I’m a huge fan of naturally gluten-free food. It’s usually healthier, usually cheaper, and IMHO, usually tastier, too. There are so many ways to go g-free quick and easy, and I highlighted a bunch in last month’s newsletter, with tips from a variety of gluten-free bloggers.
And yet…there are so many reasons packaged foods do come in handy from time to time, whether it’s because of job demands, travel, outdoor activities that prevent easy access or you just need to have something shelf-stable and portable in the car in case of emergency.
So…in honor of Celiac Disease Awareness month, I’ve put together a list of healthier options among packaged products, with an eye out towards ones that are lower in sugar, higher in fiber and protein, and less processed.
Obviously, you don’t want to forget naturally gluten-free options, too!
- Larabars®
- Pure bars®
- Raw Revolution Bars®
- Kind bars®
- Bumble Bars®
- No Opportunity Wasted bar®
- NuGo bars®
- Zingbars®
- Rise bars
Snacks:
Quick meal options
Frozen:
- Amy’s Organic® has frozen entrees, with vegan and vegetarian options
- Dr. Praeger-veggie burgers, veggie patties, fish sticks & more.
- Garden lites® soufflés and muffins, vegan and vegetarian options
- Glutenfreeda® has a wide variety of options. Nutritionally speaking, the burritos are healthier than the ice cream sandwiches, of course
Veggie Burgers:
- Dr. Praeger’s® Gluten-free California Veggie Burgers (check the box—they also sell products with gluten but test gluten-free products for safety)
- Hilary’s Eat Well® Gluten-Free Veggie Burgers
- Qrunch®burgers Vegan and allergen friendly
- Sunshine burger® Nutritionally, the most fiber and protein packed g-free veggie burger I’ve seen!
Shelf-stable options:
- Certified g-free oatmeal—many brands are tested: Glutenfreeda, Bob’s Red Mill, Cream Hill Estates, Holly’s Oatmeal and more
- CookSimple® has a variety of boxed meals (some gluten-free, some not)
- GoPicnic® has pre-packed meals that are shelf-stable
- St. Dafour® has tinned meals (some gluten-free, some not)
Soups!
Breakfast:
- Bob’s Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal®
- Crunchy Flax from Enjoy Life®
- Erewhon Buckwheat and Hemp Cereal®
- Kind Healthy Grain Clusters®
- Mesa Sunrise®
Breads: 
Ah, the task of finding a g-free bread with fiber. Try these:
Companies that offer sample boxes
- Got food allergies? I’ll be speaking at the FARE conference in Arlington on Eating Well with Food Allergies on Saturday, May 18th. It should be a wonderful event!
- Saturday is a busy day for me. I’ll also be on Blog Talk Radio with Joy Keys, speaking about Celiac Disease at 11am EST.
- There’s a Making Tracks for Celiac Walk in Arlington on June 2nd in the morning to benefit the Center for Celiac Research.
- Children’s National Celiac Disease Center is hosting their annual DC Gluten-Free Expo on June 2nd in Bethesda, MD. They always do a wonderful job, and it’s a fantastic cause.
Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD is a Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist and Certified Wellcoach in Fairfax & Alexandria, VA. She helps people with a range of dietary issues , including Celiac Disease, GI issues, food allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, vegetarian and vegan diets, preventing diseases and “whole foods” eating. Let’s get you on your way to achieving your goals and feeling great! Email or call 571-271-8742.
I agree. Celiac was once ocnsidered a chidhlood disease. Studies have shown that most often, chidren who were diagnosed with Celiac, grow up to be adults with unexplained symptoms. All Celiac’s know that this is one of the most difficult dignoses to make. Many doctors still treat the individual symptoms, without treating the underlying cause, which is the very food we consume to stay alive. I have found that, in retrospect, i have had symptoms all my life. Having been misdiagnosed, it took my Uncle, then my Grandfather almost dying, and being dignosed with Celiac sprue to bring the disease to my attention. Seems my family was full of undiagnosed Celiacs, and we have all benefitted from a gluten free diet.