The 10 Best Gluten-Free Foods of 2018

If you've been gluten-free for more than a few years, you remember that everything used to taste like cardboard. Taste aside, there were two available consistencies when it came to baked goods. Option one was "crumbly," and by that I mean you look at the bread or muffin and it crumbles into a pile of dust. Option two was "dense," meaning that if the zombie apocalypse were to break out, at least you knew you had a solid weapon. 

Today there is more awareness when it comes to allergies, intolerances, and dietary needs. Each year hundreds of new products roll out. However, unless you are regularly perusing your local grocer's gluten-free section, you may not see them pop up on shelves. This year I was privileged to attend the Chicago Gluten Free and Allergy Friendly Expo and had the opportunity to sample new products and talk with brands. I've put together a list of my 10 favorite gluten-free products of 2018. 

Each of these products is available in a variety of ways. I have been able to find most of these products at my local grocers, Woodman's and Jewel. Other's are available via Amazon and/or the company's website. Remember, your local grocery store owners want to hear from you. Don't be afraid to speak up and ask them to carry a specific brand or product. Most of the companies listed below have a form that you can print out and bring to the manager of your favorite grocery store. 

This post may contain affiliate links. While I may receive a small commission if you purchase these products, all opinions are my own and I only work with brands that I love and use regularly. Thank you for your understanding and support. 

Breakfast

Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeeze: Munk Pack products are certified gluten-free and vegan! They regularly test their products to ensure customer safety and satisfaction. While all of the flavors are incredible, my favorites are Peach Chia Vanilla and Maple Pear Quinoa. Enjoy these at room temperature or store them in the fridge if you prefer them cold. These are the perfect snack or breakfast on the go. While you might be tempted to keep these all to yourself, they would make a great snack for little ones. Tip: Sign up for their newsletter to get 10% off your first purchase! Buy on Amazon. 

Soozy's Muffins: Your muffin dreams just came true. Made with clean ingredients that you can pronounce and recognize, these muffins are rich and delicious. Soozy's muffins are paleo friendly, certified gluten-free, and free from grains, dairy, peanuts, and soy. Eat these while they are fresh or store them in the freezer for a quick grab and go breakfast that is perfect for a busy morning. My favorite flavors are Double Chocolate and Sweet Potato. 

Snacks

Enjoy Life Foods: If you or a loved one is new to gluten-free living or was recently diagnosed with a food allergy, Enjoy Life is a great place to start. All of their products are free from gluten and 14 of the top allergens. My favorite products are the Carmel Apple Chewy Bars and Vanilla Honey Graham Crunchy Cookies. Enjoy Life offers a trial pack that includes 10 of their most popular snacks for $15. This would make a great care package for a loved one, especially a college student with food allergies! Tip: Sign up for their newsletter for $2 off your purchase. Buy on Amazon. 

Biena: Finding healthy, delicious, nonperishable snacks that I can keep in my desk drawer or purse can be difficult. Enter Biena. Thanks to several flavor options, these will satisfy just about any craving you have. I love ranch when I'm craving something savory and cinnamon crunch when I want something sweet. They also have chocolate covered chickpeas that are perfect for satisfying a chocolate craving with a healthier option. One serving (varies by flavor) packs at least 5 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Don't be afraid to think outside the box - these are great as toppers too. Add these bad boys to your favorite salad or smoothie bowl. 

Kakookies: In addition to being gluten-free, KaKookies are vegan, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free. You won't find any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives. These cookies feel indulgent, but you don't have to feel guilty since they are made with healthy ingredients. These cookies make a great snack or breakfast on the go. While all of the flavors are swoon worthy, the Cashew Blondie and Dark Chocolate Cranberry are my favorite. Tip: Sign up to receive emails and you'll receive 20% off your first order. Buy on Amazon. 

Made Good Foods: All Made Good products are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, and organic. The best part is that all of their snacks contain a full serving of vegetables, so you can feel good about your choice. While all of their products are worthy of rave reviews, I love the Chocolate Chip Crispy Squares and Chocolate Banana Granola Minis. Parents, this company the answer to your prayers. The next time your child asks for a snack, you can feel good knowing that you snuck in a serving of veggies! Buy on Amazon. 

Lunch/Dinner

BFree Foods: BFree offers a variety of delicious gluten-free items such as breads and buns, but I want to specifically mention the pitas and wraps. The sweet potato wrap is to die for! Try making a southwestern breakfast wrap by adding sautéed bell peppers, poblanos, and onion to scrambled eggs with some pepper jack cheese, black beans, and salsa. We have been using the pitas as personal pizza crusts. Since Pete and I have different pizza preferences, this makes a quick and easy dinner that we can customize to suit our tastebuds. 

KiKi's Deep Dish Pizza: After going gluten-free, the one thing I missed the most (especially living in the Chicago suburbs) was deep dish pizza. This pizza is delicious. It's gooey and cheesy with a crust that tastes identical to its gluten-filled counter part. They are available in the freezer section, so grab one to have on hand for your next pizza night. 

Forno de Minas Pão de Queijo: I fell in love with pan de queso when I was studying abroad in Argentina. I've tried several brands, and this is the only one that is the real deal. If you've been to a Brazilian steakhouse, you might be familiar with Pão de Queijo (or Brazilian cheese bread). It's crunchy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. It is rich and decadent while still being light. This bread can be found in the freezer section. Keep a bag on hand to enjoy as an appetizer or side dish. I love Pão de Queij as a side to a simple beet and goat cheese salad. 

Banza: Pasta is delicious, but it doesn't have any nutritional value and I often find myself feeling overly stuffed....only to be starving two hours later. Banza is different. I've tried several bean-based pasta, and this one is by far the best. One serving of cooked pasta provides 25 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber - that's twice the protein and four times the fiber of regular pasta while still being light on carbs! There are several pasta shapes to choose from, all of which hold up to your favorite sauce. Buy on Amazon. 

Dessert 

Ethel's Baked Goods: These treats will blow you away. They aren't just "good for being gluten-free," they are just straight up amazing. Ethel's makes dessert bars and cookies that taste like they just came out of the oven. If you aren't sure where to start, try the Turtle Dandies. 

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