10 Days of Gluten-Free, Shopping Day 2

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Eating gluten-free can significantly improve one’s quality of life and overall health. However, getting started eating gluten-free is not always easy and can often be challenging in our gluten-filled society.

My French husband grew up on baguettes, pasta and lots of crackers. Although he doesn’t eat this way anymore, he still likes to have good food on hand when he’s ready for a meal or satisfying snack. Between my ravenous husband and my two growing kids, having tasty gluten-free snacks on hand is a necessity.  I find that having a pantry and kitchen filled with gluten-free food makes life easier for the whole family.

For Day 2 of Gluten-Free Shopping, I am going to teach you a few tricks I have learned along the way  about gluten-free shopping.

First and most importantly, REAL FOOD is most likely to be gluten-free. Manufacturers tend to add in hidden sources of gluten when turning food into a processed product. With the exception of whole gluten grains, a food that has not been processed is likely naturally gluten-free. For example, beans, eggs, dairy, fish, meat, poultry, nuts, produce and spices are free of gluten if they have not been altered by processing. Here are some tips to watch out for:

Be wary of pre-cut meat and pre-sliced fruit and veggies found at your grocery store deli. Although they are most likely free from any gluten contact, you will want to ask the deli employee or supervisor to make sure  they haven’t been cross-contaminated  with any other ingredients and that the meat slicer is cleaned after each cut. As far as packaged “meat,” I personally avoid veggie burgers as they are usually made with wheat. Avoid imitation seafood products, such as fake crab, as they generally contain gluten, also.

Eggs are a wonderful source of protein. If you purchase egg substitutes, check the labels to make sure there are no added fillers. Make sure the spices you purchase contain only herbs and no agents containing gluten to prevent clumping.  You will want to avoid grain and malt vinegars which are derived from wheat and barley.  I generally buy apple cider vinegar, but wine vinegars are also safe.

In sum, always check the labels of processed food for added sources of gluten! Buy whole and natural foods, except for the gluten grains, and you will be on your way to a gluten-free pantry!

I am excited to announce that I am giving away a $25 gift card to Bob’s Red Mill! To enter the giveaway:

-You are allowed one entry per “10 Days of Gluten Free” blog post for a total of 10 entries on this blog.

-Enter by leaving a comment on this post (and other 10 Days of Gluten Free posts).

-The giveaway begins May 7, 2012 and ends at 11:59 pm eastern time on May 18, 2012.

-This giveaway is limited to U.S. residents 18 and older.

No purchase is necessary.  Odds of winning are based on the number of entries. The winner will be randomly chosen and will be contacted by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond, a new winner will be randomly chosen.

Be sure to checkout all of the other blogs and their fabulous posts! Remember each blogger is hosting a giveaway for a total of 10 fabulous giveaways!

Getting Started – Linda @ The Gluten-Free Homemaker

Resources – Wendy @ Celiacs in the House

Traveling – Karen @ Gluten-Free Travel Blog

Eating Out – Heather @ Gluten-Free Cat

Frugal Tips – Janelle @ Gluten Freely Frugal

Cooking – Carrie @ Ginger Lemon Girl

Baking – Jules @ Jules Gluten Free

Kids – Lynn @ Lynn’s Recipe Adventures

Lunch Boxes – Tessa @ Tessa the Domestic Diva

Related Posts:

• My Favorite Gluten-Free Beauty Products
• 10 Days of Gluten-Free Resource List
• 10 Days of Gluten-Free, Shopping Day 10
• 10 Days of Gluten-Free, Shopping Day 9
• 10 Days of Gluten-Free, Shopping Day 8