Oat milk, dairy-free chocolate, rice pasta and wheat-free cakes – it sounds like a weird shopping list but for Tracy Saunders these unusual foods help her stay well.

“I love food so when I was diagnosed with a wheat and dairy intolerance I was really upset,” said Tracy, who lives in West Bromwich. “However, it became my hobby to start making meals, which could fit in with my new diet.

“Now I have turned that hobby into a business.”

Tracy says it was hitting the milestone of her 40th birthday that made her think of starting her own business and on July 7 she opened Tracy’s Pantry in Woodcross.

“Customers are saying they are so happy a shop like this has finally opened in Sandwell,” she says.

“I have had a lady from Stafford who bought all the dairy-free batter mix because she misses not being able to have fish and chips.

“A gentleman came in and ordered a load of my local honey, because it is good for hay fever.

“A young man, who can’t eat dairy products without feeling ill, comes in most days for a carton of oat milk to have on his cereal.

“Several mothers have bought the children’s meals I stock, which haven’t got any preservatives, colourings or flavourings.

“I have been amazed by how many people suffer with an intolerance or allergy and have struggled to find somewhere to buy good food.”

Tracy, who used to work for Sitech hearing dispensary, says she has even managed to get TV chef Jamie Oliver on board.

“I have spoken to Jamie Oliver about the shop and I’m keen for him to focus on food intolerances, because it is something that affects a lot of people,” said Tracy.

“A lot of doctors are unable to diagnose it.

“People can suffer for years without realising that they just need to replace something in their diet.

“There are a lot of young people now who can’t eat yoghurts.

“I have had mums saying the dairy-free yoghurts in the shop have made a real difference.”

By Cathy Spencer.