How Do I Stock a Gluten & Wheat Free Pantry?

Celiac disease is genetically linked and triggered by a protein called gluten. According to the Celiac Sprue Association, "Approximately 1 in 133 people have celiac disease." Barley, wheat, oats and rye contain gluten. When a person with celiac disease eats these foods, he damages his small intestine, so it is in his best interest to avoid gluten. His should stock his pantry with foods free of wheat and gluten. Though this takes some concentration and education at first, shopping for foods that are gluten-free quickly becomes a habit.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a list of your favorite foods. If you prefer processed foods, there are several websites dedicated to gluten-free and wheat-free foods (see Gluten Solutions in Resources). Order directly from them and stock your shelves with foods appropriate for your special needs.

• 2

  Use recipes that feature foods free of wheat or gluten (see References). Write the ingredients on your grocery list.

• 3

  Load up on other gluten-free products, like agave nectar, almond meal, chiles, coconut flour, cornstarch and fava-bean flour. Stock up on nuts and seeds you enjoy snacking on, along with olive oil, classic red pasta sauce and varieties of rice

• 4

  Buy herbs and spices to flavor your foods, along with sorghum, to sweeten tasty treats.

• 5

  Avoid wheat and gluten in grains by making your own gluten-free flour by combining brown rice flour, tapioca starch and potato starch. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that compliments meats, poultry and fish.