Lifestyle
By Elise Webster at St. Louis University
After being diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of 12, my mother and I quickly learned how to navigate grocery stores, dodge threatening ingredients, and see through shady labeling claims. We turned to creating delicious treats of our own, not sufficing our taste buds for the mediocre (at best) bread and cookies that were gluten- (and flavor-) free. Thanks to celebs and health gurus alike, there's a greater awareness for the GF diet and labeling has increased to protect us all.
Trader Joe'sgluten-freeproducts in particular have made GF eating and shopping easier, and tastier, for thousands of people like myself. And to make your shopping a little easier, I compiled a list with a few of the best Trader Joe'sgluten-free products.
1. Toasted Coconut Granola
Granola can be hard to find gluten-free because although oats are naturally GF, they are sometimes contaminated with gluten at some point during processing. The toasted coconut chips add a tropical flavor to this crunchy granola, making it perfect for a smoothie bowl topping or a morning snack.
2. Rice Pasta and Cheddar
Just because you're eating gluten-free doesn't mean you have to forego a creamy bowl of your childhood favorite. And Trader Joe's gluten-free rice pasta and cheddardoesn't disappoint. The boxed mixed is perfectly creamy and the noodles don't stick to the pan too easily.
3. Ancient Grain and Superseed Oatmeal
This stuff is like oatmeal but 10 times better, made for all you superhumans. It's full of wonderful grains, giving you the protein and fiber you need to conquer your day, but without a trace of the nasty gluten protein.
#SpoonTip: I love mixing it with warm almond milk and topping it with fruit or jam.
4. Instant Oatmeal
GF instant oatmeal packets were rare/non-existent 10 years ago, so when TJ's brought these to the shelves I was feeling #blessed.
5. Chocolate Chip Brownie Mix
When I was first diagnosed with celiac, it was hard to come by a delicious brownie mix sold in stores. Over the past few years, tons of new options have hit the shelves, some better than others. TJ's ranks in the top three for sure, and the chocolate chips in the mix definitely make a difference.
6. Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix
Making a fullbrunch spread is now so much easier thanks to the food geniuses at Trader Joe's.Top your pancakes or waffles with a little butter and pure maple syrup, and dig in.
7. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups
Creamy peanut butter and chocolate is all I need. And though Reese's are gluten-free, these are (dare I say it?) better thanReese's (especially the dark chocolateones).
8. Chocolate Covered Blueberries
Heavenly dark chocolate with a burst of fruity berry flavor makes this a perfect dessert or snack. But be warned: eating the whole box in one sitting is a very real possibility.
9. Joe Joe's
It's a sad day when Oreos are wrenched from your life, but ask and TJ's will provide. Joe-Joe's aren't some cheap knock-off Oreo wannabes, these crème-filled cookies are the real deal.
10. Chocolate Chip Cookies
These aren't for the faint of heart, and there are no soft baked cookie lovers allowed. These are seriously crispy, but have a buttery warmth that just melts in your mouth. 10/10 recommend.
11. Mini Tacos
These mini tacos are perfect for days where you're in a rush or don't feel like cooking. Just stick them in the oven and 15 minutes later, voilà! Dinner is served.
#SpoonTip: these quite possibly are the best hangover cure known to man.
12. Frozen Pancakes
Pre-made GF pancakes?! The gods have listened, hallelujah! This is one of the top Trader Joe's gluten-free products out there.
13. Frozen Waffles
Forget the Eggos and pop thesewaffles in the toaster (using a separate GF toaster, obviously) on your way to your 8am. Or enjoy a nice sit down breakfast with a drizzle of syrup and strawberries on the side.
14. Chicken Nuggets
Reliving my gluten-filled childhood days without the stomachache. These tender chicken nuggets are a perfect alternative for all the GF folks and your gluten-loving friends won't know the difference.
15. Pesto Genovese Chicken Breast
Chicken, once again, but this time marinated in pesto and ready to cook. Cut into strips to bake and pair with brown rice and roasted peppers for a delicious entree.
16. GF Bagels
GF bagels are hard to come by and they're a pain to make. TJ's offers the best pre-made bagels I've had. These are especially perfect for your avocado and egg breakfast sandwich.
17. Cinnamon Raisin Bread
The smell of cinnamon heating in the toaster is so comforting, and spreading butter on warm, slightly crispy cinnamon bread is almost soothing. Bring on the carbs!
18. GF Whole Grain Bread
This bread holds up perfectly for PB&Js and turkey avocado sandwiches alike. Also, it doesn't taste like Styrofoam, which is an added bonus.
19. Nacho Cheese Chips
AKA Dorito's (minus a long list of chemicals) and lacking a neon orange luster. However, these chips are just as tasty and maybe even a tad healthier.
20. Chia Bars
This chewy bar is stacked with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries, making it a power bar like none other.
21. Wine
Wine, thankfully, is gluten-free. And Trader Joe's has so many wine options, including tons ofoptions that are within your budget.
Trader Joe's is a great store for those of us struggling in a gluten-filled world. The options are endless and all so delicious. The next time you're at TJ's, just whip out this little list and you'll be golden.
