How to Shop on a Gluten-Free Diet
![](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/article-jpg/gluten-free-shopping-list-00.jpg)
About 1% of the population has celiac disease, which means they have an autoimmune reaction to gluten, a type of protein found in wheat. This autoimmune reaction causes damage to the intestines - with even just a little bit of gluten in the diet. Because of this, it is extremely important for these people to follow a strict gluten-free diet.
When shopping for gluten free foods, check packaged items to make sure they do not use any wheat-containing ingredients. As of 2014, the FDA set standards for foods labeled as “gluten-free,” so those items are safe for gluten-free shopping lists. When in doubt, check the ingredient lists and watch out for any of the following items:
Wheat, including spelt, farro, durum, graham, Kamut, semolina and einkorn |
Oats - oats are naturally gluten-free but often processed in facilities with gluten |
Rye |
Beers, lagers and ales |
Barley, including malt flavoring and malt vingear |
Candies, dressings, soups and sauces |
Pre-packaged meats - these meats may use fillers and binders that contain gluten |
Here are some examples of foods that are safe to add to a gluten-free shopping list:
Gluten-Free Grains & Flours:
Rice, wild rice, sago, soy, potato, tapioca, sorghum, millet, quinoa, arrowroot, any type of bean |
Single Ingredient Foods:
butter, milk, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables, honey, nuts
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Gluten-Free Oats |
Distilled alcoholic beverages:
vodka, gin, wines and gluten-free beers
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gluten-free shopping list
It’s important to remember to shop for items that fit into a balanced diet when shopping gluten-free. Look for the gluten-free shelf tags on products when shopping for easy identification of gluten-free items:
Here’s a shopping list to get you started… remember, this is just a sample of the many gluten-free products we offer!
Produce
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- Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free, so fill your basket up with these items!
- Salad dressings may use thickeners that contain gluten, so check labels for thickeners or sweeteners and words like “starch” or those that have “malt” in them. You’ll want to avoid these items.
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Meats, Fish & Poultry
![](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/cat-small/meat-and-seafood-2977.jpg) |
- Meats, fish, and poultry are all naturally gluten-free, but watch out for pre-packaged meats that may use gluten-containing fillers or binders like some lunch meats, hot dogs, breaded products, items marinated in soy or teriyaki, and imitation fish.
- Try
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Dairy
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- Dairy products are also gluten-free, but some dairy substitutes may have extra ingredients to look out for.
- Gluten-free options:
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Bakery
![gluten free bakery items](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/prd-small/h-e-b-white-corn-tortillas-001489622.jpg) |
- Most gluten-free breads are found in the frozen food section
- Gluten-free options
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Healthy Living
![gluten free peanut butter](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/prd-small/h-e-b-organics-crunchy-peanut-butter-001766476.jpg) |
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Frozen Foods
![gluten free dairy products](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/cat-small/ice-cream-3069.jpg)
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- Frozen fruits and vegetables are just frozen versions of their raw and gluten-free selves, but check labels for frozen vegetable items that come with sauces just in case those sauces are made with gluten-containing thickeners or sweeteners.
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Gluten-Free Options
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Cereals, Grains and Mixes
![Gluten Free Pancake Mix](https://images.heb.com/is/image/HEBGrocery/prd-small/king-arthur-gluten-free-pancake-mix-001394241.jpg) |
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Soups and Broths
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