Top 6 Gluten Free Pantry Staples

If you are living a gluten-free lifestyle due to gluten intolerance, sensitivities or celiac disease, knowing the top 6 gluten free pantry staples is a must. While there are staples for the refrigerator and freezer too, pantry staples are more unique because they have a long shelf-life and seldom require much preparation for them to be edible. This makes them a go-to for those times when you just don’t have the energy to cook, or you need an easy base like gluten free pasta for a meal.

Why It’s Essential to Have Gluten Free Staples on Hand

Remembering to stock gluten free pantry staples may not be at the top of your to do list, but it is something that should be.

Illness does not abide by our calendars, and we often fall ill at the most inconvenient of times. Whether you end up in bed with the flu or the common cold, it is important to have gluten-free pantry staples on hand that are accessible and require little preparation. When feeling sick, the last thing anyone wants to do is try to summon energy they don’t have just to make a meal. Make it easy on yourself by being prepared.

There are inevitably times when the power will unexpectedly go out. Whether it is a transformer that blows or a scheduled interruption to service, being without power can make safely eating gluten-free difficult if you do not have the right staples in your pantry.

Our communities are experiencing increasing natural disasters like floods, fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe storms. If you have advance notice before a natural disaster occurs, make sure your pantry is filled with gluten-free pantry staples. If you have to evacuate, you can take a handful of items with you to eat until safe food can be found. For those who shelter in place, it is important to have these items on hand in case local grocery stores are impacted and close for a couple of days or more.

Don’t be caught off guard precisely when easy gluten-free pantry staples are most needed. Be prepared and stay ready for whatever the weather may bring.

The Top 6 Gluten Free Pantry Staples You Need

With the importance of keeping gluten-free pantry staples on hand well-established, now let’s shift our focus to what that may include:

1. Gluten-free pasta. For many casseroles and Italian dishes alike, pasta is commonly used in each. In addition to storing gluten-free pasta in your pantry, it may also be wise to store a bottle or two of gluten-free sauce to add a little flavor. If you get bored with repeat meals, shake things up by using different kinds of pasta such as macaroni, penne, shells, spaghetti, fettucine, etc. To kick it up a notch taste-wise, consider using pasta made from things other than primarily corn flour, like chickpea flour. Not only can pasta be the foundation of everything from macaroni and cheese to fancy dinner entrees, it can also be prepared with just two things: water and a heat source.
2. Canned salmon and tuna. Both salmon and tuna are naturally gluten-free and offer a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, as well as being an ideal source of protein. Keeping these pantry staples on hand is convenient as they can be used for a variety of dishes, from casseroles to sandwiches.
3. Gluten-free breads. Having shelf-stable breads that are gluten-free is an essential strategy for stocking your pantry. Sandwich bread lends itself to sandwiches and even toast for breakfast. The versatility of this type of bread makes it easy to create dozens of different types of sandwiches. Gluten-free English muffins are also a great bread source to pair with butter, honey, or jam. Muffins, rolls, or even tortillas can typically be found online or in your local grocery store in gluten-free form and can diversify your meals even further. Especially for those who are ailing from tummy troubles, bread can be a light and bland starch (easy on the stomach) to nibble on as you start to get back to normal.
4. Gluten-free treats. When a craving for a sweet treat arises, don’t be caught off guard. Manage that sugar craving by stocking some of your favorite gluten-free treats in the pantry. We are a little partial to cookies in this department, especially our certified gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodle cookies.
5. Gluten-free proteins that are shelf-stable. While pasta, bread, and treats are staples you should probably have on hand, it is also a good idea to have some gluten-free protein sources in the pantry to balance out all those carbohydrates. When looking for some safe options consider starting with items like gluten-free beef jerky, peanut butter or sunflower butter, chickpeas, and nuts. In addition to being a source of protein, these options tend to be perfect for times when only a grab and go snack will do.
6. Gluten-free oatmeal. While it can be made simply with hot water and generally serves as a breakfast food, oatmeal has many applications well beyond this. Many choose to mix gluten-free oats into their yogurt and baked goods for a little extra fiber. Oatmeal is relatively affordable and tends to have a longer shelf life, making it a pantry staple you shouldn’t be without.

Make Sure Your Pantry Items are Certified Gluten-Free

If you have decided to stock your pantry with the top 6 gluten free pantry staples, be sure to purchase items that are certified gluten-free to ensure safety for the family. To determine those items, look for labels that feature the GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) logo. This designation provides valuable peace of mind for families, knowing the items are indeed gluten-free and will be safe for the family to eat.