Gluten-free foods, such as Mission Foods organic corn tortillas, are not new. But more products than ever are out there that meet the needs of gluten-free eaters. The rise in gluten-free products may be partially attributed to the crowds following the low or no carbs paleo diet – both crowds can eat cheese, for example – and those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance are able to find ever more products on the market that replace gluten-bearing foods such as bread and crackers. May, also known as Celiac Disease Awareness Month, seems a fitting time to explore a few of the new, more nutrient-dense options in the marketplace for those seeking to replace gluten foods. Though there are numerous celiac disease foods to avoid, we rounded up a few of our new gluten-free favorites, products that do a better job than their predecessors at filling a product niche. High protein paleo foods(naturally gluten-free) are also included.
Let’s Do…™ Gluten Free Ice Cream Cones
Shaped like your favorite wafer cone, Let’s Do…. Gluten Free Classic Cones are flat-bottomed, imported from Israel, and made from the expected potato and tapioca starches. Though made without the supportive strength of gluten, the cones held up well, managing to keep their shape when piled with strawberry gelato on a recent warm day and man-handled by an eager five year-old. Let’s Do... also makes a gluten-free sugar cone. Cones were one of the last remaining product categories where a gluten-free alternative product was not available. This one is a game-changer.
King Soba
Gluten-free noodles are nothing new but the new line of noodles from King Soba take gluten-free noodles to a better, more nutritious place. Soba, a traditional Japanese noodle usually made from whole wheat flour and buckwheat flour (which despite its name, is naturally gluten-free), is instead made with 100% buckwheat or a combination of brown rice, amaranth, kale, quinoa or seaweed. But the best part is how they hold up after boiling. Most 100% buckwheat noodles, like white on rice, will stick together, refusing to separate and creating a gloppy, poorly cooked mess. Not King Soba’s organic 100% buckwheat noodles. Follow the prep and cooking instructions on the package and your noodles will emerge from their scalding bath in perfect strands, ready to be tossed into salads, soups or served solo. And at 4 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving, they kick those corn and rice noodles to the nutritional curb.
Outer Aisle Gourmet
Bread substitutes are the bane of both paleo and gluten-free adherents. But each group benefits from the cauliflower-based pizza crust and sandwich thins from Outer Aisle Gourmet. Thickened with cheese and eggs, these veggie and protein-friendly wheat dough replacements did not fall apart when toasted or baked and offer a serving of vegetables in each piece and as much as 9 grams of protein. Manufactured in southern California, Outer Aisle Gourmet’s products are next gen, gluten-free and paleo bread.
It has never been a better time to eat gluten-free or live a gluten-free lifestyle. And not just for celiacs or people who conform to a celiac disease diet. As more and more people recognize the health benefits of reducing their gluten intake, companies are responding with a huge range of products that make eating for health and wellness easier than ever. Stay tuned for more of our favorites, during Celiac Awareness Month and throughout the year.
