15 Gluten Free Pantry Essentials for getting gluten free meals prepared with less stress. Being diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten intolerance is overwhelming, our Gluten-Free Pantry Essentials is here to help you quickly see what foods are safe to stock your pantry with.
This list of pantry essentials includes staples that will set you up for success to create delicious and nutritious meals for your family while leaving room on your shelves for new items to be added along the way.
As you become more comfortable cooking and baking gluten-free recipes, you can adapt and customize your staples. Meant as a starting point for any family, these pantry essentials are all celiac safe choices! Make sure to print out your copy today!
Baking
Baking gluten-free can be a great alternative to purchasing pre-packaged products. Listed below are products that will allow you to bake almost any baked good.
1. Gluten Free Flour
We always opt for a multipurpose blend that contains xanthan gum. As a stabilizer and thickener, xanthan gym is often found in gf blends. Our current favorite is cup4cup, which is a 1:1 substitute meaning that for every 1 cup of wheat based flour, you would use 1 cup of the gluten-free flour. We also find that this product has a tasty flavor making our breads, cakes, muffins and cookies delicious every time.
Other favorites include Mama’s Almond Blend, Authentic Foods Multi-Blend Flour, and Bob’s Red Mill 1 To 1 gluten free flour.
2. Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Both leavening agents, baking powder and soda will often be found in many baking recipes. Always check the label to make sure you’re selecting gluten-free brands.
3. Extracts and Spices
Flavoring extracts and spices are great items to keep on hand. From vanilla and almond extract to cinnamon and allspice, you will quickly learn that these are all delicious options to boost the flavor of gluten-free recipes.
While naturally gluten-free, always purchase these products from a trusted brand as spice blends can have gluten-containing additives or cross contamination of single spices at a factory. For a complete list of spices and brands, check out our Gluten-Free Spice Guide.
4. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a powder added to recipes to help bind and thicken ingredients making it necessary for baking. You will want to check the ingredient label of your flour blend as many blends now include xanthan gum as an ingredient making gluten-free baking even easier. This will also help determine the size of bag you want to purchase.
5. Chocolate Chips, Cocoa Powder, Chopped Nuts
These are three of our favorite mix-ins/toppings to keep stock of and incorporate as desired. Be sure to check the label to select gluten-free brands as some brands of chocolate chips and chopped nuts are not gluten-free.
Grains
Up next, grains such as pasta, rice and cereals are our top three favorites to keep in the pantry 24/7. They are all easily incorporated into recipes that the whole family will enjoy.
6. Pasta
When it comes to pasta, there are SO many gluten-free options to choose from. From brown rice noodles to rice noodles and everything in between, you can stock 1 or 2 products to be your go-to on pasta night.
We enjoy isiBisi Gluten-Free Pasta, and La Veneziane Gluten-Free Pasta.
7. Rice
Rice is another grain that is easy to store and make when desired. You can stick with plain white rice or go with a variety such as brown or wild rice. Microwavable rice pouches are an option if you aren’t a fan of cooking rice from scratch. If purchasing these products, always look for the certified gluten-free label.
8. Cereals
Our kids love eating cereal in the mornings or as an afternoon snack. Chex cereals are a trusted gluten-free brand that does not compromise on flavor. And while controversial, we eat cereals marked as gluten-free on the box like Honey Nut Cheerios per our doctor and dietitian’s recommendation.
9. Potatoes
If we had to name our top pick for a pantry staple it would be potatoes. Naturally gluten-free, potatoes are so versatile and can be used in side dishes or main entrees.
Keep stored in a dark dry location in your pantry. Yukon gold, russet, red and sweet potatoes are all options to incorporate at breakfast, lunch or dinner.
10. Snacks
A pantry isn’t stocked without a variety of snacks in our opinion. Especially if you have kids running around. Having go-to snacks for kids (or you) to grab when in a pinch is a great safe solution. Check out our favorite gluten free snacks!
- fruit strips with Costco’s Pure organic layered fruit bars being rated as the top favorite.
- gluten free crackers
- gluten-free protein bars or drinks
- pistachios
- gluten free cookies
- popcorn
- gluten free pretzels
- peanut butter and apples or bananas
- nutella and strawberries
11. Canned products
Canned beans, tomatoes, chicken broth and vegetables are all products to keep stocked to easily add to any recipe that calls for these ingredients. These are the items that are listed on our grocery list every week and we always have 2 or 3 cans of each on hand at all times.
Checking the cans for gluten containing ingredients and opting for brands with the gluten-free or certified gluten-free label is how we ensure we are keeping our family safe.
12. Seasoning packets
Seasoning packets are one of the best ways to quickly add flavor to recipes. Look for packets with the certified gluten-free label before mixing into a recipe as many brands will include gluten containing ingredients as a thickener.
We always have packets of taco seasoning or a jar of our homemade taco seasoning on hand along with chili seasoning.
13. Premade mixes
Premade mixes such as pancake, corn bread, biscuits, etc… can be a quick and easy way to get breakfast or bread on the table.
While we would all love to bake these foods from scratch, it is not always possible. Keeping premade mixes in your pantry will allow you to successfully feed your family during busy times.
14. Proteins
Canned tuna, chicken, salmon are proteins that can be kept safely in the pantry and turned into a delicious recipe during at any time. Packets of these proteins are great to pack in lunchboxes or for work.
15. Tortillas
Gluten-free flour tortilla and corn taco shells are the last but not least pantry staple. Great to use for taco Tuesday or to create wraps to pack for lunches. We’ve found that heating the gluten-free flour shells are the tastiest way to enjoy them.
Gluten Free Living
We hope this list allows you to have a well-stocked pantry to prevent last minute grocery store trips and frustration. If you are curious about stocking other ingredients than the ones list above, check out our Is This Gluten-Free? resource.
Following a glute-free lifestyle is not meant to be stressful or filled with flavorless recipes. Keeping your pantry stocked is one of the best ways to ensure you have the products you need to create the recipes you want. For a few gluten-free recipes you’ll love, check out Gluten Free Chicken Casserole, Gluten Free Chicken Pot Pie, Mini Flourless Chocolate Cake, and Gluten-Free Chicken Thigh Recipes.
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