Grocery shopping is many people’s favorite kind of shopping but, if you suffer from Celiac disease, grocery shopping can become a frustrating task that only reminds you of everything you cannot eat. Thankfully, many grocery stores have realized that carrying gluten-free substitutes is about more than following a trendy new diet, it’s about catering to those who literally cannot digest it.
But, what does gluten mean? To put it simply, gluten is an encompassing term that refers to the proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, oats, etc. So, what does it mean to be gluten-free? Basically, it means avoiding pasta, bread, cookies, cereal, chips, and even beer! If you or someone you know is struggling to find gluten-free options (that are also appetizing), here are seven gluten-free brands and products that you can swear by.
1. Glutino White Bread:
Anyone who’s ever eaten gluten-free bread knows that the difference in taste and texture from regular bread is very big. This is why it’s so important to find foods that are not only gluten-free, but that are also tasty and comparable to the “real thing.” Glutino white bread achieves these points and makes eating sandwiches enjoyable again! Like this brand? They also sell bread mix, yogurt covered pretzels, and vanilla creme cookies for your snack necessities. Having trouble finding them in-store? Check online and order in bulk!
2. Glutino English Muffins:
So technically these may, in actuality, be corn muffins, but when you have to make (or eat) gluten-free foods, you have to get a little creative sometimes. The important part is that your breakfast can now go back to normal. Just add a little bit of butter or some strawberry jelly and you’re ready to go! Find them at your nearest Whole Foods.
3. Omission Beer
Probably the worst part about having to follow a gluten-free diet is quitting beer. But, you don’t really have to! Omission Brewing Company makes craft beers with all the traditional beer ingredients but uses a unique process to remove the gluten. Each batch has gluten levels below 20 ppm (parts per million), which the FDA lists as the maximum ratio of gluten levels deemed safe for Celiacs. Try out their 4 crafts: Golden Ale Ultimate Light, Bold and Hoppy IPA, Hoppy and Easy-Drinking Pale Ale, and Bright and Crisp Lager.
4. Daura Damm Beer
This Spanish beer may just be one of the best things out there. It boasts a “real beer” taste, and for good reason since it is made from the same main ingredient: barley malt. How can Celiacs drink it? Well, Daura Damm eliminates the gluten during its manufacturing through a process of enzymatic hydrolysation and protein precipitation. The final result yields gluten levels ranging from 3 - 6 ppm. Ask about it at your nearest wine retailer (they also carry a double malt).
5. Trader Joe’s Pizza Crust
Our local health food store now has another reason to love it more: gluten-free pizza crusts. They have a cauliflower pizza crust and a buckwheat pizza crust that are said to be amazing (particularly the latter). One reviewer remarked how buckwheat keeps the crust from getting mushy or gooey in the center like rice pizza crusts usually get! Sounds like it’s definitely worth a shot (especially at $3.69 for two large crusts).
6. Beyond Meat Burgers
While “veggie burgers” seem like the go-to gluten-free option, many are still made with wheat flour, which disqualifies them from being Celiac-friendly. Luckily, Beyond Meat Burgers offers a GMO, soy, and gluten-free burger packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein. It’s not only perfect for Celiacs but also nice on the taste-buds. Look for them at your nearest Publix.
7. Snack Factory Pretzel Thins
Finding good, Celiac-friendly snacks may be even more difficult than finding gluten-free meal options. There are, though, a few good options. One of them is the Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps. You may have to check around for the gluten-free variety but once you find them, you’ll never forget where from.
Living with Celiac is a life-long task that shapes a lot of the choices we make in life. It may be especially difficult at first, while you’re still trying to find all the right brands and products for you. But, you don’t have to do it alone. Book an appointment with one of our colorectal specialists and ask about your diet options.