11 gluten-free brands worth buying

With more and more gluten-free options becoming available, it can be hard to know what products you’ll love and what products will leave you wanting more. There are some lackluster gluten-free products out there, but there are also lots of amazing gluten-free brands that are committed to making high-quality products that are healthy and taste fabulous. From granola bars to organic chicken to ice cream, here are a few tasty brands to toss into your shopping cart this week.

Barlean’s
Barlean’s is one of my favorite brands for healthy seeds and oils, including organic flax and chia seeds, organic coconut oil and omega-3 blends. These seeds and oils are loaded with amazing nutrients like dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, trace minerals and amino acids. I use their products in everything from baking gluten-free breads to smoothies and can’t get enough.

Lundberg
Lundberg is my go-to brand for delicious rice products. I love their tasty rice cakes that come in flavors like Apple Cinnamon and Sweet Chili. They make the perfect quick snack when paired with nut butter and fruit. Lundberg also carries an amazing variety of rice including black, jasmine, and basmati so I can make all my favorite rice recipes like these Jasmine Rice Tacos. They even have rice- based pastas, which are a great alternative for everyone eating gluten-free!

Applegate
Applegate is a great brand for natural and organic meat and cheeses that come in mouthwatering flavors like Organic Herb Turkey Breast and Oven Roasted Chicken breast. These high-quality, pre-cut meats are perfect for busy families and make an easy option for the dinner table or lunchbox. These lean proteins will add loads of flavor to sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more. Even better, Applegate’s products contain no fillers, artificial ingredients, growth hormones or antibiotics.

Earthbound Farm
My fridge is always stocked with Earthbound Farm organic salad greens and spinach. Keeping these tasty greens around means it’s easy to whip up a delicious summer salad, like my “Blueberry Salad with Coconut Cilantro Dressing,” in under five minutes and use the leftovers in smoothies. I also love their new PowerMeal Bowls for an easy and nutritious meal on-the-go.

So Delicious
Did you know that many people who are gluten sensitive are also dairy sensitive?  So Delicious Dairy Free makes a variety of frozen desserts that are ideal for those avoiding gluten and dairy. Their brand new Gluten-Free Cookies 'N Cream is available in both coconut and almond milk versions. They also make the worlds only gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free Cookie Dough ice cream. The gluten sensitive will be happy to know that this is a company that takes allergen testing seriously. They test gluten to 5 parts per million, which is more rigorous than the FDA gluten testing requirements for labeling claims, so you know their products will be 100 percent kind to your body.

BELA wild-caught Portuguese sardines
These sardines are canned at the port within 8-hours of catch.  BELA is the only sardine brand to guarantee this freshness from catch to can (other brands freeze or can a day later). All flavors are dairy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free, non-GMO and kosher. Sardines are good source of important nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, B12, Co Q10 and omega-3. They come in four amazing flavors- Lemon Flavored Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lightly Smoked in Olive Oil, Lightly Smoked in Tomato Sauce, and Cayenne Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil- so there is just the right variety for all your sardine needs!

Nature’s Path
By choosing gluten-free foods that are also organic, you can avoid consuming pesticides, chemicals, artificial colors and preservatives or GMOs. This is important for everyone, but especially those with an autoimmune disease like celiac disease. Companies like Nature’s Path offer certified organic and gluten-free breakfast and snack options like cereals and granola bars. Gluten-free does not mean you have to sacrifice nutrition or taste! These products are nutritious and delicious; the cereals are filled with ancient grains and seeds that provide essential nutrients and come in irresistible flavors like Cinnamon and Honey.

KIND Healthy Snacks
This is by far one of my top go-to companies when it comes to packaged gluten-free foods.  They offer a variety of products to meet the needs of a wide array of consumers.  If you’re craving something sweet, try the original fruit and nut bar flavors such as Apple Cinnamon & Pecan as well as some of their nuts & spices bars which include indulgent flavors like Caramel Almond & Sea Salt bar – which amazingly only has a  5g of sugar. KIND has just launched a line of savory snack bars, STRONG & KIND, which come in bold flavors such as Honey Mustard and Thai Sweet Chili. Whether you have a sweet tooth or you’re looking for something savory and bold, KIND has the perfect snack for you!

Mina Harissa
A fun gluten-free spicy pepper sauce made from all natural ingredients, it’s delicious for spicing up a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, eggs, rice, pasta, soups, sandwiches or simply as a sauce, dip or spread. Harissa can be used like hot sauce or Sriracha as an all-purpose flavor enhancer that turns your meal into an experience.

Wonderful Pistachios®
Pistachios are a naturally gluten-free nut and are a great healthy snack for those with and without allergies. Pistachios are one of the lowest fat, lowest calorie nuts and offer an amazing abundance of nutrients including vitamin B6, copper, manganese, protein, dietary fiber, thiamin, and phosphorus. Look for the Wonderful brand for fresh pistachios that are loaded with flavor, plant-powered protein and healthy fat.  This Pistachio Millet is one of my favorite recipes using this colorful, flavorful nut.

Go Veggie! Lactose-Free Cheese
There’s no question: Americans love cheese. So many of my clients are not only gluten-free but also lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy or trying to live a healthier lifestyle—  so for them, dairy cheese is not an option. Look for GO Veggie! Lactose-free and dairy-free cheese, which are all gluten-free and available in many flavors. My clients can’t tell the difference in my favorite recipes like Cheesy Couscous Bake and Cheesy Cumin Quinoa Bites.