Feeding a child is a difficult enough endeavor in and of itself, but when a child has a gluten allergy, it can seem downright impossible. The boxed and packaged food aisles become veritable land mines of wheat, barley, rye and their derivative ingredients. Yet making every meal from scratch can also be a daunting task. Fortunately, companies are rapidly developing excellent, if not inexpensive, gluten free alternatives to most kid-friendly packaged foods. Here is a list of some of the best.
Breakfast
Udi’s blueberry muffins – A 4-pack of large, sweet, fluffy muffins chock full of blueberries. They taste fresh baked and you wont miss the gluten one bit.
Envirokidz cereals – This brand has managed to replicate many kid-favorite cereals. Gorilla Munch is much like Kix, Amazon Frosted Flakes mimics Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes pretty closely, and Koala Krisp is quite similar to Cocoa Crispies. Each box also comes printed with information on how you and your kids can help the environment.
Vans waffles – These waffles are almost identical in texture to Eggo toaster waffles and are just as convenient. They are available in regular, blueberry, apple cinnamon, and flax (for an extra healthy dose of omega-3s).
Lunch
Gluten Free Pantry Favorite Sandwich Bread – A moist and mild bread mix. It rises and bakes quickly and slices easily. As far as gluten free bread goes, it also holds together surprisingly well. This bread works equally well with sweet toppings, such as jam, or savory toppings, such as mustard and pickles.
Annie’s Gluten Free Rice Pasta and Cheddar – Not exactly like Kraft, but still a rich, creamy cheese. Cooks up quickly and easily, just like regular boxed macaroni and cheese dinners.
Amy’s Kitchen frozen meals – Amy’s Kitchen’s gluten free line of frozen meals range from pasta, like Garden Vegetable Lasagna or Rice Mac n Cheese, to Mexican dishes, such as Enchiladas, or even Asian rice bowls. Quick and easy to heat and delicious to eat.
Dinner
Tinkyada pastas – These pastas come in a myriad of shapes, from spaghetti to fusilli to shells, and have a flavor and texture almost identical to wheat pastas. They cook up quickly and are equally wonderful topped with sauces, baked into casseroles, or added to soups.
Mrs. Leepers pastas -Not only does Mrs. Leepers offer several varieties of kid-friendly pasta shapes, they also carry 6 types of ‘meat helper’ pasta mixes (such as Cheeseburger Mac). Be cautious to observe cooking times, however, as these pastas do have a tendency to disintegrate when overcooked.
Sunshine Burgers – Rich in protein but free of gluten, these vegan burgers come in six different flavors and cook up in just a minute or two. They are flavorful enough to stand alone without the bun.
Dessert
Betty Crocker brownie mix – This brownie mix is even better than homemade! Dense and chewy and full of chips, these brownies are sure to be a hit, even with those who have no food restrictions.
Pamela’s cake mixes – Rich and moist, these cake mixes make baking a snap. Perfect for layer cakes, sheet cakes, and cupcakes alike.
Pamela’s cookies – Available in 20 different flavors, these cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth. Many can also be crushed to form crusts for pies, cheesecakes and other desserts.
Kinnitoos Chocolate Vanilla Sandwich Cookies – Almost identical to Oreos, these cookies are great dunked in milk, eaten plain, or crushed and added to desserts.
Snacks
Envirokidz cereal bars – These bars aren’t exactly similar to granola bars, but their sweet flavor and crispy rice texture are extremely satisfying. Available in 5 different flavors.
Nature’s Path animal cookies – These cookies taste almost identical to regular wheat-based animal crackers and come in a generously sized box.
Glutino pretzels – Crunchy and salty, these pretzels taste just like regular bagged pretzels. They are available in a variety of sizes.
