New GF breakfast sandwich at Starbucks.

I generally avoid Starbucks at all costs. Besides the fact that, if I'm going out for coffee, I'd prefer to visit a local establishment, I've never thought Starbucks coffee was any good. I've never understood why people are addicted to it. If I actually need coffee to go, I'd rather get the $1 McDonald's coffee which tastes better and is obviously much cheaper.

But when Starbucks introduced a gluten-free breakfast sandwich to its menu last week, I figured I had to try it. So I went this morning.

It's called the Smoked Canadian Bacon sandwich and it features, according to Starbucks, "cherrywood-smoked Canadian bacon, a peppered egg patty and reduced-fat white cheddar cheese on a gluten-free roll."

The most encouraging part of this new item is the company's gluten-free procedure. The sandwich is shipped from a certified gluten-free kitchen and sealed in an oven-safe parchment bag. So, you don't have to worry about gluten contamination. They served it to me still in the bag, so no employee at this Starbucks ever touched it.

And, yes, I thought it was quite good. I was pleased, although at $4.75, it's not going to be a regular stop for me.

What I like best about this item is it gives all of us a new travel option. How many times have you been on the road, trying to figure out where you can get a quick gluten-free breakfast? Since you can find a Starbucks just about anywhere, you have a good chance of finding something safe to eat just about anywhere.

Another sign of progress in our gluten-free world.