Celiac disease is characterized by an intolerance to gluten, which is a naturally occurring component of wheat, barley and rye. While research is ongoing and promising drugs are on the horizon, at this time the only treatment for celiac disease is adherence to a strict gluten-free diet. This means total avoidance of wheat, rye and barley, as well as any foods containing these grains. Fortunately, there are a number of products available to replace foods that contain gluten at most health-food stores and supermarkets.
Breakfast Foods
A number of hot and cold gluten-free cereals are available that use grains such as corn, rice, quinoa and amaranth. Brands carrying gluten-free cereal lines include Glutino, Erewhon, and Nature's Path. Rice and corn Chex from General Mills are now gluten-free. Bob's Red Mill makes a popular hot cereal, and oatmeal that is certified gluten-free is also available.
In the frozen section, Van's and Nature's Path offer several varieties of waffles and pancakes. Muffins may be found in both the frozen and bakery sections. Udi's brand is a relative newcomer and has quickly risen in popularity. They offer several kinds of muffins as well as cinnamon rolls and bagels. You can purchase mixes to make biscuits, waffles, pancakes and other traditional grain-based breakfast foods. Pamela's and Cravings Place brands offer pancake mixes that create fluffy pancakes in minutes, and gluten-free Bisquick is now available.
Bread mixes as well as loaves of frozen or fresh breads are available in many varieties, including cinnamon raisin, whole grain and white. Gluten-Free Pantry, Pamela's, Udi's and Bob's Red Mill offer popular choices.
Snacks
Fortunately, many snack foods are naturally gluten-free. Many chips contain safe ingredients such as corn or potato, but always take care to read the ingredient list, because at times seasonings contain gluten, even if the product may seem safe at first glance. One popular snack that is traditionally wheat-based is the pretzel, but Glutino and Snyder offer gluten-free versions. Crackers based in alternative grains and nuts are carried by Glutino, Mary's Gone Crackers, Crunchmaster, Blue Diamond and Edwards and Sons.
Main Dishes
From Mexican to Italian to Chinese, every cuisine has gluten-free alternatives if you know what to look for. Gluten-free pastas, pizza crusts, tortillas, and sauces abound. Tinkyada carries pasta in almost every imaginable shape, and Udi's offers ready-made pizza crusts. Food for Life and La Tortilla Factory offer large tortillas, and many corn tortillas are gluten-free, but always read the ingredient list carefully.
Frozen meals are also available, including offerings from Amy's and Glutino. Many restaurants, such as Chili's, Outback, and P.F. Chang's offer gluten-free menus for their celiac patrons.
Desserts
This category is overflowing with choices for those with a sweet tooth. Candies, cakes, pies, cookies and more are available in abundance and in every imaginable flavor. WOW! Baking Company makes cookies and brownies, as well as cake mixes, and they also offer refrigerated cookie dough. Other popular mixes and packaged desserts include 1-2-3 Gluten Free, Pamela's and a line of gluten-free desserts from Betty Crocker, found in the grocery store baking aisle. Whole Foods offers its own line of gluten-free baked goods, from savory breads and biscuits to pie crusts, scones and cupcakes.
