My Ten Favorite Gluten-Free Products

I remember well the morning I began a gluten-free diet. I received a call from my doctor's office informing me that I had Celiac disease. The nurse briefly explained what Celiac disease is.

"Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine whenever you eat wheat, barley, or rye. The gluten in these grains is the culprit. The damage to the small intestine keeps you from absorbing nutrients vital to health. This damage can cause secondary illnesses such as intestinal lymphoma, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer."

I shuddered and asked her what I should do.

"Starting today, you have to go on a gluten-free diet. The diet is the only treatment for Celiac disease, and you have to adhere to it strictly. Even a few crumbs of these grains damages the small intestine. Come by the office and I'll give you some information. For now, limit your diet to plain, fresh foods."

That was 4 years ago. When I first started the gluten-free diet, I felt overwhelmed and afraid to eat. Over time, I lost the fear, learned how to eat gluten-free, and discovered products that make a gluten-free diet enjoyable.

My Top 10 Gluten-Free Products

VAN'S GLUTEN-FREE WAFFLES

Van's Waffles come in several flavors, including blueberry, flaxseed, and plain waffles. I have used these waffles in place of bread and buns. I use them to make a "hamburger," to make a ham sandwich, and to make a peanut-butter sandwich. They are very handy; I do not like to be without them.

I buy Van's Gluten-Free Waffles at Kroger's supermarket.

GLUTEN FREE PANTRY SPICE CAKE

I do not use many gluten-free processed mixes. They are fattening and lack nutrition. I do include Gluten-Free Pantry's Spice Cake mix on my list of 10 favorite gluten- free products. It is dairy-free when made with applesauce. Sometimes I substitute mashed banana for the applesauce, add chopped nuts, pop it in the oven, and wait for banana bread.

I buy this mix at a local health-food store. This mix is available in some supermarkets.

McCORMICK SPICES

McCormick spices are safe. I called the company and asked them about the gluten-free status of their spices. They said most spices are gluten-free, but if they aren't the label will clearly list "wheat" as an ingredient. Food starch keeps multiple spices from caking.

McCormick spices are commonly available in most supermarkets.

LUNDBERG BROWN RICE CAKES

Sometimes I use Lundberg Brown Rice cakes in place of bread. I especially like them with peanut butter. I like the crunch that comes with rice cakes. They are available for about $3.49 in many supermarkets and at health-food stores.

PUBLIX GREEN WISE 100% NATURAL WOOD CHARCOAL

Most people do not know that many brands of charcoal briquettes contain binders that contain wheat starch. Ash from charcoal briquettes can get on meat and cause an autoimmune reaction in people with Celiac disease. Thus, they must be avoided.

I discovered 100% Natural Wood Charcoal at Publix supermarket. These briquettes are on my list of 10 favorite gluten-free products, because they are 100% wood and do not contain binders. They start quickly and provide a hotter fire than regular briquettes. They are all-natural and have no added chemicals. I don't have to worry about gluten-contamination to my meat when using them.

MAREBLU NATURALS TRAIL MIX CRUNCH

This product contains dry roasted cashews, pistachios, almonds, pumpkin seeds, evaporated cane juice, rice syrup, and sea salt. The bite-size clusters of nuts are a delicious snack. They are all natural, cholesterol free, gluten free, trans-fat free, and are 100% vegan. I love them! I buy a 1 lb. 8 oz. package at Costco for $7.99.

HERSHEY'S CHOCOLATE

I keep a stash of Hershey's chocolate bars in the freezer. They easily make my list of top 10 gluten-free products. Many brands of chocolate are not gluten-free; Hershey's chocolate bars are. I love having them when the "chocolate monster" strikes.

WHOLE FOODS MARKET BREADS

It took me a long time to find bread that I like. Much gluten-free bread is bland and crumbles easily.

I enjoy Whole Foods Market Sandwich Bread and Prairie Bread. The sandwich bread is best toasted and has a pleasing taste and texture. The Prairie Bread has nuts incorporated into the loaf. This hearty bread is delicious toasted for breakfast.

COSTCO ROTISSERIE CHICKEN

Yum-yum! This chicken is gluten-free and a lifesaver for me. I buy at least one a week. It is delicious and only $5.49.

Very few pre-made products are gluten-free. I appreciate having a "no-cook night" option because of Costco's rotisserie chickens.

FOOD FOR LIFE BROWN RICE TORTILLAS

Brown rice tortillas are my most recent find, and they delight me. I am amazed that they are so similar to regular tortillas. I love using them for fajitas, enchiladas, and as a wrap for various fillings.

They are hard to find where I live. I buy them at a local Kroger's store. My sister buys them at Fry's Supermarket. They come 6 to a package for $2.99.

This list of my 10 favorite gluten-free products is by no means comprehensive, and it is subject to change! I hope it illustrates that living on a gluten-free diet does not sentence the dieter to deprivation. My thanks go to ethical gluten-free food producers, who strive to make eating gluten free safe and satisfying.