Unfortunately we need to watch out for gluten in our lotions, makeup, shampoos & conditioners too! Here are a few of our gluten-free favorites!
Shopping Guide
Finding “normal” tasting gluten-free food is getting easier and easier but can still be challenging. It took me several years of trial and error to find the right brands for various foods. One brand may make good noodles but a horrible bread, so it took time to figure out what we all liked. I am continually updating this gluten-free shopping guide as I discover new products so stay tuned!
When I first found out I had Celiac I tried to embrace my new food life with a positive attitude. I immediately went to Whole Foods and tried to find something I could snack on. At the time, my favorite snack was pretzels so I bought the first gluten-free bag of pretzels I saw. I went out to my car and ripped into the bag…what I saw inside scared me. It was supposedly a pretzel but it looked more like a twig. Still, I was trying to be optimistic so I took a bite. Eww! It tasted like the twig it looked like! I have since found gluten-free pretzels that actually taste like real pretzels. I fed those twig like pretzels to my chickens.
The following are some of the items we use on a regular basis that are easy to find and taste like normal food. Usually I can get away with feeding this food to normal people and they don’t even know it’s gluten-free. I also try to include the stores most items can be found. I am so grateful that I live in the Pacific Northwest, there are so many gluten-free options!! Through my @makeitglutenfreewithme page on Instagram I’ve learned that there are lots of gluten-free options all over the world! In particular, I’ve noticed New York & the UK have LOTS of gluten-free options! Maybe at some point I will try to update this gluten-free shopping guide to include other places…
Gluten-Free Jerky
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Steak Strips are awesome! They are tender AND gluten-free!
Gluten-Free Bars
There are LOTS of gluten-free bars available out there! I’ll continue to add more… The most common and easy to find are Kind Bars and they are all gluten-free. Nature Valley protein bars are gluten-free. They are more like a granola bar than a true protein bar. Costco has a […]
Gluten-Free French Fries
Ore-Ida Golden Fries are the best! We bought a ZenChef air fryer off Amazon and cook them up in there. They also cook great in the oven. Naturally gluten-free and available in most grocery stores. We have also been 99% fine with fries from Five Guys and Red Robin.
Gluten-Free Hash Browns
Ore Ida shredded hash browns are famous at our house! The kids’ friends beg for these on sleepovers. We always take them camping too! They cook great on the stove-top, in the oven, & in a dutch oven. These are naturally gluten-free and available at most grocery stores.
Gluten-Free Frozen Pizzas
There are lots of gluten-free frozen pizzas out there. Here’s where to find them and which is our favorite!
Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate
Bet you didn’t know you had to watch out for gluten in your hot chocolate!! Well, sadly you do! It’s actually in most hot chocolates. Stephen’s Gourmet Hot Cocoa is gluten-free and super yummy. It comes in various flavors too – milk, dark, peppermint. Costco has the regular milk chocolate […]
Best Gluten-Free Tortilla Chips
Most tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free but not all are safe. Be sure to check the back of the package, they are getting much better at labeling these days! Juanita’s are the best Mexican style tortilla chips you can get! You can get these at most regular grocery stores. Costco’s […]
Best Gluten-Free Pretzels
Seriously, there are some good gluten-free pretzels and some horrible gluten-free pretzels out there!! Glutino has the best gluten-free pretzels. They are available in twists, sticks, yogurt covered, honey mustard, fudge covered, & BIG. I get these at New Seasons Market.
Best Hamburger and Hot-dog Buns
We keep Udi’s buns in the freezer to maintain freshness. The kids just toss them in the toaster oven when they are ready to eat them. Udi’s gluten-free hamburger and hot-dog buns are the kids’ favorite. We get them at Fred Meyer or New Seasons, usually in the frozen section. […]
Best Gluten-Free Breads
The best gluten-free breads and where you can find them. Tips for maximum shelf life.
Best Gluten-Free Crackers
You can get Chunchmaster Rice Crackers in a 6 pack from Costco with 2 flavors: Artisan Four Cheese and Toasted Sesame. Their Multi-Grain Crackers are good too.