One of the biggest challenges when following a gluten-free diet is satisfying your hunger cravings in between meals. Oftentimes, it's difficult to stick to a healthy eating regimen when gluten-filled snacks are the only thing available around you!
The best course of action is to be prepared for when these cravings arise so you never have to resort to eating processed carbs just for convenience.
Our extensive list below is divided by store. We encourage you to grab a handful of gluten-free snacks to bring with you so you can stick to your diet, no matter where life takes you!
Gluten-Free Snacks From Trader Joe's
If you have a Trader Joes in your area, you have no excuse not to eat healthily! They have one of the widest selections of gluten-free snacks available so you never have to resort to eating junk in between your meals. Here's a list of our favorite gluten-free finds from Trader Joes:
1. Plantain Chips
A must-have for people on a gluten-free diet. Plantain Chips contain natural sugar from bananas, making it a great alternative for someone who's craving sweets. Although, if you're following a low-carb diet like keto, it's best to stay away from plantain chips as they contain a decent amount of carbohydrates.
2. Gluten-Free Rolled Oats
You can get 2 pounds of gluten-free oats for just $3.99 at Trader Joes. These are great to add as a tasty ingredient to various gluten-free recipes.
3. Gluten-Free Jerky Sticks
Shameless plug? Yes. Trader Joe's was the first national specialty retailer to sell CHOMPS gluten-free jerky sticks. Ever since, our customers have appreciated being able to buy a gluten-free snack with a good source of protein at their local TJ's.
4. Brown Rice Pasta
With only two ingredients, this is a great option to cook in bulk and store as a quick carbohydrate-rich snack.
5. 3 Seed Beet Crackers
These crackers come in two different options: beet and sweet potato. Add hummus to the mix and you have a perfect tasty snack for the entire family!
6. Unsweetened Instant Oatmeal
These gluten-free oatmeal packets are a great grab-and-go snack to bring for your trip or to work. Mix in some protein and you have a heart-healthy meal right at your disposal.
7. Coconut Sesame Seed Clusters
Small coconut clusters that have a hint of sweetness to it. This bite-sized snack contains dried coconut, organic coconut sugar, sesame seeds, organic tapioca syrup, sea salt, and water. Perfect for people following a gluten-free diet.
8. Oat Cranberry Flaxseed Cookies
In the mood for cookies and milk? Grab yourself a box of these gluten-free sweets that are extremely tasty and soft. The flaxseeds give it a nice crunchy texture providing a nice complementary flavor, packed with essential nutrients.
9. Gluten-Free Toaster Waffles
One of the biggest hurdles when removing gluten is finding tasty alternatives and waffles are no exception. Grab yourself a box of these waffles from Trader Joe's and add some strawberries for a tasty gluten-free breakfast!
10. Gluten-Free Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Looking for something to satisfy your craving for sweets? Get yourself a loaf of gluten-free cinnamon raisin bread, enjoy it as is or add some peanut butter and jelly and wash it down with almond milk!
GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS FROM COSTCO
Costco is finally catching on to the gluten-free craze and if you live close to one, you're in for a treat! Here are some of our favorite gluten-free finds available at Costco:
11. Inno Foods Organic Coconut Clusters
Extremely tasty and addictive. These coconut clusters contain pumpkin, chia, and sunflower seeds as well as zero artificial ingredients, making it the perfect gluten-free snack packed with healthy fats!
12. Nature's Path Gluten-Free Granola
Same great taste as their original granola without the harmful ingredients! They contain all-natural ingredients including almonds, rolled oats, and chia seeds.
13. Wella Organic Chilled Protein Bars
Made with fresh ground peanut butter, almond butter, and wildflower honey. These gluten-free protein bars are a new arrival at Costco and are packed with essential nutrients like protein and potassium.
14. Autumn's Gold Granola Bars
Looking for a gluten-free snack slightly lower in carbs to aid you on your weight loss journey? Try out Autumn Gold's grain-free granola for a tasty paleo certified snack. Each bar contains almonds, pecans, maple syrup, coconut, and pumpkin seeds.
15. Square Organics Protein Bars
High in protein with NO fillers. Square protein bars are gluten-free and made with the simplest and highly nutrient-dense ingredients packed with vegan protein so you know you're providing your body with the healthiest vitamins and minerals earth has to offer.
16. NoGii High Protein Bars
Great protein bars for people who are looking to get fit, gain muscle, or lose weight. They're lower in calories, gluten-free and contain healthy carbohydrates to help fuel workouts and provide sustained energy.
17. Made Good Granola Minis
Made with organic ingredients, these granola bites have a sweet taste and are packed with beneficial antioxidants to help your body and metabolism function optimally. Ingredients include dark chocolate and oats providing a crunchy texture with a smooth taste.
18. Perfect Bars
These are extremely popular in the gluten-free community. Perfect Bars are kept refrigerated for optimal taste and texture and made with fresh nut butters, honey, and whole-food protein making it a great all-in-one snack to help you power through your day.
19. Two Moms in the Raw Granola Bars
Delicious gluten-free, non-GMO project verified, USDA certified organic granola bars that are perfect for any time snacking. Try out their blueberry flavor as it's one of their best selling products.
20. Annie's Organic Cinnabunnies Cereal
Looking for a quick gluten-free breakfast? Unlike other cereal brands ā Cinnabunnies are not just deliciously sweet ā but they're also gluten-free, contain ZERO high-fructose corn syrup, and ZERO artificial flavors!
GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS FROM WALMART
While Walmart doesn't have as wide of a selection of gluten-free foods compared to Trader Joe's and Costco, they're slowly but surely catching onto the healthy living craze. Here are some of our favorite gluten-free snacks from Walmart:
21. RX Bars
Whole food protein bars made with egg whites, dates, nuts, and natural ingredients. Carry a couple of these with you for a great source of healthy, gluten-free protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
22. Larabars
One of the most popular gluten-free bars on the market, Larabars only contain 4 ingredients: dates, peanuts, chocolate chips, and sea salt, and none of the unnecessary fillers and ingredients other packaged snacks contain.
23. Kind Bars
These bars are nutritionally dense, gluten-free, a great source of fiber, and only contain 5g of sugar. Be sure to try the Caramel Almond & Sea Salt bar for an extremely satisfying, nutty snack topped with salted caramel!
24. Frozen Fruit (Multiple Brands)
Great for making smoothies or even as a quick snack if you're craving something cold and sweet. A perfect alternative to eat if you're in the mood for ice cream.
25. Wholly Guacamole
Looking for a low-carb snack to aid your gluten-free journey? Guacamole is the perfect snack filled with healthy fats and potassium. Wholly Guacamole products come in convenient on-the-go packs and a variety of flavors.
26. Justin's Almond Butter
One of the healthiest nut butters you can choose no matter what diet you're on. Justin's Almond Butter is gluten-free and contains only two ingredients: Dry Roasted Almonds and Palm Oil. Healthy for you, the community, and the environment.
27. Nut Harvest Lightly Roasted Almonds
Made with the finest quality nuts, these almonds are roasted and seasoned with sea salt before they are sealed to lock in the fresh-roasted taste. A great snack to share with friends and enjoy during a movie.
28. Rare Fare Fruit and Seed Blend
A blend of dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pepitas, and dried blueberries. A great alternative to a processed trail mix, Rare Fare's Fruit and Seed Blend is free from preservatives, artificial flavors and colors, and makes for a great gluten-free snack on the go.
29. Chex Gluten-Free Granola Mix
Open the bag and enjoy them as a quick snack, add them to a recipe, or just pour them into a bowl and eat it as a cereal. Chex Gluten-Free Granola Mix is a delicious source of healthy carbohydrates.
30. Snyder's Gluten-Free Mini Pretzels
While there are a LOT of gluten-free pretzels on the market these days, try these if you're looking for a classic pretzel taste with a slight buttery flavor. Put them in a bowl for your non-gluten sensitive friends and they won't even know the difference!
GLUTEN-FREE SNACKS FOR KIDS
If you want to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle for the entire family, you can't forget about the kids! Check out some of these gluten-free kid snacks they are guaranteed to love:
31. Popchips Sweet Potato
Popchips are heated in a pressurized chamber (instead of fried) so they're significantly lower in fat and free of hydrogenated oils. Both salty and sweet, Popchips Sweet Potato chips are light, crispy, and make a great snack for kids.
32. Simple Mills Crunchy Double Chocolate Cookies
Grab them at your local food store. These gluten-free cookies are very crispy but in a good way. Plus, 3 cookies only come out to about 110 calories!
33. GoGo Squeez Applesauce Pouches
These can be found in almost every food store and it's a perfect grab and go snack for your little one. If possible, look for brands (like GoGo squeeZ) that are unsweetened as they have less sugar content.
34. Annie's Bunny Fruit Snacks
Annie's has a great line of cute, bunny-shaped fruit snacks that are certified organic, made with real fruit juice, and are naturally gluten-free. With fun flavors like Berry Patch, Tropical Treat, and Sunny Citrus, it's no wonder why these are a kid favorite.
35. Original Beef Chomplings
Our mini beef jerky sticks are the perfect portion size for kids' lunches. With just 40 calories per stick (including 4 g of lean protein), Chomplings are made with 100% grass-fed and finished beef, gluten-free, and free of all the junk you'll find in "gas station" jerky.
GLUTEN-FREE, DAIRY-FREE SNACKS
Do you have a gluten and dairy intolerance? Not a problem! Here's a list of tasty gluten-free and dairy-free snacks you can find in most grocery stores:
36. Silk Almondmilk Yogurt
You've likely seen this brand in the milk alternatives section of your local grocery store, but did you know they made gluten-free, dairy-free yogurt as well? Sold in convenient 5.3 oz containers in tasty flavors like Dark Chocolate Coconut and Mixed Berry Acai, this is a "must pick-up" on your next grocery trip.
37. PicklesĀ
Pickles are a great low-carb and low-calorie snack to eat on their own or to add flavor and crunch to a sandwich. A few common brands that state that all of their products are gluten-free include: Best Maid, Boar's Head, McClure's, and Mt. Olive[*].
38. Olives
You can find olives in just about any grocery store. They're an excellent source of healthy fat, minerals like sodium, and can satisfy your salty cravings whenever they arise.
39. Sabra Hummus
Hummus is a gluten-free, dairy-free dip that not only tastes great but also provides your body with a great source of healthy fats. Grab yourself some gluten-free crackers at your local health food store to enjoy this tasty combo.
40. No Cow Protein Bars
If you struggled to find a plant-based protein bar that actually tastes good, look no further than No Cow. Most flavors are < 200 calories, contain 21 g of protein and just 1 g of sugar... and they're actually enjoyable to eat.
Leveling Up Snack Time
Gluten-free diets are all the rage right now and for good reason. Studies have shown that a diet high in gluten can not only make you gain weight, but also increases inflammation and even hinders your mental well-being, focus, and mood[*].
Purchasing (or making) a handful of snacks and keeping them on hand is a great way to prevent yourself from cheating on your diet. After all, being prepared is one of the biggest factors for successfully achieving your health and fitness goals through healthy eating.