Love pasta but struggling to find the best alternative? Love those gluten-filled carbs but don’t know what to replace them with? Looking for the rich proteins of ancient grains, but not sure which are gluten-free? Here’s a list of clever replacements so you can still enjoy the yummy dishes you crave.
SNACKS
Crackers > Rice Cakes – Next time you’re craving salty crackers, check out some gluten-free cracker options or go for lightly salted rice cakes. Crispy, crunchy, salty, gluten-free goodness!
Granola > Trail Mix – There are plenty of gluten-free granolas on the market, however making your own nuts and seeds mix is often a lower-sugar, healthier option. Nuts are naturally gluten-free and offer healthy fats, protein and fiber. Spice it up with gluten-free seasonings or give into that sugar craving and add gluten-free choco chips.
Potato Chips > Homemade Potato Crisps – While potato chips are naturally gluten-free, many flavored potato chips contain traces of gluten. The best way to play it safe? DIY potato crisps! Try crisping sweet potatoes or purple potatoes for a little excitement and varying nutrients.
Pita Chips > Toasted Gluten-Free Bagel Slices – Don’t leave your hummus hanging! Simply toast a gluten-free bagel, cut into thin slices and use to dip into hummus or the dip of your choice.
LUNCH AND DINNER
Spaghetti > Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash – There’s no shortage of delicious zucchini noodle and spaghetti squash recipes online! Serve with GF tomato sauce or sprinkle on a little salt and pepper or gluten-free Parmesan cheese.
Couscous > Your Favorite Variety of Rice – Did you know there are more than 40,000 varieties of rice in the world1!? Each offers a different texture and mixture of nutrients. This list of types of rice from Plated.com is worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for a filling grain to add to a meal.
Croutons > Nuts – Sprinkle on some almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, etc on a bed of greens and veggies. Whatever your favorite nut is!
Tortillas > Cabbage or Corn-Based Tortillas – Wrap taco stuffings in a big, crunchy leaf of cabbage or lettuce! Or if you really want to stick with tortillas, just choose corn-based tortillas.
Pizza Crust > Cauliflower Crust – Cauliflower crust recipes are all over Pinterest. If you don’t feel like DIYing it, several groceries carry pre-made cauliflower crusts.
Burger Buns > Portabella Buns or Eggplant Buns – Roast portabella mushrooms or two large eggplant slices to hold that juicy burger!
DESSERT
Flour-Filled Bake Goods > Almond Flour – An easy, simple replacement so that you can enjoy your favorite baked goods. Just make sure the product you choose is Certified Gluten-Free. You may also want to research special instructions or precautions to take while baking with almond flour. It’s not always a 1:1 replacement with regular flour. And almond flour isn’t the be-all, end-all. There are several gluten-free flour alternatives like brown rice flour, coconut flour or tapioca starch that can be found in most grocery stores.
Flour-Filled Brownies > Black Bean or Sweet Potato Brownies – We know. Black beans in a brownie!? Sounds weird, but tastes amazing. Black Bean Brownie recipes are also a hit on Pinterest. Just make sure none of these recipes sneak in gluten ingredients.
Flour-Filled Muffins > Sweet Potato Muffins – Skip the flour and try sweet potato muffins! Again, flourless sweet potato muffins are another easy find on Pinterest. Find a recipe using gluten-free oats for a little more texture. Baked cinnamon-y, nutmeg-y goodness! Yum!
Whatever you do, make gluten-free cooking and baking fun and creative! Save your favorite recipes and share with others who are gluten-free. We’d love to know the gluten-free replacements you’re currently loving!
1The Rice Association: http://www.riceassociation.org.uk/content/1/10/var…