Have you ever compared the cost of gluten free foods to their gluten-filled counterparts? After you picked yourself up from the floor, was your initial thought, “Why on earth is it so much more?”
That price difference though?! I mean seriously, why does a swap of ingredients cost up to 500% more for than the regular food?!
It can be a bit frustrating, especially considering the current increased price on all goods. But I want to offer you a few tips and tricks to show you going gluten free doesn’t have to break the bank.
Gluten Free Shopping Tips
- Buy Fruits and Vegetables Local or Frozen. Buying fruits and veggies from a local farmer’s market not only guarantees they will be fresher (no travel time on a truck and sitting at the grocery store), but often the prices are much lower because the grower is not having to pay multiple third parties for their roll in getting the food into your kitchen. Frozen fruits and veggies are picked at their peak ripeness, so the nutrients are still present. Frozen fruit is a great addition to smoothies and can be really yummy on these hot summer days. *Pro Tip- Cook frozen veggies by sautéing on the stove or roasting in the oven to keep them from getting too watery and mushy.
- Frozen Meats. You can find just about any type of meat you’d like in the freezer section of your grocery store. Purchasing frozen meat allows you to get more for your money and you’ll have the protein on hand as needed. Just check the ingredients label to ensure there aren’t a lot of nasty preservatives in the meat.
- Shop Discount Stores. Walmart and Aldi are two of my favorite places to grocery shop. They have great options for gluten free foods and the prices are unmatched compared to other grocery stores.
- Shop Sales. Pay attention to when your favorite stores run sales. This is a fantastic way to stock up on items you used often (think spices, condiments, and other items with a decent shelf life). Labor Day sale? Check! Buy one get one? I’ll take 4, thank you! Seriously, such a good way to save money and still enjoy your gluten free faves.
- Shop Online. There are a lot of great places to shop online now. While Amazon still reigns supreme, in 2022, it is no longer the only kid on the block. Virtual stores like Thrive Market, Vitacost and The Gluten Free Mall are great places to get gluten free foods at a discount.
- Buy in Bulk. Items like rice, quinoa, oats (certified gluten free only of course) nuts, seeds, and dried beans and lentils have long shelf lives and are great pantry staples. Buying in bulk allows you to purchase at a lower price point than if you were buying these foods every grocery trip.
- Buy Less Processed Foods. Honestly, this is where the major difference in price is when it comes to gluten free food. Because wheat is so cheap compared to other ingredients often used as substitutes in gluten free food, its sky rockets the price. Not to mention the extra money farmers and companies pay out for testing of their foods and certifications proving the food is, in fact, gluten free. Processed foods, even gluten free ones, aren’t the best nutritional option when it comes to food. You should always prioritize whole food (food as close to nature as possible) over processed. Eating less processed food is always going to be better for you, so if this helps you pick and choose your boxed and bagged foods more wisely then there’s the silver lining.
Getting this highly inflammatory ingredient out of your diet is a must if you’re looking to improve your autoimmune symptoms. Don’t let your budget be the only reason to avoid going gluten free.
