Last updated May 2026
Happy Celiac Disease Awareness Month!
I’m a huge fan of naturally gluten-free food. It’s usually healthier, usually cheaper, and IMHO, often tastier, too. That’s especially this this time of year, when we can start to get locally grown veggies and fruit. A 2024 list of markets in Northern Virginia is here.
And yet…there are so many reasons packaged foods do absolutely come in handy from time to time, whether it’s because of job demands, travel, or you just need to have something shelf-stable and portable in the car in case of emergency.
I’ve put together a updated list of some of my favorite healthier options among packaged products, with an eye out towards ones that are lower in sugar, higher in fiber and protein, and on the less processed end of the spectrum. I’ve noted which are GF certified, Kosher certified or vegan, according to the manufacturer’s claims, and I always encourage you to double-check, because ingredients and processing protocols change.
- 88 Acres (top 9 free, Certified gluten-free–purity protocol)
- Aloha bars (vegan, Certified Kosher)
- Clif z bar only some Clif bars are gluten-free–grab carefully)
- Epic bars Certified GF
- Go Macro bar (really easy to find locally!)Certified GF, many are FODMAP friendly. I like the minis!
- Kind bars® (certified Kosher)
- Larabars–you can find these almost anywhere(vegan, Kosher) I particularly like the minis.
- Mezcla—Certified gluten-free, vegan
- NuGo bars®-(Kosher) Certified GF, some allergen friendly
- Perfect bars® (Kosher)
- Rx Bars Kosher–again, minis are great options. I would recommend against the bars with oats.
- Rise bars® (Kosher), some are vegan
- Thunderbird Certified GF, vegan
- Trubar Certified GF, certified vegan
- Zingbars®-–Certified GF, vegan, Kosher
What do I consider a healthier gluten-free bar? In a nutshell, mostly ingredients your grandmother would more or less recognize, enough protein and fiber to keep you fueled, and of course, gluten-free. These bars also avoid artificial sweeteners and soy protein isolate.
Snacks:
- Boomchickapop–popcorn, but certified GF & w/ all sorts of fun flavors
- Hail Merry’s®-Certified GF, Kosher
- Just Tomatoes® Fruits & Veggies
- Justin’s nut butters-–Certified GF, Kosher (Vanilla almond is my personal fave!)
- Mary’s Gone Crackers® –Certified GF, Kosher
- Nuts.com® (many options are certified GF, READ ALL INGREDIENTS! they do also sell products with wheat, produced in a different factory)
- The Good Bean Roasted Chickpeas–Certified GF
Quick meal options
Soups & etc.
- Amy’s has great bean soup options. Some have pull top lids
- Pacific has many soups, including veggie soups
- Progresso has many options that are labeled gluten-free
- Gluten-Free Cafe
Frozen: In the NoVA area, you can generally find these at MOM’s, Wegman’s, Whole Foods and Earth Fare
- Amy’s Organic® Kosher has frozen entrees, with vegan and vegetarian options
- Beetnick frozen foods–certified GF, lots of options
- Dr. Praeger-(choose GF check mark)veggie burgers, veggie patties, fish sticks & more.
- Garden lites® Kosher 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
- Kevins Natural foods–certified GF, found in a range of local places
- Primal Kitchen–they’ve now got frozen bowls and skillet meals
Cereals: (other great breakfast options here)
- Bob’s Red Mill Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal®
- Erewhon Corn flakes®(Certified GF)
- Love Grown Cereals (Certified GF)
- Kind Healthy Grain Clusters®
- Mesa Sunrise® (Certified GF)
Breads:
Ah, the task of finding a g-free bread with enough fiber. Try these:
- Dr. Schar Ciabatta Rolls®
- Julian Bakery (variety of lower carb, higher fiber options)
- Happy Camper
- Promise GF (hard to find in the DC metro area!)
- Simple Kneads–at Whole Foods
- Udi’s Flax and Fiber ®
