 In January of 2006, the Sandquist family started something wonderful; a gluten-free refuge from the challenges and frustration of shopping for a specialized diet in the large, chain grocery stores. With the benefit of Harold's experience in retail grocery and Dee's training as a nutritionist, Lingonberries Market was born (the name is a tribute to their Swedish roots). Its selection grew as more and better product lines were developed, but the store maintained its charm as a family-owned small business. For four years, Dee and Harold made life easier and better for a lot of people, our family included. However, in 2009, family responsibilities called the Sandquists home to Iowa.
That's where we come in. My name is Christina, and I, along with my parents, Rod and Theresa, are now the proud owners of Lingonberries Market. It is our mission to simplify shopping for safe, nutritious foods, providing the very best variety, quality, and selection of gluten-free and food allergy friendly products for you and your family. It is our pleasure to do so with a smile.
Absolutely everything at Lingonberries Market is gluten free, but you'll also find our range of products include organic, soy-free, nut-free, dairy/casein-free and vegan items, as well as options to satisfy any other dietary restrictions. Whether you are looking for ingredients to make a cake or a quick and easy meal, we have a broad variety of products to choose from.
My father, Rod Adams, was the first in our family to be diagnosed with celiac disease in 2004 (after a long and painful process). I was immensely relieved to find out that it was treatable – and without expensive drugs. Like most people, I had never heard of gluten or gluten intolerance. Dad worked with a nutritionist and did lots of research online to find out what he could and couldn't eat. Eating "stuff without wheat, barley or rye in it" shouldn't be too hard, right? What a shock to find that it was in nearly everything. Food frustration ensued, with long searches to find a few meager items with lists of ingredients that appeared to be gluten-free, and the tiny section of the supermarket set aside for specialty diets. That first loaf of gluten-free bread was so dreadful it made me cry.
My whole life I took for granted the pain, anemia, foggy mind, migraines, and many other odd health problems. I still spent a long time in denial over inheriting the disease, being skeptical that what I ate could really make that much difference to me. I was also reluctant to give up my delicious baked goods for the horrible cardboard gluten-free loaf.
When Lingonberries Market opened, we were some of the first customers. I don't remember what we bought that first trip, but I do know it changed my mind about gluten-free food. By then we had removed all gluten items from the house to protect my father from cross-contamination. I was convinced to try a gluten-free diet, based on my poor health and the fact that celiac disease is often hereditary. The change in my diet was dwarfed by the change it made in my life. The first month was hard; I was tempted to cheat all the time and I really felt sorry for myself. Then an amazing thing happened; the first pain-free day I could ever remember. I felt fantastic. I could make a positive change in my health, and I was hooked. Plus, the food I was able to get at Lingonberries didn't make me feel deprived.
How the market has grown since then! We have been tireless in finding all the best gluten-free foods to share with you, and I think you will be impressed with our selection and our product knowledge.
We are always looking for new ideas to make shopping at Lingonberries even better for you and your family. Please e mail me with any questions or suggestions at
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. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
Christina Almsted
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