My rule of thumb: I stick with tried-and-true products. When I find a gluten-free item I like and it’s safe for my gut, it’s usually a keeper. No sense rocking the boat. So, I thought I’d share some of my gluten-free pantry stocking favorites below. But always be sure to check ingredient lists before purchasing. Companies are notorious for changing their ingredients from time to time. And as the ol’ Celiac Disease saying goes: “When in doubt, leave it out.” Of your diet, that is.
I want to hear what you think. What are your gluten-free favorites? I’m especially interested in learning about gluten-free regional items like BBQ sauces, hot sauces, mustards, etc. It’s always fun trying new gluten-free foods, especially when they’re endorsed by fellow celiacs. Please send your comments!
My Gluten-Free Pantry Essentials
- Ketchup: Name brands Heinz and Hunts top the list. I prefer Heinz.
- Mustard: Plochman’s is my go-to mustard. 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 Indians. (Yes, I’m a Cleveland native and die-hard “Believeland” fan. It’s a tough life. But that pretty much all changed on Sunday night, if you know what I mean!)
- Mayonnaise: I use original Hellman’s real mayonnaise. It’s great in salads like potato salad and chicken salad. And it’s a wonderful addition to some baked goods recipes.
- Pickles & relish: I tend to be extra cautious due to the vinegar content (that is, I still steer clear of “distilled” vinegar) and stick with Vlasic.
- Salad dressings: When I first went gluten free, I used only oil & gluten-free vinegar (red wine, balsamic, apple cider). To be honest, oil & vinegar or homemade dressings remain my favorites. For bottled varieties and to use as meat marinades, I’ve tried numerous brands, including Paul Newman, Marzetti’s (a local Central Ohio favorite), some Ken’s, and some Kraft and Wishbone. Kraft and Wishbone are now starting to indicate dressings that are gluten free on the back label.
- Hot sauce: Frank’s Red Hot. Enough said. Believe it or not, my Frank’s gets doused on just about everything from French fries to chicken tenders to good ol’ chicken wings!
BBQ sauce: My standby brand is Sweet Baby Ray’s, which clearly labels any products that are gluten free. Among my regional favorites are Cincinnati-based Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce (which recently reformulated its signature sauce) and Sticky Fingers.
- Spaghetti/pasta sauce: I love the taste of DelGrosso pasta sauce, which retails at $1.25 for a 25-oz. jar at Marc’s Stores located in Northeast and Central Ohio. The company clearly marks gluten free on the label. More common brands Prego and Ragu varieties are typically gluten free as well. I tend to stick to the basic “marinara” varieties for my gluten-free pantry. I avoid options with very long ingredient lists. Rule of thumb: The longer the list, the more trouble you can get into re: gluten-free status.
- Peanut butter: I usually buy the store brand, something like Kroger or Meijer, to get the best value. But name brands like Jif and Peter Pan are gluten free too. Watch for sales and coupons. One of my favorite gluten-free snacks is apples with peanut butter. Gluten-free kids should enjoy this treat too. And it travels well (think school lunches).
- Jelly: You can’t get into too much trouble here. Most jellies and jams are gluten free. Two of my favorites are Smucker’s strawberry jam and Welch’s grape jelly.
- Canned fruits and vegetables: Most canned fruits and vegetables, and canned beans too, are gluten free. Just be sure to check the ingredient list. Single-ingredient lists (green beans, peaches, potatoes, sweet corn, etc.) work best. Sometimes there will be added salt and perhaps a preservative. Most of these are fine as well.
Let me know what I missed. I’ll continue to periodically modify or update the gluten free pantry-stocking list. Stay tuned.
For more gluten-free pantry and meal ideas, see Gluten Free Meal Ideas – For Celiac Kids (of all ages)