Lately the Lord has put people in my life who have just been diagnosed with Celiac Disease or who are struggling. I have been beyond blessed and honored to help these wonderful people. I understand the struggle and the overwhelming anxiety that comes with diagnosis and Celiacs. If I can help just a little, I am happy to.
With that said, I have decided to compile a list of all of my gluten free favorites. The products that are 100% worth every penny and the companies worth checking out.
This list will not only save you time searching for gluten free products online but in store as well. I have done the tasting & trying for you and all you have to do is go out and buy it.
As we all know, not all gluten free products are created equal. That means that not every product tastes amazing and is worth purchasing. I have tasted tons of great products and a huge amount of very disgusting ones too. I want you to have the best start possible in your gluten free journey, so without further a do, I present to you...
My Favorites
Let's start off the list with bread, because after all, it is the product most used in households all over. If you haven't learned already, gluten free bread is usually dry, brittle and crumbly. If you attempt to wrap it around a hot dog, it will most likely break.
I have tried all kinds of breads in the 4 years I have had Celiacs and I can officially tell you that you want to stay away from BREAD MADE OF RICE. Honestly, I think rice should NEVER be used in bread making, because it leaves the bread very grainy and unappetizing. Not to mention a horrible after taste.
Two of my favorite brands which carry gluten free bread that is not only flexable, soft, but also tastes great is:
Schars Artisian Gluten Free Bread
Schars Gluten Free Bread
And
Aldi's Live G Free Gluten Free Bread
Aldi's Gluten Free Bread
Out of those two, I would say Schars stays softer longer. Keep in mind that if you freeze gluten free bread, it will become dry and brittle. Try to eat it up fresh.
Now, let's talk noodles. Noodles are used in a lot of dishes and normally they contain gluten. Fortunately there are great alternatives out there. Once again, try to stay away from the rice noodles as they tend to be very grainy. Some are good, but most will have a weird texture. I have found that gluten free noodles made from CORN & QUINOA come the closest to wheat pasta. So, try to stick with ones made with those grains.
This is one of my favorites, also made by Schars.
Schars Gluten Free Noodles
I was bummed out when I thought I could no longer have cheesy raviolis. However, I am happy to announce that the company
THREE BRIDGES carries a Three Cheese Gluten Free Ravioli that tastes down right amazing! Add some gluten free spaghetti sauce to this, and it makes for a super delicious meal. *Classico brand of spaghetti sauce is gluten free*.
Three Bridges Products
When making tacos, quesadillas or any similar meal, gluten free wraps are a total need. I have tried both Udi's & Aldi' brand of wraps and to tell you the truth, I like Aldi's Gluten Free Wraps better.
For all you pizza lovers out there, there are options for you as well. These three brands carry delicious and safe gluten free pizza.
These are my favorite.
Freschetta Gluten Free Pizza
Three Bakers Gluten Free Pizza
Mama Stoen carries not only an amazing gluten free pizza but some other great gluten free products as well.
Mama Stoens
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Can they be gluten free as well?
OF COURSE THEY CAN!
But unfortunately most cereals and oat meals are made of gluten ingredients & unsafe.
Even the brands that claim to be gluten free, use mechanical separation to separate their oats causing a cross contamination concern. Here are some products and brands I trust and you should too!
Vans Gluten Free Cereal is one cold cereal that I definately trust. Their Cinnamon Heaven tastes like a gluten free version of cinnamon toast crunch.
Vans Gluten Free Cereal
When it comes to hot cereal (oatmeal), there is a lot of controversy. Honestly, what I have found is that despite their gluten free label, most are not trust worthy. You have to look for oat meal that follows the purity protocol, which means that the product hasn't been mechanically separated. Most companies seperate their oats with machines and the risk of contamination is very high. I have done the research for you and found out that one of the safest brands for us is Glutenfreeda Oats. Their oat meal is very good tasting!
I am a HUGE FAN of blueberry muffins and with that said, I have tasted quite a few.
If you want a great tasting, sweet blueberry muffin that is quick and easy, check out Udi's Blueberry muffins next time you are at the store.
Udi's Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
Now if you like to bake and eat super moist blueberry muffins, look no further than
Brody's 579 Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins
Craving donuts?
Katz Gluten Free brand has amazing tasting donuts that taste like regular gluten ones.
Katz also have a huge variety of other great products you have to try out. All of which are worth it. I have tried majority of their products and they do a fantastic job at making everything taste like the original. Katz Gluten Free *Tip: follow the directions on the back of the donut box, to microwave them. They become even more moist.*
Most packaged meat in the meat department is gluten free, but not all. You always need to look for hidden ingredients like (unspecified spices) (flavors) (broth/solutions & meats that have been marinated). Go as natural as possible with nothing added. One of my favorites, despite the minimal processing that they do to it, is CHICKEN FROM GOLDEN PLUMP.
It is very moist and great tasting!
*Keep in mind, not all of their products are gluten free, so make sure to always label read!*
Golden Plump Chicken
Now let's say you don't have very much time to cook a meal and want something quick and safe. Udi's has amazing gluten free frozen meals. They are a bit spendy though.
These are my favorites:
Udi's Gluten Free Parm Penne.
The perfect amount of cheese, marinara sauce and chicken.
Chicken Parm Penne
Udi Chicken Penne Alfedo is divine.
It is so creamy, and packed full of broccoli and chicken. So delicious!
Chicken Penne Alfredo
Do you like chicken nuggets/strips or have children who do?
Check out my ultimate favorite gluten free chicken strips. They are crispy, and tender.
Simply Smart Gluten Free Breaded Chicken Tenders
Walmart makes some pretty good gluten free products, one of which is their macaroni and cheese. I like the elbow noodle version better than their shell noodle one because it tastes more like cheddar. The one with shells taste more like Velveeta cheese and has a bitter taste.
*Not all Walmart Brand products are gluten free*
Walmart Brand Gluten Free Macaroni & Cheese
Before I get into my favorite gluten free snacks, let's talk a little bit about soy sauce and broth. As you probably already know, these two products contain gluten. I have found two that do not and are worth buying.
San-J Soy Sauce
There is absolutely no difference in taste and quality. This Soy Sauce rocks!
Pregresso & Swanson are two brands that carry gluten free liquid broths for both chicken and beef. Broth cubes, usually contain gluten, so stick with the liquid broths and always label check. It will say gluten free on the bottom/ back of the container or the side in bold black writing. If it does not say it, look for a different one.
As far as sweets go, my go to products are:
Hershey's kisses (regular)
Hershey's bar (regular)
*Do not buy the one with almonds because it can contain gluten.*
Enjoy Life Soft Baked Snickerdoodle Cookies
Their cookies are SUPER SOFT and sweet.
They have other products that are just as good, like their gluten free trail mix. They are proud to say their products are free from the 8 common food allergies.
Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn
This is a guilt free Celiac snack as it is packed full of fiber. This product is made by Angies.
Do you miss having pretzels?
Well, both Glutino & Snyders make gluten free pretzels. One of my favorites has to be the Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzel Sticks by Snyders. These pretzel sticks are super addicting, so be aware!
If you have kids like I do who love their animal crackers, check this out:
Kinnikinnick Animal Crackers are not only gluten free but dairy free as well. So if you cannot handle dairy (most celiacs cannot), this is a great snack even for adults.
Tootsie Roll claims that all of their candies are gluten free, which is great news for us.
Tootsie Roll Gluten Free FAQ
This includes my ultimate favorite candy
Frooties!
When I was a young girl, I remember saving up my pennies, to go down to the store and pick out which penny candy I wanted. These frooties were those penny candies. Yummy!
This concludes my list of favorite products, I hope this has helped you out.
If you need a recommendation for a product that is not listed above, leave me a comment and I will be more than happy to let you know which one I would suggest.
Now remember, products can change from month to month, so ALWAYS check the labels to make sure they are gluten free.
May all your gluten free wishes come true.
-The Gluten Free Momma
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