gluten-free baking can be. Her books, The Art of Gluten-Free Bread, Cannelle et Vanille, Bakes Simple Small Plates & Cannelle et Vanille, celebrate seasonal ingredients, beautiful presentation, and approachable techniques. From rustic tarts and airy cakes to naturally gluten-free breads and pastries, her recipes prove that gluten-free food can be both elegant and deeply satisfying, appealing to home bakers and food lovers alike.
Aran’s books are essential for anyone seeking flavorful, reliable gluten-free recipes:
Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple was widely celebrated as one of the Best Cookbooks of 2021, earning recognition from The Washington Post, Amazon, Food52, Vanity Fair, and Epicurious. Earlier, Cannelle et Vanille (2019) was a James Beard Award finalist and was also named Best of 2019 by The New York Times, Bon Appétit, Epicurious, and Food52, underscoring Aran Goyoaga’s lasting influence in the culinary and gluten-free baking world.
Final Thoughts
Aran Goyoaga’s gluten-free journey is a powerful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t have to limit your life; it can expand it. As a fourth-generation baker, Aran grew up surrounded by flour, family recipes, and a respect for the craft of baking. When she learned she was gluten intolerant, she leaned on that generational knowledge to find new ways to bake safely without giving up flavor, texture, or joy. Her work continues to inspire others to bake with confidence and embrace all that’s still possible after a diagnosis.
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