I’ve been gluten-free for three years, a decision that was spurred by a debilitating sickness that began during my time abroad in Italy (a.k.a. gluten-central). “Gluten” is a broad term for several proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it quickly became my nemesis. Several doctor visits later, I’m 100% gluten-free and avoid all cross-contamination — nothing fried in the same oil, water, or cooked near flour-laden items.
Because of my restrictions, I like to have gluten-free snacks on hand at all times. I’ve also got extremely high standards, and I won’t spend my money on something that doesn’t taste just as good as its glutenous counterpart. Compromise is not an option. As such, I’ve spent the last few years tasting hundreds of different snacks and whittled the list down to my favorites.
Ahead, find 12 snacks that I would argue are just as good as the non-gluten-free versions.
KIND Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars
Despite the name, Kind's new Breakfast Bars are great at any time of day — and taste like a mix between the traditional granola bars and a fluffy cookie. These delicious snacks contain a hearty blend of oats, millet, buckwheat (NOT glutenous), and quinoa.
Snyder’s Gluten-Free Honey Mustard & Onion Pretzels
I’d argue that these are honestly better than regular pretzels. The texture is airier because of ingredients like potato and tapioca starch, and the honey mustard flavor gives the perfect balance of salty and sweet. Snyder’s also makes a delicious Hot Buffalo Wing gluten-free flavor, if you like spicy.
I first saw this version of Brazilian cheese bread on Shark Tank and immediately wondered why the American market hadn’t caught onto this tapioca-based garlic bread equivalent. When I baked the bites’ Garlic Asiago variety for myself, I fell in love instantaneously. Dare I say it — these are better than any glutinous garlic bread I’ve tried.
Udi’s bread can have an excess number of holes, but these muffins are the real deal. They’re made with brown rice flour and tapioca starch, all topped with crystal sugar. I like to store them in the freezer, for longevity purposes, and heat them up in the oven.
Note: Gluten-free products tend to “go bad” more rapidly than non-GF products, because they lack traditional binding agents and preservatives. To avoid spoiling, I store most of my baked GF goods in the freezer (which is where you’ll find them at grocery store, too).
Any flavor of these chips is a sure-fire win, but my personal favorite is the Sub Lime flavor. Late July’s tortilla chips are certified gluten-free, vegan, kosher, and nut-free. They're made from corn, brown rice and chia. Since tortilla chips are traditionally made from corn, they’re often thought of as gluten-free, but factory cross-contamination can be a culprit for celiacs, like me, and those with a serious wheat allergy. Look for the GF seal on all your tortilla chips if you’re avoiding gluten completely.
These super-delicate cookies marry the chocolate-nut flavors of a candy bar with the crunchy texture of a wafer cookie. Don’t be fooled by their appearance — these are some of the most addicting cookies on the market. Also ideal for Nutella lovers or those looking to replicate the taste of Ferrero Rocher candy.
These are completely addicting and taste exactly like they're non-GF. Store them in the freezer or fridge for a candy-bar like consistency or warm up in the oven for gooey goodness.
Against The Grain Rosemary Rolls
If you’re looking for a roll with serious flavor, Against the Grain is the brand. It makes several flavors of chewy, popover-like rolls, but the rosemary variation is a personal favorite as a base for avocado toast or an open-faced sandwich.
Liz Lovely’s vegan, gluten-free Cookie Truffles are some of the best cookies on the market, gluten-free or otherwise. Its Cookie Dough truffle is an especially exciting flavor, as cookie dough is rarely safe for those who avoid gluten. Liz Lovely’s also offers traditional cookies in flavors ranging from Triple Chocolate Mint to Snickerdoodle.
When it comes to gluten-free bread, most leave much to be desired. The lack of glutenous protein often leaves bread flimsy and peppered with holes, but Glutino’s Cinnamon Raisin loaf is a true hero. It can hold up, toasted or plain, to any topping, ranging from crunchy peanut butter to raspberry jelly and hazelnut butter.
Nature’s Path Choco Chimps Cereal
These Choco Chimps puffs taste almost identical to your childhood favorite Cocoa Puffs, but without the potential for cross-contamination. As an added bonus, they’re also vegan and soy-free.
I’m honestly not sure if I would describe these as more of a cookie or granola bar, and I’m totally okay with that. They’re insanely soft, decadent (particularly the Oat Chocolate Chip Coconut), and as the packaging states, make a great snack whenever.
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