Finding gluten-free groceries that don’t break the bank is tough enough, but with the rising cost of, well, everything, it is getting harder and harder know what to buy and where. Some tips are simple, and universal, including buying “in season” produce, and looking local. But what about the gluten-free foods, which are never “in season” and usually far from local?
Neighborhood Grocery Stores
Believe it or not, many local grocery stores are now carrying gluten-free pasta, bread, and cookies. In some cases, stores are even labeling their private brands with “gluten-free.” Wal-mart labels their Great Value brand pizza sauce “gluten-free,” along with some more obvious things, like canned veggies and cottage cheese. Kroger (King Soopers) is making a real effort to carry a variety of gluten-free foods, including breads and frozen meals (in some locations). In Longmont, CO, King Soopers is carrying Amy’s frozen meals, Pamela’s cookies, and Udi’s bread. Usually, the average family grocery store is less expensive than the big name organic and specialty stores. When you visit the neighborhood grocery store for eggs and butter, check the aisles for new gluten-free additions.
Note: For help finding grocery stores in your area that carry gluten-free items, check out our gluten-free groceries by state page.
Online Deals
Online shopper? There are some great deals online. Kinnikinnick products are yummy, but sometimes hard to find. Thankfully, you can order all of their products on their website, and they offer $10.00 flat-rate shipping cost and monthly specials. If you have any experience with Amazon.com you know they offer some great deals, like 33% off of a 3 pack of Pamela’s Baking Mix. You have to buy in bulk, but if you have a freezer, or a large family, the savings are worth it. Amazon.com offers Free Super Saver shipping on many items, which usually takes 5-9 business days. If you are a frequent Amazon.com shopper, they offer the Prime Membership for $79.00 per year, and you get free two-day shipping, or one-day shipping for just $3.99 per item, which could save you money if you shop on Amazon.com often. Sign-up for emails from your favorite companies which may include coupons, recipes, and online specials.
Shop Smart
Some things are obvious, like fresh produce, beef, butter, milk (cow, soy, rice…) and can easily be purchased, usually for less, at your local grocery store. Remember to read labels and buy products that you can get at the neighborhood stores that are naturally gluten-free, and save the specialty stores for the specialty products. Look for your favorite products online, and buy in bulk at a discount.
Clip Coupons
You may find coupons for gluten-free foods online or in magazines, but don’t forget the coupons for cleaning products and hygiene products in the weekly newspaper. If you can save on the other grocery items, the gluten-free goodies won’t seem like such an expense.
Great article Tiffany. I always encourage people to shop local and to buy products that are naturally gluten-free before spending money on the processed products, which are quite expensive.
Thanks Jennifer! I totally agree. I think it is a common reaction for people new to the gluten-free diet to run to Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, or other specialty stores, and buy a lot of gluten-free breads, pastas, frozen meals, and then end up getting naturally gluten-free foods there too, which adds up quickly! I am amazed at how much I can get at my local Walmart and King Soopers, which carries gluten-free bread from Udi’s and cookies by Pamela’s!