There are many things I tolerate in life, but gluten is not one of them.
The pesky protein wreaks all kinds of havoc in my gut (and that of many others). It is contained in wheat, barley and rye, meaning sourcing food items such as bread, pasta and cake is something of a nightmare.
Granted, gluten-free foods don’t have the best reputation - and for good reason. Only in recent years has science improved surrounding intolerances and allergies, meaning there are more options available than ever for gluten-free foodies.
Throw back to ten years ago and gluten-free food was incredibly limited. Not only was there a serious lack of edible options stocked in supermarkets, but meals out were a total palaver. Those who couldn't process the protein were served with gloopy slops of spaghetti, crumbling creations that were supposedly cakes and bread that tasted and felt like cardboard.
Gluten acts as a binder, holding food together and adding a stretch-like quality to the product. Consider pizza dough. When we see chefs flipping and kneading the dough, it is stretched here, there and everywhere. Without gluten, it would simply rip in two.
Cue the 2020s, when products including pea flour, red lentil flour and quinoa flour would swoop in to save the day. Supermarkets such as Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are beginning to stock more options, meaning it’s gradually becoming easier to beat the wheat.
While these items do come at a higher price, sadly there’s no way to tiptoe around the fact, they are life savers for those who struggle to process gluten.
And, they aren't all boring! From Ladurée macaroons to Crosta & Mollica Frozen Gluten Free Margherita Pizza, there are a handful of treats in store. Don't forget that some products are also 'accidentally' gluten-free. These include some meats, beans, eggs and rice. Not to mention fruit and veg, of course.
Read on to discover the best gluten-free foods for stocking up your fridge, freezer and pantry.
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Waitrose Free From Gluten Green Pea Pasta
Our top pick goes to Waitrose’s green pea pasta. The low-fat, vegan-friendly product offers a light bite with a refreshing pea taste - perfect for summer pasta salads. While it has a slightly more bitty texture than regular pasta, the flavour is subtle yet delicious and would make for a healthy, anti-bloat alternative to ultra-processed gluten-free pasta choices.
Buy now £2.45, Waitrose
Ladurée Macaroons
That's right ladies and gents! Ladurée Macaroons are gluten-free, well, most of them anyway. Depending on what flavour you choose, you can enjoy a sweet treat minus the wheat. Soya, eggs, nuts and butter make up the core ingredients.
Buy now £36.00, Selfridges
Crosta & Mollica Frozen Gluten Free Margherita Pizza
Crosta & Mollica will always have a pizza our hearts. The brand’s frozen gluten-free Margherita is ideal for storing in the freezer for lazy Saturday nights in and hungover Sunday mornings. Serve up with a fresh salad and a sprinkling of olives when hosting.
Buy now £6.25, Ocado
Schneider Brot German Vollkornbrot (wheat-free only)
Schnieder’s rye offering is downright delicious. A dense loaf packed full of grains and dark flavours, it can be paired with some smashed avocado and chilli flakes for a truly delectable dish. While the loaf is dense and not the most freezer-friendly, the product is preservative-free and high in fibre, making for a healthy carb choice.
Buy now £1.40, Waitrose
Sainsbury's FreeFrom Casarecce
You would never know that Sainsubry’s dried Casarecce pasta was gluten-free. The product is made from rice, maize and amaranth flours and features an attractive, not to mention satisfying, curling silhouette to sink your teeth into. The texture was ultra-smooth when cooked al dente and would be delicious when served with fresh produce. Sainsbury's recommends a mix of oyster mushrooms, kale and toasted pine nuts. For such a reasonable price, there's no reason not to give it a try.
Buy now £2.00, Sainsbury's
Bold Bean Co Queen Butter Bean
Foodies will beam for the bean upon finding this jar in their midst. The Bold Bean Co has received rave reviews for its Queen Butter Bean, which are so good you can eat them straight from the jar.
Buy now £4.00, Waitrose
Gail's Gluten Free Sourdough 350g
It may be pricey for bread, but gluten-free people are very accustomed to paying higher prices for less wheat. The Gail's sourdough is seriously popular for a reason. When smothered in butter or dunked in soup, it makes for a warming, filling munch during breakfast or lunch.
Buy now £4.30, Waitrose
Sainsbury’s British Pork Chipolata Sausages
Sainsbury’s chipolatas are gluten-free by accident. They aren’t branded as gluten-free, but just so happen to be. They cook quickly and offer a lighter alternative to a traditional sausage. Serve them up with butter beans in a rich tomato sauce for a warming autumn bake.
Buy now £3.25, Sainsbury’s
Mrs Crimble's Gluten Free Big Choc Macaroons
Mrs Crimble’s macaroons drive us coco-nutty. The inexpensive treats are not only moist, but marry chocolate and coconut notes to form a delightful snack. Each pack has six large macaroons, for sharing and scoffing.
Buy now £1.00, Waitrose
Tesco Free From 2 Breaded Cod
Fish lovers will adore these lightly breaded cod fillets. Paired with boiled potatoes tossed with butter and thyme, these gluten, wheat and milk-free fillets are ideal for ravenous pescatarians.
Buy now £4.50, Tesco
M&S Made Without Spaghetti Bolognese
Nothing beats diving into a large bowl of pasta after a long day at work. M&S has hit the nail on the head with its free-from spaghetti bolognese which is packed with flavour. A generous sprinkling of parmesan is always advised.
Buy now £4.25, Ocado
Cutter & Squidge Vegan Wheat-Free Mini Brownie Box
If a brand has the word 'Squidge' in its name, you know their products are going to be simply irresistible. Brownies are hands-down one of life’s greatest joys, and these vegan, gluten-free renditions are not to be slept on. With an added dollop of vanilla ice cream, you have yourself a dreamy late-night feast.
Buy now £15.99, Cutter & Squidge
Warburtons Gluten Free White Square Rolls
Warburtons gluten-free range is not to be slept on, especially the brand’s white square rolls. Featuring a cloud-like texture and a dusting of flour, the pre-cut rolls are ideal for sandwich-making and toasties. Unlike many gluten-free breads, these don't need to be toasted to be tasty. We approve.
Buy now £2.80, Ocado
M&S Made Without Sausage Rolls
When smothered in ketchup and mayo, nothing comes close to the warming bite of a sausage roll. Pop these ready-made snacks into the oven and team with fresh salad for a light lunch.
Buy now £3.40, Ocado
