5 Tips for Shopping for Gluten Free Foods

A week ago I met a woman with a full shopping cart outside of Target. She had just learned her daughter and herself had Celiac disease. Although she had a full cart, she was very confused about shopping for gluten free. I do not have Celiac disease, but made the change to mostly gluten free to alleviate a family member's severe stomach pain. I remember my first confusing shopping trip to buy gluten free products.

Over the years, I have learned more about gluten free shopping. Most importantly, no one store is going to have everything you want. Especially if you shop for lower prices, visiting multiple stores is necessary. Secondly, the gluten free selections are getting larger and better all the time.

1 - Gluten free pasta
WalMart has a great gluten free section. Go to the pasta aisle to find very inexpensive Heartland spaghetti and macaronis.

2 - Crackers and Brownie/Cake Mixes
Aldi has inexpensive crackers and boxed mixes. Lowes Foods, Target, and Food Lion mark down their gluten free (Nabisco and Blue Diamond) crackers from time to time and I stock up.

3 - Bread
Glutino makes good gluten free bread. Some Food Lion stores carry this at lower prices than most other stores.

4 - Cereal
General Mills is to be commended for making a gluten free product for sale at regular cereal prices. Chex cereal has many flavors, they go on sale, and there are coupons - terrific!

5 - Snack Foods
Frito-Lay makes gluten free chips like Lay's Wavy chips and Tostitos Tortilla chips. Nature's Path makes delicious gluten free granola bars. My Target stopped carrying it so I ordered it online as described here. Some WalMarts have it.

Many of the above products have been reviewed on this blog. Check your local stores for gluten free products. Get familiar with pricing. Some of my favorites have been discontinued at stores, and I had to find other retailers or order online. If you really like something, buy in quantities. Good luck with your gluten free quest!

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FDA’s Gluten-Free Rule goes into effect August 2014

A year ago the FDA issued a rule further defining the term gluten-free. Manufacturers of foods labeled gluten-free were given a year to comply. Packaged foods and dietary supplements fall under this ruling.

The rule states that gluten-free foods must have less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. It is possible that some of your favorite foods will fall in the estimated 5% of products in noncompliance.

Gluten-free Brownies

The Gluten-Free Organization (GFCO) provides certification services to producers of gluten-free products. Their certification assures 10 ppm or less of gluten.  If a product met the GFCO standards, it will also fall within the new FDA standard.

The GFCO FAQ page can be found by clicking here.

The FDA’s webpage on this ruling can be found by clicking here.

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Nature's Path Gluten Free Chewy Granola Bars Rock

Nature's Path Organic Gluten Free Chewy Granola Bars in Dark Chocolate Chip have become a staple in my pantry. This is a truly, good-tasting granola bar without any gluten.

Nature's Path Gluten Free Chewy Granola Bars

My taster likes it for a portable snack, and because it's not overly sweet. It holds together well if you're moving while you eat. I can buy a box of 5 in the $3 - $4 range.

Nature's Path Organic Gluten Free Chewy Granola Bars feature:

• gluten free
• chocolate
• reasonably priced

• organic
• fair trade chocolate
• non-gmo
• product of USA

This post topic was previously reported on in my Garden Lady blog.

Update: This product is no longer available at stores in my area.  I've found it's easy and economical to order from the Nature's Path online store.

3/7/15 Update: I was surprised to see this product in a Raleigh area Walmart. This store had an impressive gluten free selection at reasonable prices. It appears that different stores in a retail chain will vary in their gluten free offerings. It can be beneficial to explore several stores in your area. 

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