Organic, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Without Compromise

My husband has to eat gluten-free. I have to eat dairy-free. We’re quite a catch! haha. You’re probably thinking “so what DO you eat??” Well, it’s a common question and that’s why I’m writing this blog.

When you’re on a special diet it’s easy to assume that you’ll be missing out on the things you love, spending a lot of money, and having a hard time eating out. I’m here to tell you that with some careful planning and a little research this doesn’t have to be true. Here are a few of my tips:

• Go to a speciality natural food store and look for products marked “gluten-free” or “dairy-free.” Some cost a lot, some don’t. Do your research by looking at the top of shelves and bottom – not just eye level.
• Visit the organic section of your local grocery store…many stores are now carrying these products at a cheaper cost than health food stores. Some stores even have their own brands. And most grocery stores will double coupons…something you won’t find at a small natural store. My suggestions: Stop & Shop, Hannafords and now Walmart is starting to carry some.
• Learn which “normal” products are actually gluten-free/dairy-free. Fruits and vegetables, yes. Anything that you eat the skin, buy organic. Anything that you peel the skin – save a few bucks and buy the cheaper option. Chex mix has gluten-free options. Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, as is rice and many condiments (be careful of BBQ sauce and soy sauce though!).
• Rice milk and almond milk are great substitutes for cow’s milk. As is soy milk and all soy products (like soy yogurt and soy cheese). Tofu products are also substitutes but I’m not a fan of the taste.

That’s a bit to get you started. But let’s be honest, it’s daunting to have to choose between the many options, especially at some of the high costs. So here are some of our favorite products that we recommend:

Dairy-Free Butter: Earth Balance Buttery Spread

Affordable Baking Mix: Betty Crocker’s Gluten-Free Mixes: Brownies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Yellow Cake Mix and Chocolate Cake Mix

Organic Cereals: Cascadian Farms cereals are my favorite.

Gluten-Free Granola: Bakery on Main

Dairy-Free Milk: Rice Dream, it’s thin like Skim Milk. I like it in coffee and in cereal

Organic Meats: Applegate. Love the bacon and hot dogs!

Pre-Packaged Gluten-Free Cookies: Glutino Chocolate and Vanilla Creme Cookies

Chips: Kettle Chips & Food Should Taste Good

Gluten-Free Flour & Pizza Crust Mix: Bob’s Red Mill

Gluten-Free Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns: Kinnikinnick Foods

If you want recommendations for anything else just leave a comment and I’ll do my best