5 Products to Know If You’re Going Gluten-Free

Gluten is a popular six-letter word in the health food industry.  But also one that can be confusing to consumers like us, as it sometimes shows up marketed on products that never even contained gluten in the first place.  For those living with celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or individuals avoiding gluten for other reasons, it might make you feel like gluten is in everything, but that’s not necessarily true.  

Let’s get you feeling more confident with the word gluten and familiar with five popular gluten-free products that will hopefully make your shopping trip a little easier.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.  Due to cross-contamination during the manufacturing process, it can sometimes be found in oats, but oats themselves do not contain gluten.  Look for the certified gluten-free label on oats if you’re someone avoiding gluten.

What can I eat if I’m gluten-free?

The Celiac Disease Foundation recommends that “the most cost-effective and healthy way to follow the gluten-free diet is to seek out these naturally gluten-free food groups, which include: fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts.”  Keep these foods in mind when planning the majority of your plate to ease stress. 

Is there such a thing as a gluten-free grain?

Yes, there are a handful of whole grains that are naturally gluten-free, including amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, quinoa, rice, sorghum, teff, and wild rice.

5 Gluten-Free Products to Know

1. Waffle

Birch Bender’s Paleo Waffles are perfect to keep stocked in your freezer.  Made with tiger nut, cassava, and coconut flour, these frozen waffles are a grain-free and gluten-free option.  We love eating them with mashed raspberries or smooth almond butter, but the sky’s the limit on what you can spread on top of these sugar-free waffles.

2. Cereal

Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise Flakes Cereal is a great way to try some naturally gluten-free grains as it’s made with corn, flax seeds, buckwheat, quinoa, and amaranth.  While it does contain added sugar, it’s a smaller amount compared to other cereals at 4 grams per serving.  Enjoy it in a homemade yogurt parfait as a lower sugar alternative to granola.

3. Tortilla

Siete Grain Free Tortillas allow you to partake in your typical taco routine without worrying about gluten.  There are five different options to try, such as using a blend of flours made from cassava, chickpea, coconut, and almond.  You’ll find these located in the refrigerated or freezer section at the grocery store.

4. Bread

Base Culture 7 Nut & Seed Bread makes an excellent vessel for your avocado toast.  You can find their products in the freezer section at the grocery store. There are seven different nuts and seeds within the bread, as the name implies, including pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp hearts.  The ingredients make this bread a nutrient-dense choice.

4. English Muffin

Food for Life Multi Seed English Muffin is a tasty addition to your breakfast. We also are big fans of making mini pizzas using English muffins as the base.  This version made by food for life uses a blend of brown rice, chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.  It contains no added sugars and is located within the freezer section. 

The Bottom Line

No matter your reason for going gluten-free know that there are always healthy swaps and resources available to meet your needs.  Be sure to fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, proteins, and dairy products, in addition to their gluten-free choices to achieve a balanced diet.

Did your favorite gluten-free product not make this list?  Let us know below so others can shop it, too.