The increased demand for gluten-free products has led to a proliferation of foods made from rice rather than wheat. To ensure rice products are truly gluten-free, check the label for ingredients such as barley, rye, malt, malt extract and malt vinegar. Natural or artificial flavorings may also contain undisclosed gluten ingredients, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Health food stores and natural markets carry a wide selection of gluten-free rice products.
Noodles
Rice-based pasta noodles are widely available in many different varieties. Look for spaghetti, penne, rotini, shells, elbows, fettuccine and lasagna noodles. Asian markets carry the widest selection of oriental-style noodles. Several companies, such as Conte's pasta, make a gluten-free ravioli out of rice flour. Look also for prepared meals, such as Amy's Kitchen gluten-free lasagna and macaroni and cheese.
Crackers
Rice crackers tend to be thinner and crunchier than wheat crackers. For something a little different, try rice-based crispbreads, which are thicker and more porous than regular rice crackers. For a cross between a cracker and chip, try Lundberg Farms rice chips, available in seven flavors.
Bread
Many gluten-free breads and rolls are made primarily from rice flour. Look for sandwich breads, English muffins and hot dog or hamburger buns. Gluten-free breads made from corn flour or millet flour may also contain rice ingredients. Rice breads vary significantly across brands.
Pizza
Going gluten-free no longer means giving up pizza. Look in the freezer aisle for rice-based frozen pizza or pizza crust. To make your own, experiment with pizza crust mixes, such as those made by Namaste Foods, Bob's Red Mill or Arrowhead Mills.
Tortillas
Rice tortillas, such as those made by Food for Life, are available in most health food stores and natural markets. Check the freezer section for gluten-free burritos made with rice tortillas. Health food stores with a deli counter may also offer the option of a sandwich wrap made with a rice tortilla.
Cereal
Many rice-based cereals, such as Rice Chex, are gluten-free. Others, such as Kellogg's Rice Krispies and Cocoa Krispies, are not currently gluten-free. Be sure to check labels for gluten ingredients such as malt and barley.
Rice Couscous
Lundberg Farms makes a brown rice couscous, a tiny North African pasta typically made with wheat. This gluten-free product comes in several flavors, including Mediterranean curry and roasted herb. The company also makes gluten-free risottos with varieties such as Florentine, alfredo, Tuscan and butternut squash. Read labels for other risotto mixes to make sure they contain no gluten ingredients.
