Gluten-Free Foods in Bulk

For those dealing with an intolerance or allergy to wheat, such as those suffering from Celiac disease, making sure to stick to a strict gluten-free diet is essential to overall health and well-being. As with any special dietary requirement, purchasing commonly used items in bulk is one way to both save money and ensure items are always on hand and ready to be used.

Grains and Rice

• Aside from wheat, plenty of other grains exist that can be used in a gluten-free diet. Examples of good choices to buy in bulk, as they can be used in an assortment of baking and cooking recipes, include corn, maize, cornmeal and buckwheat. Additionally, many bulk warehouses and grocery stores sell larger-sized containers of gluten-free flours such as rice, soy, bean and potato. Rice is another shelf-stable ingredient that is gluten-free and can be purchased in bulk for a lower cost compared to smaller containers. As with any processed item, those relying on gluten-free foods for serious medical conditions must always read the label to make sure that the item was not processed in a plant that also has wheat on site as cross-contamination can occur. Because of this you must always make sure the term "Gluten Free" appears on all labels.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

• Fresh fruits and vegetables are staples of a gluten-free diet as there are no restrictions on which ones you can eat. Buying produce in bulk can be done by purchasing directly through farmers, growing co-ops, farmer's markets or even wholesale clubs. In addition, if you do not have access to such suppliers, shop around at local grocery stores and purchase according to which stores are running the best specials. You can also speak directly to the produce manager at a local store to inquire about bulk purchase discounts.

Meat, Poultry and Fish

• Meats, poultry and fish are also very popular with gluten-free diets as they have no restrictions. Beef can be purchased in bulk from a butcher or slaughterhouse. The same holds true for poultry including chicken, turkey and duck. Buying in bulk, either at a shopping club store, discount retailer or shopping weekly grocery store advertisements can help save money in the long run. Fish is another gluten-free staple available in large quantities through grocers and fish markets. The most important thing to have on hand when buying fresh meats in large quantities is a deep freezer to store the items to help keep items fresh and long-lasting.

Dairy Products

• Dairy products are another blanket group of items that fit in nicely with gluten-free diets. Caution does need to be exercised when selecting dairy products such as yogurts containing added ingredients such as granola or imported cheeses encased in coatings. Remembering to always verify ingredients by reading labels will help you always make the right gluten-free food choice. Buying dairy items in bulk should only be done for items that can be frozen or have far-out expiration dates. The best bets for bulk items include hard cheeses and butter. Other dairy items, though available in bulk, should be purchased with the stated expiration dates in mind.