Dealing with Diagnosis
When “You Have Coeliac Disease” Changes Everything
When you’re first diagnosed with coeliac disease, it can feel like the world of food suddenly gets a lot smaller. One day you’re enjoying your favourite pizza or eating out without a second thought - and the next, you’re studying every label, every menu, and second-guessing every meal.
For me, it wasn’t just about what I could or couldn’t eat. It was about identity, connection, and confidence. Food had always been a part of everyday life — but suddenly, I felt like the odd one out at the table.
I remember after first being diagnosed 3 days before Christmas, I didn’t eat out for quite a while, I was unsure, worried and lacked confidence. I had been invited to eat out with friends around this time, and it was at this point I felt the isolation hit me - it wasn’t as simple as it used to be. My freedom had been taken away, and suddenly everything had to be planned in advance, and I was a burden.
The Hidden Mental Challenge of Going Gluten-Free
The physical side of coeliac disease is often talked about — but the mental impact? Not so much.
There’s a real emotional weight that comes with food restrictions. Anxiety, guilt, and the feeling of being a burden can creep in during what should be enjoyable occasions.
The weekly food shop takes twice as long. Restaurant menus suddenly feel like obstacle courses.
And when your food arrives looking different from everyone else’s, coupled with a “a gluten free [insert meal here]” announcement, it’s easy to feel separated — even when surrounded by friends or family.
In the early days, it was very difficult, but it quickly got better. Reading restaurants menus in advance, and educating friends and family about the potential consequences of cross contamination, such as fries cooked in shared fryers, utensils and equipment shared between gluten free and non-gluten free foods, helped people understand the struggles a little more. Once the people around you understand a little better, you feel less awkward and more “normal”, for want of a better word.
Reclaiming Enjoyability - and Pizza - at the Table
At some point, I realised my challenge wasn’t just about avoiding gluten. It was about reclaiming enjoyment. I missed spontaneously grabbing food, from anywhere. I missed proper takeaway food, I wanted those lazy weekend evenings back, but without fear, without compromise, and without needing a separate plate.
After sampling many many gluten free pizzas, I wasn’t happy. I needed to try and make my own. To cut a long story short, the purchase of a pizza oven led to my wife eventually saying a phrase that shall haunt her forever “these are really good, you could sell these”.
That’s where the idea for Craving Crust began. I wanted to share these pizzas with other coeliacs and the gluten sensitive, and furthermore, promise them that everyone could enjoy this pizza — a pizza that didn’t feel like a substitute, but a celebration. A pizza that could sit at the centre of any table and belong there.
Bringing Everyone Back Together
Since launching Craving Crust, we’ve been on a mission to make gluten-free dining feel inclusive again. Our pizzas have gone on to win Gold at the Free From Food Awards in 2025 — but the real reward is seeing people share our food together, and smiling!
Coeliac, gluten-sensitive, dairy-free, or none of the above — when people sit down and share a Craving Crust pizza, no one needs to feel “different”. That’s what drives us every day.
Food should connect people, not separate them.
If You’re Newly Diagnosed — Here’s What I Wish I’d Known
If you’re just starting out with coeliac disease, I get it — it’s tough. You’ll have days where it feels unfair, or overwhelming. But with time, you’ll find your rhythm. You’ll discover restaurants you can trust, recipes you’ll love, and safe foods that don’t feel restrictive.
And when you’re ready to share a meal again — confidently, joyfully, with everyone at the table — we’ll have the pizza waiting.
Hang in there, things do get better! - Matt, Founder of Craving Crust