Best Gluten Free Snacks: Say Goodbye to Gluten Troubles
Eating gluten-free has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are discovering the health benefits of going gluten-free, especially if they have a sensitivity or Celiac. But eating gluten-free doesn’t have to be boring. There are plenty of delicious snacks out there that are gluten-free and full of flavor. In this post, we’ll share our top picks for the best gluten-free snacks of 2023, so you can snack healthy and still enjoy great-tasting food. By reading this guide, you’ll find something that will satisfy any craving. We will also go into what to look for before buying gluten free snacks and some other common questions!
Buying Guide: Gluten Free Snacks
Ingredients
When looking for gluten-free snacks, be sure to check the ingredients list for any ingredients that may contain gluten. Some of these include wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. Be sure to read the list of allergens located on the back of the package as well to make sure there are no hidden sources of gluten. Look for snacks that are made with high-quality, unprocessed, and whole food ingredients as well.
Customer Reviews
When researching which gluten-free snacks to purchase it is useful to read through customer reviews of products. This can help you get a sense of the flavor and texture of the product. It is also helpful to read what other customers thought about the product and if they would recommend it or not.
Taste
The taste of a snack is obviously important when making your decision. Try out different flavors and textures to find out which ones work best for you and your dietary needs. Many gluten-free snacks come in a variety of flavors ensuring one that suits your preferences the most.
Texture
The texture of a snack is also important when choosing a gluten-free snack. Some people prefer crunchy snacks while others may enjoy chewy or soft snacks. Consider what texture fits your preferences and needs best before selecting a product.
Price
Price can be a major factor when purchasing gluten-free snacks so it’s important to consider how much you’re willing to spend before making a purchase. Look for sales or discounts online or in stores in order to save money on your purchase. Certain snacks allow you to buy in bulk while others offer smaller options so you can buy as needed.
Brand
Researching the brand behind the snack can also be beneficial when making your decision. Check out their website or social media platforms to find out more about their company mission and values as well as any certifications their products may have received.
Allergy Information
Before purchasing any food product, it is always important to check the list of allergens on the back of the package in order to avoid any other potential allergic reactions. Also, many manufacturers will use the same equipment that processes wheat products so there could be potential cross-contamination issues. Make sure to check labels carefully.
Certifications
Check if the product has any certifications such as “Certified Gluten Free” or other relevant allergen-free certifications that can provide assurance that a product contains no traces of specific allergen groups such as wheat or dairy products etc. This information can be found on the packaging as well as on company websites and social media platforms depending on who manufactures the product in question.
Comparing the Best Gluten Free Snacks
FitJoy Gluten Free Pretzels – Best Overall
The FitJoy Gluten Free Pretzels are made with grain-free flours from cassava root and chickpeas. They are certified gluten free snacks that contain zero wheat, gluten, nuts, rice flour, corn starch, or malto-anything. These crunchy pretzels have a great taste and texture thanks to the sea salt tossed on top. They’re perfect for any occasion. The 5-ounce bags come in a pack of six which is enough for any situation you find yourself in. No matter your dietary needs or preferences, these pretzels are sure to delight you.
Pros
- Low calorie
- Fast and convenient snack option
- Great for on-the-go snacking
Cons
- Limited variety of flavors available
Munk Pack Keto Granola Bar – Best for Chocolate Cravings
Munk Pack’s Dark Chocolate Cocoa Granola Bars are the perfect snack for those following a ketogenic diet or anyone trying to control their sugar and carbohydrate intake. These bars have no erythritol, less than two grams of sugar, and two grams of net carbs per bar. Despite being low in sugar and carbs, this option is still incredibly chewy and delicious. With a range of great-tasting flavors to choose from, you’ll never get bored. These granola bars are also incredibly convenient. They’re the perfect snack to take with you on long hikes, car rides, and trips. They variety of pack options allow you to purchase as needed or stock up on your favorite treat.
Pros
- Delicious and satisfying taste
- Good quality ingredients
- No aftertaste
- Great texture
Cons
- Coconut flavor more prominent than expected in some flavors
Blake’s Seed Based Crispy Treats – Most Varied Texture Experience
Blake’s Seed Based Crispy Treats offers a great way to enjoy all of your favorite flavors in one box. Each pack contains 24 individually wrapped treats, which come in three delicious flavors: original, chocolate chip, and birthday cake. The treats are made with sunflower, flax, and pumpkin seeds for a nutritious and crunchy snack for adults and children alike. The snacks are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, egg-free, and sesame free. This makes them safe options for any school or family with allergies. They are lightly sweetened with vanilla which makes them an enjoyable snack without being overly sugary. The combination of flavors creates a delicious treat that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Furthermore, the treats are low calories with only 90 calories per serving.
Pros
- Deliciously sweet snack
- Healthy ingredients
- Varied texture from the rice and nuts
Cons
- May be too brittle for certain customers
Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers – Best Gluten-Free Cheez-It Swap
The Simple Mills Almond Flour Farmhouse Cheddar Crackers focus on real ingredients and simple nutrition. Crafted from almond flour and real cheese, the crackers are free of any artificial ingredients for the perfect combination of crunchiness and nutrition. There are three size options to choose from ranging from one to three boxes. With just the right flavor to satisfy your cravings, these grain-free, corn-free, and paleo-friendly snacks contain nutrient-dense ingredients that make them the perfect swap from their wheat snack counterpart: Cheez-It.
Pros
- Tasty and fresh
- Healthier alternative
- Great flavor and crunchy texture
- Well-sealed for freshness
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs – Perfect for Hiking
Hippeas Chickpea Puffs can be enjoyed by health-conscious eaters. It’s vegan and gluten-free, making it an excellent alternative to processed chips and junk food. The snack is made from chickpeas and packed in individual servings. It comes in a pack of 18 snack bags with 9 bags of Vegan White Cheddar “Cheese” and 9 bags of Vegan Nacho “Cheese” so you can have more variety when selecting a snack to take with you throughout the day. They are light, crunchy, and have an addictively good cheese taste. But unlike regular chips, Hippeas Chickpea Puffs contain no peanuts, tree nuts, or soy making them the perfect snack for those with allergies. The all-natural ingredients in the snacks also make them non-GMO project verified and certified gluten-free.
Pros
- Delicious flavor
- Suitable for vegans and those with common allergies
- Easily portable bags
Cons
- May not be true cheese tasting for some
People Also Asked
A: The main benefit of gluten-free snacks is to promote a healthy digestive system for those suffering from an intolerance or sensitivity to gluten. Gluten-free snacks can also help with weight management since they are typically lower in calories and sugar than other snack foods. Additionally, people may enjoy the taste of gluten-free snacks as many companies are creating delicious options.
A: Yes, there are a wide variety of tasty options available when it comes to gluten-free snacks. There's something for everyone: from chips and crackers to popcorn and granola bars. You can even find desserts like cookies and cake made with gluten-free ingredients.
A: When buying a gluten-free snack, it's important to look for labels that indicate certified gluten-free status. This ensures that the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, the maximum amount allowed by the FDA for food labeled as “gluten free”. Additionally, it's a good idea to double check the ingredients list on each package to make sure that no potential sources of cross contamination have been included in the product’s formula.
A: No, a wheat-free snack is not necessarily the same as a gluten-free snack. Wheat is just one type of grain that contains gluten; other grains such as barley and rye also contain glutens which must be avoided if someone is following a true gluten free diet. Therefore, although a wheat free snack may be free from one type of gluten, it may still contain traces of other glutens that could cause an adverse reaction in someone who is sensitive or intolerant to them.
A: No, not all vegan products are necessarily free from traces of glutens as some vegan products could potentially contain ingredients such as soy sauce which contains wheat derivatives and therefore still contains traces of glutens which must be avoided in order to maintain a full GF diet
A: Yes, portion sizes are still important to track even with gluten- free foods. Look for snacks that have portion sizes that match your dietary needs. Choose snacks with single-size servings if you are looking for something small or opt for larger packaging if you intend on stocking up on snacks for future use.
