Active Culture

Loved this place!! Gf items on menu and staff are knowledgeable and careful when you let them know you’re coeliac. Delicious food!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

I loved everything I have gotten from here and never had a reaction to gluten. My new favorite place. Even my husband who isn’t gluten free loves this place!!!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

We all love this restaurant that is all organic and vegetarian with many vegan options and also lots of gf items or good substitutes. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They have froyo but we came here for breakfast. There’s a menu for the kids as well. Mine had a yogurt/granola bowl, and a açaí bowl with granola. Both were topped with fresh fruit and honey. I had a velvet açaí bowl and my husband had one with coconut and pineapple. I also ordered a smoothie. It was all organic and fresh. I’ve had the sambazon smoothie packs before, but this tasted so much better. My son loved the granola- it was crunchy and tasty. It was a nice way to start the day. Next time I’ll try the quinoa bowl- I think it’s called a vitality bowl or something like that. Lots of good options for a healthy meal and great toppings options for froyo from what I could tell.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

At least one stop at Active Culture is at the top of my wish list when I visit my two daughters in Southern California. Even if I didn’t eat gluten free, Active Culture in San Clemente would still be one of my favorite gluten free dining destinations in Southern California. I’m sure every health conscious foodie in your party will love it too!Everything is organic and fresh. In fact nothing is fried or overly processed. When I’m back home, I dream about their acai bowls, especially the Velvet Bowl. The Velvet Bowl is made with organic açaí mixed with bananas, strawberries and their very own homemade raw organic almond milk topped with organic gluten free granola, bananas, fresh strawberries & blueberries and then drizzled with sweet honey. YUM! After spending the afternoon at any of the local beautiful pristine beaches or strolling around town, any of Active Culture’s acai bowls are sure to be a welcome refreshment. Active Culture is very casual. The menu clearly signifies whether the item is gluten or soy free, vegan, raw and organic. Simply order and pay for your food at the counter at which point you are given a sand filled glass bottle with a number to take to your table. When your food is ready, the waiter happily brings it to you. While you wait you can grab some of their little tasting cups and try their self-serve delicious frozen Velvet Yogurt. The frozen yogurts are also labeled if they are gluten free. Besides the açaí bowls, Active Culture serves savory bowls filled all sorts of organic goodness. On my last visit I had the Wholesome Bowl. It was deliciously filling with organic brown rice, black and red beans, cheddar cheese, cabbage, salsa, avocado, cilantro and their OG sauce.After eating any of their many savory dishes, like their amazing gluten free lentil burgers, (ask for the gluten free bread) or salads you may have a little room left. Who can resist a bowl of tasty frozen Velvet Yogurt! Their all natural frozen yogurt is actually made with live cultures. Head over to the toppings bar to add some fresh fruit, nuts or any of their other many delicious toppings.Before my long flight back to the east coast I always try to stop by Active Culture...again. A healthy meal before my flight is a must! Last time I tried their Evolution Bowl. I really enjoyed the combination of organic brown rice, quinoa, lentils, cucumber, onions, cranberries, red pepper, almond slices, mint and their slammin’ sauce. It was just what I needed to hold me over!If you also happen to be in the beautiful Laguna Beach, Active Culture has another spot conveniently found on South Coast Highway. Both locations are great for quick delicious organic food with many gluten free and vegan items.

Celiac friendly?

Yes