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Louis Baragona
- One of the biggest shockers that comes with a gluten-free diet is the sheer lack of options, especially when it comes to classic snacks or junk foods.
- Just because someone is gluten intolerant doesn't mean they should be devoid of choices.
- Classic junk foods like chocolate, potato chips, and tacos can easily be gluten-free.
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There are a lot of different surprises that come with going gluten-free. One of the biggest is that not everything or everyone can be accommodating. This is frustrating, and also just plain unfair, for a few different reasons. Though a gluten-free diet might not be for everyone, it doesn't mean that being gluten-free should leave anyone devoid of options.
This should be just as true for junk foods as it should for healthy meals. All of our cravings deserve to be indulged, from potato chips to chocolate bars. But where to begin? There are so many snacks and so little time. These six indulgent standards might not seem like they'd be gluten-free, but surprisingly enough, they're viable snack-time options.
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Potato chips
Are all potato chips created equal? Nope, not quite. Many potato chips contain gluten, which is a bummer considering just how delicious and addictive potato chips are for anyone looking to get their salt fix.
Luckily, there are still plenty of chip choices, some even healthier than veggie chips.
Frito-Lay provides internet users and wannabe snackers with a list of all of its products that meet FDA standards for being gluten-free.
Utz also has an available list of its gluten-free products, which include its classic potato chips as well as sour cream and onion and BBQ flavors.
In the case of both companies, make sure to check their websites every so often. Their gluten-free status can change as their production methods or recipes develop.
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Chocolate
It happens all at once. When a chocolate craving strikes, there's no stopping it, but which chocolate bars are gluten-free friendly?
As it turns out, a lot. Hershey's, Dove, Reese's Cups, Almond Joy, and Snickers are all gluten-free, so you don't have to kick your chocolate habit just because of a diet restriction.
The key when searching for gluten-free chocolate bars is to make sure that you're paying attention to the purity of the chocolate. Pure chocolate is gluten-free, but make sure it's labeled in order to be sure that it's safe.
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Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that just tastes like home, but usually, the macaroni half of the equation isn't fit for anyone with a gluten intolerance. Noodles are a no-no on a gluten-free diet.
GF shoppers will likely get their mac and cheese fix with the help of Amy's Kitchen's rice-based meal or Annie's version of the boxed classic. Both Amy's Kitchen and Annie's are commonly found in groceries stores all over the United States.
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French fries
Good news, fast foodies. For the most part, french fries are gluten-free.
Wendy's, Chick-fil-A, and Burger King all tout their fries as gluten-free, according to Verywell.com, so whether you're a fan of the classic style or you love a good waffle fry, you have options.
That said, not all restaurantshave a dedicated fryer just for their fries and may use the same basket and oil for other fried goods, so be sure to ask about their frying policies before chowing down.
Again, there's no hard-and-fast rule here, so it's always best to check out the gluten-free menu and to ask, especially if you're just not sure. It's better to be safe than sorry.
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Tacos
Rejoice! Corn tortillas, including hard shells and tortilla chips, are gluten-free. This means tacos and nachos aren't off the table, luckily.
The toppings are up to you, so choose wisely. As you probably already know, things like salsa, meat, cheese, or other Southwestern staples tend to be free of flour, though the standard soft tortillas are not.
If you're not into making your own at home, Chipotle has a ton of gluten-free options. According to their allergens list, everything on their menu is free of gluten or wheat excluding the soft tortillas, so you can feel free to go nuts with your tacos or bowls.
Taco Bell also has plenty of options that don't require substitutions or amendments, as indicated in its nutrition cheat sheet.
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Ice cream
Here's the good news: generally, there is plenty of gluten-free ice cream. The bad news? Not all ice cream is gluten-free, often due to cross-contamination.
Brands like Haagen-Dazs and Talenti offer gluten-free options for anyone in need of an ice cream fix. Their list of safe products is actually pretty shocking.
If you want to go beyond the carton and the spoon at home on the couch, Coldstone, Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, and Carvel all have a selection of gluten-free flavors including
Also, Turtle Mountain's dairy-free So Delicious line of frozen desserts offers two rare treats for anyone with gluten intolerance. Their website says that their cookie dough and their cookies ‘n cream flavors as certified gluten-free, which is a rare occurrence for those missing their favorite desserts.
When picking an ice cream, just be sure to look out for the signature gluten-free label. The aforementioned brands appropriately label their cartons or scoops to reflect their status, so as long as they've got that, you've got the go-ahead.
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