Check out my list of go-to gluten-free pantry-stocking grocery staples below! I swear by products that have stood the test of time. Once I discover a gluten-free item that agrees with my stomach, it usually becomes a permanent fixture in my kitchen. I’m all about feeling well, so why mess with a good thing?
July 4th, Independence Day is around the corner. That means outdoor grilling and barbecues, complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, and all the sides and condiments that go with it.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of my top gluten-free picks for stocking your pantry. The list features items such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (can’t forget the homemade potato salad!), barbeque sauce, and a lot more.
Remember, always double-check ingredient labels as companies often tweak their formulations. And as they say in the Celiac community, “When in doubt, leave it out.” Of your diet, that is. Please share your thoughts with me. I’m eager to hear about your favorite gluten-free products, especially any regional finds like BBQ sauces, hot sauces, mustards, and more. Exploring new gluten-free options is always fun, especially when recommended by fellow Celiacs. Drop your recommendations in the comments below!
Disclaimers
NOTE: I am not a medical professional, but I have been eating 100% gluten free for more than 20 years since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2001. The list below is based on my own experience and is intended to guide anyone starting out or currently living gluten-free. As always, it’s critical that you follow the dietary advice of your own medical professionals, including your gastroenterologist (GI), or other specialists, like nutritionists and dietitians.
Note: I am not paid, sponsored, or in any other way endorsed by the brands or products appearing in this post. All opinions are my own.
My Gluten-Free Pantry-Stocking Grocery List
Gluten-Free Ketchup
Name brands Heinz and Hunts top the list. If you ask me, I prefer Heinz. I’ve also tried private label brands – e.g., Walmart’s Great Value – that you can find at most grocery store nowadays.
Gluten-Free Mustard
Plochman’s is my go-to mustard. I like the taste. My vote for “regional” gluten-free mustard goes to Cleveland’s authentic Stadium Mustard, the same brand served at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians, my hometown heroes.
Gluten-Free Mayonnaise
I stick with original Hellman’s real mayonnaise, and it’s never failed me. It’s great to use in salads like potato salad and chicken salad. And it’s a wonderful addition to some baked goods recipes too.
Gluten-Free Pickles and Relish
When it comes to pickles, I tend to be extra cautious due to the vinegar content. To be honest, I still steer clear of labels that read: “distilled vinegar.” I tend to prefer the Vlasic brand of pickles and relish. Although, I regularly stock up on other brands too, like Heinz, especially when they’re on sale. Others include DeLallo, which is clearly labeled as gluten-free, and they make a killer Giardiniera. Don’t ask me how to say it, I just eat it. And of course, you can buy many private labels at your local grocery store, like Kroger, Giant Eagle, Meijer, etc., which all tend to be gluten-free too.
Gluten-Free Barbecue Sauce
My standby brand is Sweet Baby Ray’s, which clearly labels products that are gluten free. Among my regional favorites are Cincinnati-based Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce and Sticky Fingers.
Gluten-Free Hot Sauce
Here, I stick with the tried-and-true perennial favorite, Frank’s RedHot. Enough said. Believe it or not, I use Frank’s RedHot on just about everything from French fries to chicken tenders to good old chicken wings! My son, who is also a Celiac, loves to use the original Tabasco sauce, so that’s another option.
Gluten-Free Salad Dressings
Years ago, when I went gluten free, I used only oil and gluten-free vinegar (red wine, balsamic, apple cider). To be honest, a simple oil and vinegar mix or homemade dressing remains my favorite. But in terms of the bottled varieties you can buy in your grocery store, I’ve tried numerous brands, including Paul Newman, Marzetti’s (an Ohio favorite), Ken’s, Kraft, and Wishbone. Kraft and Wishbone indicate dressings that are gluten-free on the back label (hint: most are).
Need a Longer Gluten-Free Pantry-Stocking Grocery List?
This list is an update based on a previous post I wrote several years ago. In that post, I include a more extensive list of gluten-free pantry-stocking grocery items, including Spaghetti and Pasta Sauces; Peanut Butter; Jelly; and Canned Fruits and Vegetables. Read more here.
I hope you find this list helpful, especially those of you who are new to gluten-free living. Please, let me know what I missed. I’ll continue to periodically modify or update this gluten-free pantry-stocking grocery list. Stay tuned!
Enjoy your Gluten-Free 4th!