Gluten-Free Shopping at Costco

OLD RELIABLES

Gluten-Free Shopping at Costco

You'll be surprised what you find.

If you are like me, shopping for gluten-free groceries can be frustrating. Yes, I know I can pop over to the closest health food store and probably find a host of options, but the price tags are often hefty as well. To get around this, I scour ordinary grocery stores for products that just happen to be labeled gluten-free but aren't marketed specifically to the gluten-free consumer. Surprisingly, Costco has become one of my favorite places to do so.

First, some tips if you decide to go:

1. Plan to be there awhile and do a lot of walking. Costco's products change frequently, so I go up and down the aisles, eyes peeled for new items. You'll be amazed at what products you might have missed.
2. Look for the right labels. Obviously, you should take a second look at anything that interests you with a gluten-free label. However, spotting phrases like "all natural," "non GMO," "Kosher," etc. can often lead you in the right direction. Companies that advertise these qualities are more likely to include a gluten-free label for appropriate products, and they may be less likely to add unnecessary gluten-containing fillers.
3. Try new things. If you think you'll like a product, go ahead and buy it. Yes, you may waste a small amount of money on some mediocre food, but you may also find something you love!
4. Stock up. As I said above, Costco's products change frequently, and this is especially true with some of the small-market items seen below. Check the expiration dates on products you enjoy and consider whether or not they can be frozen. If they have a long shelf life and or you've got room in your freezer, cram that cart, baby!

Second, a glimpse at the gluten-free products you might find:

I know that, ideally, these lists would include specific information about the price and quantity of each product. Sadly, I just didn't have the patience for that...plus I threw the receipts away months ago. However, I'll try to be more diligent in the future!

Shopping trip #1

From left to right:

• Welch's Fruit Snacks
• Kirkland Turkey Breast lunch meat
• Kirkland Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Potato Chips: Sea Salt 
• These are thickly cut, so they're a little hard & extra crunchy--not my favorite buy.
• Mrs. May's Naturals Trio Variety fruit, nut, & seed bars  
• Clif Kid Organic Z Fruit Rope
• Mariani Premium Sliced Almonds
• Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Crackers: Five Seed
• Tru Roots Organic Quinoa
• Burgers by Amylu Sweet Caramelized Onion Chicken Burgers (10 ct. 1/4 lb patties)
• These come individually wrapped & fully cooked. You can even MICROWAVE them, and they are absolutely delicious, even if eaten alone. I found them in the specialty section in front of the butcher section, and they are one of my favorite products. Buy them if you can! 
• Late July Organic Sea Salt by the Sea Shore Multigrain Snack Chips
• Ocean Spray Craisins
• Nature Path Envirokidz Corn Puffs Gorilla Munch Cereal
• Eat Pastry Gluten-Free Cookie Dough
• Do not judge this cookie dough by it's uncooked taste, because it makes a great cookie. I found it in the frozen section, and we buy it every trip. If you have a sweet tooth and no time to bake, keep this in your freezer to crush that fresh-from-the-oven craving!
• Nature's Path Gluten Free Trail Mixer Granola Bars
• Peggy's Premium Edamame
• Edamame is a healthy, protein-packed snack. While it is not labeled gluten-free, it literally has just one ingredient--Non GMO premium soybeans. Pop one of the packs in the microwave, nuke for 3 minutes, sprinkle with sea salt, and enjoy! Just remember the pod is inedible (too tough), so you'll need to pop the beans out to eat them--my husband learned this the hard way. Oops!

Shopping trip #2

From left to right (new items only):

• Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs
• GoPicnic boxed lunches (read more about them here)
• Amira Premium Basmati Rice (20 lbs.--about half the price of Wal-Mart!)
• Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce 
• This is the only barbecue sauce my father-in-law buys, gluten-free or otherwise. Delicious!
• Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce
• Plus a few of the same great finds from trip #1!

Shopping trip #3

From left to right (new items only):

• Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage
• All Natural Coconut Macaroons
• Macaroons are like a chewy coconut cookie--heavy on the coconut and heavy on the egg. I have yet to find a brand that is not gluten-free, and they are Kosher, so you may find them stocked with traditional Hebrew foods at your regular supermarket, especially during Passover.
• Lara Bar Fruit & Nut Bar Three-Flavor Variety Pack
• Lara Bars are another great protein-filled snack option. Most health food stores sell them individually for a little more than a dollar a piece, and they come in dozens of flavors, all of which are gluten-free (to my knowledge). If you don't like the first one you try, there may be another one that you love!
• Sabra Hummus Individual Packs
• I found this product in the salsa, salads, etc. case located next to the cold produce section. Each individual pack holds roughly one serving, so I can easily enjoy hummus and crackers on the go. I usually pair this with the Crunchmaster crackers seen above.
• Food Should Taste Good Sea Salt Brown Rice Crackers
• Meatballs by Amylu Kickin' Cranberry Chicken Meatballs
• My husband and I loved these for a quick meal. They are precooked, so they just need to be reheated. We like to drizzle them with honey for a special twist. They are just a little spicy (hence "Kickin'"), so they may not be the best choice for kiddos--I stopped trying when my son said, "They hurt my mouth." Oops, again!
• And, of course, more of those gems from trips #1 & #2!

Finally, a resource for putting your Costco groceries to good use:

I recently started following Amy of A Little Nosh's Pinterest board "The Best of Pinterest," and found this pin:

Source: 5DollarDinners.com

The post provides recipes, a grocery list, and how much everything costs--basically all of the stuff I didn't provide here! If you are feeding a large gluten-free family and or are on a budget, it could be a great resource.

Jack In The Box & Online Allergy Charts

My husband is a bit of a Jack In The Box addict, and tonight he asked me if I wanted anything as he left for his oh-so-frequent burger run. French fries sounded lovely, but I knew should double-check Jack's online allergen chart just to be safe (I hadn't checked it since they did away with natural-cut fries).

A few clicks later, I was brought to this site, which contains the allergy chart depicted below. This is by no means the complete chart, but for your viewing pleasure, I highlighted the "wheat" column with a giant red arrow. If it has an X in that lovely burnt-orange column, it is a no-go for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

If you aren't familiar with online allergy charts, most major chain restaurants have them, and they can be very helpful for people with special dietary needs. For example, in about two minutes, I was able to determine that while the fries at Jack In The Box are somewhat safe* since they do not contain wheat, the tacos that I have eaten many times in the past are actually a definite no.

Several years ago, a similar chart from Panda Express taught me something everyone on a gluten-free diet learns sooner or later--wheat-containing soy sauce is one of the worst hidden sources of gluten imaginable. Curse you, Kikkoman!**

Allergen charts can also be helpful in revealing "safe" menu items you may not have considered otherwise. Here is a sampling of the Jack-In-The-Box items considered "wheat-free:"

• French fries
• smoothies (mango, strawberry, or strawberry banana; contains milk)
• Chiquita apple bites with caramel (caramel contains milk)
• Grilled chicken strips (choose your sauce carefully)
• Chicken Club, Grilled Chicken, or Southwest Chicken salads (ONLY with grilled chicken--not crispy chicken; ask for no croutons or crunchy toppings)
• Bacon Ranch, Ranch, Lite Ranch, & Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette dressings (all but the vinaigrette contain milk)

However, please be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination anytime you dine out. French fries are often cooked in the same oil as gluten-containing, battered items like chicken strips, and a seemingly "wheat free" shake may be contaminated by the residual crumbs left on the blender from the Oreo-cookie shake mixed just before. When in doubt, ask the workers how the food is prepared and listen to your body when you try something new.

During my search, I also discovered this site, which provides an item-by-item ingredients list for essentially every item on the Jack In The Box. Check out the screen shot below:

Online ingredient statements like this tend to be much denser and more difficult to navigate. As my illustration shows (thank you again, big red arrow), bold lettering at the end of each ingredient list will indicate which of the major allergens, if any, the product contains. If accompanied by the allergy chart above, ingredient statements can be excellent way to get more information about items your are considering ordering or items you must now eliminate. 

This ingredient statement, for example, taught me that the cheap, 2 for $0.99 tacos taste so disgusting because their meat is padded out with things like "defatted soy grits" and "bleached enriched wheat flour." At the same time, it showed that while all of the burgers are marked as containing wheat in the allergy chart, that is simply because of their buns--the patties are 100% beef with no other ingredients or additives.

If you know in advance you will be eating out, take the time to check out a few restaurants online. If you dine at a restaurant often, do some research, even if that means calling and asking to speak to a manager, owner, or head chef. The better you are about being 100% gluten-free, the better you will feel.

Want more gluten-free dining tips?

Check out my Wining and Dining information page.

*I classify Jack's French fries as "somewhat safe" because they are almost certainly cooked in the same oil as their chicken strips and other gluten-containing items. This is a common source of cross-contamination. Although I tried the French fries tonight, I don't think I would do so again. My abdomen is already feeling a little tight with cramps, and French-fried potatoes just aren't worth the risk.

**If you simply adore soy sauce and/or Asian foods, Pei Wei and P.F. Chang's (which are partner companies) both have excellent gluten-free menus--you can find links to their online menus on my Wining and Dining information page. SAN-J Organic Tamari is labeled gluten-free soy sauce, and La Choy soy sauce does not contain wheat, although it is not labeled gluten-free.

P.S.

I am linking to Gluten-Free Fridays hosted by Vegetarian Mama. Pop on over and check it out!

Snickerdoodle Chex Mix

Snickerdoodle Chex Mix

like the cookies I remember

FYI: This is not a sponsored a post. I just really liked this recipe and gluten-free Chex cereals in general.

When I was growing up (and eating whatever I wanted) snickerdoodles were always my favorite cookie. I don't know if it was the taste, helping my mom roll them in cinnamon and sugar, or that adorable name, but I always loved them--especially when they were still warm and soft from the oven. 

Now that I am an adult and following a strict gluten-free diet, I can no longer follow my mother's snickerdoodle recipe or buy them at the local bakery--but I can enjoy this Snickerdoodle Chex Mix recipe. I have been eyeing it on the side of my gluten-free Chocolate Chex and gluten-free Cinnamon Chex cereal boxes for years now, and I am so glad I finally tried it! 

It's quick, it's easy, and it's the perfect to conquer those snickerdoodle cravings. Better yet? Nothing but common, everyday ingredients!

Word to the wise: If you use margarine, 20 seconds in the microwave is plenty to melt it.

Ingredients:

• sugar
• ground cinnamon
• Cinnamon Chex® cereal
• Chocolate Chex® cereal
• popcorn
• butter or margarine

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Start to finish: 15 minutes

Click here to see the full recipe on ChexCereal.com

It's as easy as...

ONE

TWO

THREE!

But don't forget to let it cool off before you dig in...

Looking for more gluten-free Chex mix recipes? Click here to visit their complete list of gluten-free Chex-mix recipes. There are a few in there that might surprise you. Mashed-potato-stuffed meatloaf squares, anyone?

Here are a few I may try in the future:

• Black Forest Chex Mix
• Chex Lemon Buddies (I have a yet-to-be-fulfilled hankering for gluten-free lemon bars)
• Double Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pudding Pie (Worth it for the gluten-free pie crust alone)
• Honey Peanut-Butter Bars
• Italian Chex Mix (minus the Parmesan cheese)
• Chex Apple-Almond Bars

Enjoy!

What's your favorite Chex mix recipe?

Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix

Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix

a one-pot wonder

I was first introduced to Zatarain's Jambalaya on my first official date with my husband. Although his (former) step-mom was serving spaghetti, she also cooked a box of this special stuff because it is one of my father-in-law's favorite foods. Essentially, jambalaya is a spicy rice-dish from Louisiana. Authentic recipes include variety of fresh vegetables and an assortment of meats, such as chicken, ham, smoked sausage, or shrimp. After one bite, I was hooked.

What I like about Zatarain's Jambalaya is it is quick and easy to prepare, requires only one pot, and is relatively inexpensive. It is a great option for weeknight meals, and I swear it tastes better as leftovers than on the night I cook it. Better yet, it is available at essentially any grocery store, and it is versatile. If I want it a little milder, I add extra water and plain, uncooked white rice. If I want to change it up a bit, I add a fresh vegetable, like diced green bell pepper. No gluten-free sausage available? I can use cooked and diced chicken breast or ham instead. On top of everything else, the smaller packages are even labeled gluten-free! (You can learn more about Zatarain's other gluten-free products here.)

If you are ready to try this Creole creation, here is what you need to do:

1. Gather your ingredients:
• 1-2 boxes of Zatarain's Jambalaya Mix
• Gluten-free meat of choice (cooked chicken, ham, sausage or shrimp--see package for amount)*
• Water (see package for amount) 
• 1 green bell pepper optional
• Small amount of uncooked white rice (see package for amount) optional
  
  *I used Hormel brand's Natural Choice Original Smoked Sausage, purchased at Target.
2. Start boiling the water according to the package directions before you prepare the other ingredients. Covering the pot will help the water boil faster.
3. Prepare the remaining ingredients. I usually cut my sausage into half-moons, since it is easier to evenly distribute the smaller pieces.
4. Once the water is boiling, combine all of the ingredients in the pot and let simmer according to the directions on the package. 
5. When all the water has been absorbed, your meal is ready. Before you dish it up, make sure to stir the pot thoroughly. The meat tends to float to the top while it is simmering.

Easy, right?

Creative Gluten-Free Tuna Salad

Creative Gluten-Free Tuna Salad

A.K.A. an easy lunch you'll be proud to eat

I would like to start off by apologizing to anyone who thinks this meal is entirely too pedestrian to deserve the title "kitchen (mis)adventure." I understand where you are coming from, but long story short, my health knocked me on my back this weekend, and there was no way I felt up to trying out a new recipe...although I definitely wanted to.

Additionally, I realize that just about everyone knows how to make tuna salad: open a can of tuna, stir in some mayonnaise, and call it a day. At the same time, one of the greatest challenges of the gluten-free diet is feeling stuck in a rut and limited in your food options--especially if you are not into cooking. This post is about a simple way to put a new spin on an old favorite.

All of that said, let me tell you why I love this recipe: It's easy, adaptable, work-lunch friendly, and healthy.

Now, for the directions.

As always, gather your ingredients first:

1. 1 can chunk-light tuna in water
2. 1 stalk of celery, sliced
3. 1 small carrot, cut into matchstick-sized pieces
4. 1 handful of dried craisins
5. 2-3 heaping teaspoons of gluten-free mayonnaise*

*My favorite brand of "safe" mayonnaise is Smart Balance. It is labeled gluten-free, available in nearly every grocery store, and very tasty. 

Next, mix all of the "dry" ingredients together in a small Tupperware container. Yes, technically you could use a bowl. However, substituting a Tupperware container means you can just slap a lid on the leftovers without dirtying an extra dish.

Add the mayonnaise last, a little at a time, so you can control how much you have. I like my tuna salad well-coated in mayonnaise, but not swimming in it.

Finally, serve on your favorite gluten-free bread substitute. For the picture above, I made an open-faced sandwich on a toasted slice of Glutino's gluten-free flax seed bread (my favorite), but you could also try  gluten-free crackers, celery sticks, or rice cakes. Enjoy!

Why is it called "creative" gluten-free tuna salad?

Well, I threw together at the spur of the moment based on the ingredients I had on hand. I've tried craisins and sliced celery before, but the carrots were a bit of a (lucky) gamble.

How can it be adapted?

Truthfully, however you want. In the past, I have used halved grapes instead of craisins, and a friend and I once tried corn kernels, cooked rice (chilled), and ranch dressing--but I wouldn't recommend the latter combination. Throwing in sliced almonds or chopped walnuts would be another great way to change it up, as would using canned chicken or salmon instead of tuna.

Get creative, and let me know how it turns out!

This kitchen (mis)adventure was a delicious experiment gone right!

P.S.

I apologize for the lack of photos. I know the recipe is painfully easy, but we all want a little eye-candy, right? Basically, I was too hungry to bother with pictures--which is why the solo piece of photographic evidence features a half-eaten open-faced sandwich on gluten-free bread.

GoPicnic Ready-to-Eat Meals

GoPicnic Ready-to-Eat Meals

think of them as the gluten-free answer to Lunchables

On a recent trip to CostCo, My husband and I were dawdling in the snack aisle, and I noticed a stack of these GoPicnic lunches. "Ready-to-eat? Shelf-stable? Wouldn't it be amazing if they were gluten-free as well?" I thought to myself. As I headed over to investigate, my husband pointed out the gluten-free label on the side of the box--I couldn't believe my eyes or my luck, and I knew then and there I would soon be blogging about this product.

What are they?

For about $10, you get a box containing 4 ready-to-eat meals--2 each of 2 varieties. The Hummus & Crackers lunches contain hummus dip, crackers, a fruit and nut mix, a seed mix, and a small piece of dark chocolate with sea salt. The Turkey Stick & Crunch lunches (which I seem to prefer) contain a turkey snack stick (similar to a Slim Jim, but better), barbeque Popchips, a seed and fruit mix, peel-a-part fruit, and a small piece of dark chocolate with rice crisps. Everything in the lunches is individually wrapped and free of gluten, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, and added MSG. (Note: One fruit and nut mix includes peanuts.) As an added bonus, each lunch comes in its own small, cardboard box about the size of a good paperback, so they're highly portable.

Why do I care?

If your experience has been anything like mine, you probably recognize how amazing it is to have a cheap, portable, and complete gluten-free meal. At $2.50 a pop, these totally fit the bill.

Here is how I where I have utilized (and enjoyed) them so far:

1. Quick, portable lunch for a crazy day at work High-stakes testing days are nightmares for educators like myself, so my friend and I took our lunches to a nearby hiking trail for some much-needed stress relief. My GoPicnic lunch was the perfect option for dining al fresco.
2. A charitable lunch for two A week or two ago my friend Nicole and I decided to spend a few hours reorganizing the toy cupboards at our church (trust me, they needed it). I knew we would be at it for a while, so I brought two GoPicnic lunches, some fruit, and two water bottles. After a few hours of work, we had an impromptu picnic on the floor of our nursery classroom, and then got back to it.
3. Road-trip insurance policy After 8 years of marriage, my husband finally managed to drag me into the wilderness to go camping. I initially brought several GoPicnic lunches for a back-up to campfire-cooking, and, although dinner went splendidly, I happily busted into a Hummus & Crackers lunch on the ride home. Mobile dining, anyone?
4. Sure beats the mystery of a hospital cafeteria Yesterday, my husband and I spent the day at the hospital with my darling son, Brannon. Although he went in for a minor procedure, a scheduling delay lead to hours of waiting. By the time they took back to the surgery suite, I was exhausted, anxious, and ready for some easy-to-eat comfort food--enter GoPicnic Turkey Stick & Crunch! Man, I love these things.

Do they taste good? 

Yes, they taste good--whether you have celiac disease or not. I am personally delighted with them (obviously) but both Stephanie (anonymous friend mentioned in #1) and Nicole can attest to the deliciousness of these meals. Better yet, they leave you feeling satisified but not weighed down. Steph even plans to buy some to take hiking (she's very active and healthy that way). 

Are they nutritious?

I think they're pretty nutritious, too, but you can decide for yourself:

• Turkey Stick & Crunch Ready-to-Eat Meal: 300 calories, 8 grams of protein, 3 grams (more nutritional info-scroll to the bottom)
• Hummus & Crackers: 380 calories, 19 grams of protein (not a typo--19), 7 grams of fiber (more nutritional info-scroll to the bottom)

Where can I buy them?

I bought them in a pack of four (2 of each variety) at CostCo for about $10, which makes each lunch about $2.50. However, I couldn't find any information or links to the product on Costco website, so you'll need to check with your local store.

If there are no CostCo's nearby or your store doesn't carry it, check out the manufacturer's website, gopicnic.com. The prices are rather higher, but it offers a wide-variety of read-to-eat meals, including both gluten-containing and gluten-free options. Before you order, double-check that the items you're purchasing are gluten-free options.

Another option is using GoPicnic's store locator. Simply type in your zipcode, and the store locator will give you a list of stores nearby which sell GoPicnic products. Apparently, they are available in some Targets and in many airport gift shops!

If you find this product anywhere else--in-store or online--please post a comment and let us know!

Where would you take your GoPicnic lunch?

Share your answer in the comments area.

Toastabags?

If you read any of the cross-contamination articles on my previous post, Keeping Your Kitchen Safe, you are probably as curious as I am about Toastabags. Essentially, they are a reusable, Teflon bag you slide your bread into before you put it in the toaster. The bread toasts as normal, but without coming in contact with all of those gluten-containing crumbs!

source

Here is a testimonial from the folks at Glutenfreeda

Here is a link to the US supplier's website (the bags are manufactured in the UK)

If you are brave enough to try it out--let me know how it goes. They aren't very expensive, so I may give them a whirl myself.