Seven years ago I told to start a gluten free diet. Back then, gluten free food was really not that great. In fact, it was basically card board and sugar. Yep. And whenever we’d go down to New Zealand, I’d stock up on all their gluten free foods because they had better quality and there were more choices. A gluten free diet was definitely more prevalent there, but for health reasons, not as a diet trend. Which reminds me, has anyone seen that South Park Gluten Free Ebola episode? Haha, it’s hilarious (and so true). Anyway, I digress….
Let’s get to today. Um, ya. So many wonderful gluten free brands out there. Quality brands. Caring brands. Informative brands. So today I thought I’d share with you some Gluten Free food and recipe MUST HAVES for anyone just starting out on a gluten free diet.
Granted, I might be an ambassador for almost all of these, but they did not pay me or ask me to write this. It was all my own doing. I truly don’t know what WE would do without them.
Carbs and Breakfast Food Must Haves:
Whenever I need to make a quick post workout porridge or fuel for the kiwi’s long run, ride, etc., I use Love Grown Foods Gluten Free Super Oats. It’s low sugar and Non Gmo. I like to combine it with either Larabar’s Grain Free Granola or an egg on top to give it more fat. Plus it taste’s amazing!
Udis gluten Free is another great brand for breakfast and carbs that you may miss when you are new to gluten free. They have all the healthy options like flax and chia bread, plus the “treat” options like muffins and cookies, but without all the fake ingredients. What I like about Udis is that they provide great support on their site as well. I’m a community leader for Udis and we are always trying to focus on ways to support and guide each other and others, even if they don’t eat Udis! It’s more about educating consumers and providing the resources needed.
Snack MUST HAVES:
Well of course I’m going to say Healthy bites, but I may be a little bias and have FREE access to a freezer full of them.
Let’s focus on some others, mmmm k?
Larabar make several great fruit and nut bars and so do KIND. We eat both. Although right now I am hooked on the seasonal cookie Larabar flavors and the new Kind Strong protein bars made with pea protein. SO SO GOOD!
Speaking of more protein, let’s talk about protein and fat must haves:
The new quest protein chips now have more flavors. Don’t even get me started on the salt and vinegar… tasty. Gluten and Soy free. In fact, I used that flavor to bread my Sizzlefish Salmon (recipe coming soon). And although not everyone will agree with certain ingredients, they are still pretty “clean” per se.
I also made my own beet avocado yogurt dressing to go with it. Just combine all these in a blender. Add olive oil to thin it out. And you gotta check out Blue Hill yogurt for more flavors (like butternut squash).
And last but not least, the GRAIN FREE must haves.
Oh I have died and gone to PALEO heaven. I just discovered Cappello’s paleo pasta and cookie dough.The main ingredients are almond meal, tapioca starch, coconut oil, and cage free eggs. And it actually tastes pretty darn amazing too! This weekend we had pasta and cookies. Actually, I think I just ate the cookie dough batter and gave the cookies to the kiwi. No joke.
Okay.. who’s hungry now? Pass the Almond Milk and let’s have some grain free cookies.
Do you have any gluten free must haves?
[Tweet “#GlutenFree Must Haves for Foodies and Newbies via @LCCotter #fitfluential #EAT”]
Cheers to Marvelous Monday!
LC
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Cassie
This is a perfect list for me once I get settled in SF this weekend… thank you!!!
Francesca
God Bless Lara Bars 🙂
Danielle @ I Eat Therefore I Run
My Instagram is FULL of Capellos, I want to try it! I’ve also tried the Udis Ancient Grain chips, and they were good!
My must have’s aren’t and premade things like this: the grocery stores around me just don’t sell the variety, so I go without and make my own instead.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
So many good options for people avoiding gluten. I’m a huge fan of KIND bars and of course pasta and cookies. 🙂
Alysia @ Slim Sanity
Looooove me some Larabars!!
Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out
Those capello’s cookies look amazing!!
Sarah
Loving this list of GF/grain free must haves, such a great idea to post on this. Between increasingly common gluten free diets whether medically necessary or personal choice, and grain free I think it’s good to have some options and reviews put on the table. Larabar makes a good product. I’m a fan of perfect food bars, clif kit bars, nature’s path line (hello gf pumpkin waffles? yes.), and either fuel for fire or just straight up babyfood packets because why not 😉
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
LaraBar and Quest for snacking on the go. Udi’s pizza crust & bread.
Chris
This is an awesome list. I want to do a total overhaul 3/4 week clean out on my diet. I eat decently… but I want to go fully paleo and primal, and then once my system is clear, start reintroducing certain foods one and a time and monitor my body’s reactions. Like with gluten… I don’t know if it negatively affects me. I feel “fine” now, but what if my “fine” really is crappy? So, what’s holding me back from doing this? Well, laziness. It’ll take a lot of effort! With some of these products though, I think it would help make things a little easier. Thanks for sharing!
LCCotter
i know what you mean. It can be hard. that’s why i am loving the RENOLA grain free pasta. AHH soo good!
Purelytwins
crazy how the food business has changed, so many companies out there.
which is nice 🙂
Michelle
This is SO helpful, thank you!! I have a tree nut allergy (I can eat peanuts thank the Lord!) and find it a little tricky to find GF recipes that do not include almond meal. Do you know of any resources or websites that you could point me to?!
LCCotter
You can usually substitute all almond meal for coconut flour or plantain flour. Are you wanting store bought food though? I’d also try purely twins, they have lots of plantain recipes!
Sue Parke
Love the post and all the gluten free suggestions. Kind bars are my new favorite snacks. I notice such a different when I cut back on gluten. I actually made waffles using gluten free oatbran last week instead of flour and they were delish.
LCCotter
GF oatbran!! SCORE! that’s a good find
jill conyers
Larabar and KIND are my favorite go-to snacks. Probably my only store bought.
Arman @ thebigmansworld
You guys have the BEST gluten free products known to human kind. Stupid Australia.
LCCotter
ya’ll have a lot! but i think ours are more affordable, yes?
Giselle
I really, really, really, want to try Capello’s cookie dough! I’m sure the pasta is good too but I’m just not a big pasta fan but chocolate chip cookies… Who can pass those up!?!
LCCotter
not gonna lie, i ate the dough straight up since there were no eggs in it. AMAZING
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating
Cannot wait for that Sizzlefish recipe with the Quest chips! I’m working on my own Sizzlefish recipe to get posted soon on my blog as well. It was a bit…Disney inspired…;) You’ll see! Thanks for compiling this list!
LCCotter
ohhh can’t wait!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table
It’s funny… I’m not gluten free but in my training diet I eat mostly gluten free because I eat so few processed foods. I love it! And balls. (TWSS)
Emily @My Healthyish Life
I can completely relate to this! I was diagnosed with celiac 7 years ago too and remember the awful tasting (and sugar filled) packaged foods. I would eat all of the kids products because I couldn’t find anything better! While I hate the gluten free for weight loss fad, I’m appreciative of the increase in delicious, nutritious products. I love KIND, Food for Life and Udi’s among others.
LCCotter
yes! it was bad. like sugar and dirt. haha. So glad we are focusing on REAL ingredients now
Jody - Fit at 56
I am not GF but thank you for all you do in sharing your knowledge!!! Healthy bites are perfect! 🙂
LCCotter
oh and i have to tell you, i found silverhills bakery bread today!
Jody - Fit at 56
WAHOO!!! I am not a fan of GF bread but I loved their 2 flavors! 🙂
She Rocks Fitness
I am definitely hungry right now and that pasta dish looks AMAZING! Need to check them out or you can have me over and we can have that with some vino…Just saying! 😉
Debbie
When I first dabbled in gluten free I was sad because I love bread. Udis was a life saver. I love all of their products!! And I love healthy bites too. Of course. I wish I had an unlimited supply 😉
LCCotter
and now you’ll have fish to fuel you GLUTEN FREE> hehe
Phoebe @ Feed Me Phoebe
These suggestions are SO great! I always love new suggestions for gluten-free foods. xo
LCCotter
let me know if you try any phoebe!!
Lisa @ RunWiki
I am addicted to Udi’s, especially the tortillas you recommended. I love the new Kind Bar savory line– a taste sensation. I must try Capello’s, like right now!
LCCotter
you and me both! soo good! and you will love cappellos
GiGi Eats
The cake balls I am currently shoving in my face hole…. Those are a grain-free MUST HAVE for me!
LCCotter
why aren’t you sharing then?
GiGi Eats
Because they are too good and I was never taught that “sharing is caring” – LOL!!!
Kim
I have a couple of friends who are gluten free – I’m going to make sure they know about all these great products!!
LCCotter
you are such a good friend!
Joanie @ ZagLeft
What a great collection of Gluten-Free items. It’s great that there are so many options available today. Sharing this with all my gluten-free friends!
Marcia
Oooooh I love so many of these! And need to try the others! I just bought one of the new Kind Strong Bars and forgot it’s in my purse!
LCCotter
oh you gotta try it! it’s soooo good
LCCotter
which one? i love them all! haha
Danica @ It's Progression
Love this post!
Larabar and Love Grown Foods are my favorites from this batch 🙂 I was crazy over that fall flavors of Larabars last year but I have yet to find them anywhere this year!
LCCotter
check whole foods! if not, i’ll send you some!
Danica @ It's Progression
You’re so sweet 🙂 I’m making a trip to WF today, hopefully I’ll find them!!
Linda @ Fit Fed and Happy
You ate only the cookie dough batter?? That is so like me! We could be friends, honestly. Isn’t there eggs in there though, by the way? 🙂
LCCotter
there’s no egg.. which made it even more dangerous. LOL! eat it all!
Fancy Nancy
You pretty much summed it up just right! However, if the Quest chips are as good as the bars….oh my come to mama!!!
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape
Ok, so now I need to visit the states with 2 empty suitcases, one for all things pumpkin and the other for gluten free goodies! Especially Capellos – been lusting after their wonders for ages now!
Or I just need to move 😉
LCCotter
yes, just move here now!
Sarah
I can relate to this. I was told back in 2005/2006 that I had Celiac and had to avoid gluten. I remember the day so clearly. I was so sick and so happy to finally have answers but it was fall and I tried to make cookies and find gluten free foods and I was crushed. I remember breaking down and hating food. Being a baker and cook I felt like my world just came crashing down. Add that to parties and get togethers and it was not a very fun time for me. There weren’t nearly the options back then and I remember when I did find some gluten free gems I would pay an arm and a leg or drive 45 minutes just to get cookie, bread, or cinnamon roll. I remember having a big binder book of food labels put out yearly as things weren’t labeled like they are today either and my biggest shock was licorice. I was getting sick after eating it and couldn’t figure it out, yep it had gluten in it. Fast forward to fall of 2008 and I had my youngest and a couple weeks after went to do another test as testing had changed and was told they didn’t think I had Celiac. They had me eat a bunch of gluten foods and come back for another test so I did just that and gained more over the next couple months than I had when I was pregnant! Another test and seems that I have an intolerance but not Celiac. The doctors at the time still won’t say they diagnosed my Celiac wrong still saying they don’t know enough and I could have had it. Being as sick as I was nothing made sense. I did see an internist which I love but he along with my doctor are both gone and ever since every time I have an issue I get sent in circles and tests only to not get any answers and just have a pile of bills.
I am so happy that food labeling and options have changed so much over the years. We love Lara Bars! I do have gluten now from time to time but try to stay away from it as I still have some issues. I just don’t avoid it at all costs like I use to. Some days I wish I did because I don’t always handle it the same.
LCCotter
me too!!! i think i really was depressed! we really need to meet and cook up a storm, yes?!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
This is such an awesome, helpful post. I think people become really overwhelmed and don’t know where to start but you’re right, there are so many great options these days!
misszippy
Talk about doing your homework! Great, long list of foods for the GF population AND the rest of us, too!
Jen
Ooohh, so new finds for me. Must try that yogurt (ah, butternut squash!) and pasta/cookie dough. My go-to grain-free snacks are definitely lara bars and homemade protein bites.
LCCotter
mmm i need your bites!
Diana
Yum – Larabars!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
OMG now I’m starving after reading this. I really shouldn’t read blogs before breakfast.
LCCotter
haha i know the feeling
Shashi @ runninsrilankan
I eat oats and larabar’s separately – never had I thought to combine them like you do – BRILLIANT lady! And I had no clue there was beet yogurt…I so gotta get my hands on some of that! My favorite gluten free option is always to have some soaked cashews on hand – great for cake, cookies, dip, pudding and savory sauces!
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine
I’ve never seen the seasonal Larabars! Snickerdoodle– yum. Although I have to admit, I always prefer my homemade ones anyway. I buy them for long flights and travel though.
Would love to try those grain free pastas. Crazy what’s being made these days!
LCCotter
i bet yours taste great!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
My must haves are real foods..specifically my top 3…POTATOES, APPLES, and NUTS/NUT BUTTER! I could live on all that forever…maybe 😉
LCCotter
oh for sure!
Heather (Where's the Beach)
Some great products there! That past looks great. I’ll have to keep my eye out for it.
LCCotter
i bet your sis would like the pasta!
Maureen
Yum!! You know I love Udi’s as well! It’s definitely not hard to find GF options nowadays, so that’s very nice. I do want to find that Capello’s pasta now!
LCCotter
we need a grain free pasta and wine date!
Lucie@FitSwissChick
Thank GOd I just had lunch! That all sounds amazing!! And I am so jealous of your freezer filled with your Healthy Bites.
You made me laugh with the cookie batter. I always eat the batter and give the cookies away.
MCM Mama
This is an awesome list! I’m not gluten free, but I’m avoiding wheat, so it’s nice to see some non-wheat options I can try.
CARLA
(((Oh)))
must find BLUE HILL here!!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables
love all these! I have also fallen in love with Paleo Wraps!
Lori Musselman
I’m also a huge fan of LARABar. 🙂 And yes, now I’m hungry!
Cara's Healthy Cravings
It’s nice to know these options in case people ask me, so thanks for sharing. I need to try and get my hands on a gingerbread Lara bar, I am certain I would love it.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
I agree with Tina, you are the gluten free queen! VEGGIES and fruit are my gluten-free must haves! 🙂
Tina Muir
You my dear, are the queen of gluten free tastiness! If anyone knows how to eat, and enjoy food gluten free, it is you, so I was not surprised to see this was a great list! I think a catchup is overdue for us by the way 🙂
Erin @ The Almond Eater
I love Larabars! They have replaced Luna Bars in my house….although now I need to find those seasonal flavors because they sound delicious!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma
I want to try out Capellos so badly! Really is incredible how many great products are out there now. Lara bars are a must for me and the kids when we’re running around to afterschool activities. Also, saw the south park episode and it killed me!
SuzLyfe (@suzlyfe)
It really is amazing the difference in options for those with gluten intolerances now versus just a few years ago (like the options for those with nut allergies). I remember when gluten free was first becoming a “thing”–you’re right, things were cardboardy and dense. Now, some of them are better than the gluten-filled ones!