If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I recently eliminated grains from my diet in an effort to heal my longstanding gut health issues. And (as I shared in great detail in this grain-free gut health post), the results were so dramatically positive, they surprised even me. Many of you have asked what foods I miss most on this new way of eating, and I’ll be honest: the fact that I feel so much better eating this way mostly outweighs any desire to eat differently. For me right now, no food is worth backsliding into my former health issues, so I’ve been making all the best grain-free recipes to satisfy every craving. That said, as a true pizza / sourdough / taco lover, I absolutely need a way to get my fix of these foods, and thankfully we’re living in a time when options abound. The best grain-free products that I’m about to share have made the transition so much easier for me. Thanks to these, I haven’t had to “give up” tacos, avocado toast, or pizza—I’ve simply made some adjustments.
Scroll on for my favorite grain-free products to date, and I’d love to hear in the comments if there are any that you guys have tried and loved! I’m always looking to add to my pantry.
Grain-free versus gluten-free: what’s the difference?
Gluten is found in wheat, plus some other grains like rye and barley. Millions of Americans have gluten sensitivity, which can result in inflammation and GI issues when they eat foods containing these ingredients. There are so many gluten-free products on the market these days, but many of them contain rice, corn, or other non-gluten grains as a stand-in.
So, what exactly does “grain free” mean? Grain-free foods go a step further than gluten-free. Grains are the seeds of grasses. They include wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, rice, quinoa, and millet. Most grains used in processed foods today are refined, which means that they can cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, resulting in weight gain. And for people like me, grains are the cause of GI distress including gas, bloating, constipation, and other symptoms.
Grain-free products use ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, chickpea flour, cassava flour, etc. You can eat all of these ingredients on a grain-free diet, and they tend to be low glycemic and gut friendly. My list of the best grain-free products below includes nutrient-dense options with clean, minimally-processed ingredients. And they’re so delicious, I don’t even miss the grains.
The Best Grain Free Breads
Unbun Everything Bagels
These bagels were the first grain-free bread I tried, and they’re still my holy grail. They’re the closest I’ve found in consistency to a “real bagel,” and I love to top these with smashed avocado and a fried egg or a few slices of smoked salmon (in fact, I eat this exact meal a few times a week.) Like most grain-free breads out there, you really have to toast them to get the right texture.
Simple Mills Artisan Bread Mix
This is a great option to have in your pantry for when bread cravings strike. With just 6 wholesome ingredients (almond flour is the hero here), you can use this mix to make flatbread, rolls, or a warm loaf of bread straight out of the oven. I’ll sometimes bake a loaf, then slice thinly and freeze individual slices that are ready for toasting.
AWG Bread
When I was researching the best grain-free breads, I kept coming across rave reviews of this small batch baker. With organic, wholesome ingredients like psyllium husk powder, almond flour, black chia seeds, and olive oil, you’re getting your bread fix right along with a good dose of fiber, plant-based protein and healthy fat. I ordered a loaf of the cinna-spice bread as well as the everyday rounds, and both were absolutely delicious.
Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Thins
TJ’s brings another surprise hit with these Cauliflower Thins made with only shredded cauliflower baked together with egg, Parmesan cheese, and nutritional yeast. I wouldn’t recommend these on their own per se, but they make a great vehicle for sandwich ingredients, avo + egg, or whatever else you’d put on toast, pita, or tortillas. And, they’re way more affordable than most grain-free breads on the market.
The Best Grain Free Meal Staples + Snacks
Banza Pasta
As a grain-free eater, I’m very thankful to be living in a world with Banza. This brand has single-handedly saved me from pasta withdrawals by with their delicious pastas made from chickpeas. I always keep boxes of penne, rotini, and spaghetti in my pantry knowing I’ve got a high-protein, low-carb, and very satisfying dinner at the ready.
Siete Grain Free Tortillas
Siete is an equally lifesaving brand in my grain-free arsenal. Y’all—I’m an Austin girl. I eat tacos multiple times weekly, and my grain-free status will not change that. Thanks to Siete’s cassava tortillas, I never feel deprived and I make tacos and quesadillas with these all the time. I actually love how crispy the cassava flour tortillas get when I cook them for a minute or so over a gas burner.
Primal Kitchen Salad Dressings
Many people don’t realize that so many bottled salad dressings and condiments contain gluten in the form of malt flavoring, malt vinegar, and soy sauce made from wheat. I love knowing that when I grab a jar of Primal Kitchen’s products, they’re free of gluten and sugar—in fact, they fit just about any special diet including paleo and Whole30.
Paleo Powder Breadless Breading
One food I didn’t think about giving up (until faced with it) was any type of sautéed chicken or fish, as almost all the breadings contain either flour, corn meal or corn starch (yes, corn is considered a grain.) I was very happy to discover this “breadless breading” made from almond meal, flax meal, and spices that provide all the crispy goodness with no grains in site.
Thrive Market Organic Cauliflower Rice
This cauli rice is almost too good to be true, which is why I stock up on it with every Thrive Market order I make. It’s shelf stable, which means it stays in the pantry until I need a little something to complement a protein and veggie dinner. Then all I have to do is rip off a corner of the package and warm in the microwave for 90 seconds. Does not get easier (and it’s so good with my Hot Honey Salmon recipe.)
Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
Another Siete lifesaver, these keep me from feeling deprived when the guacamole is out and the margaritas are flowing. Sometimes you just need that chip and dip combo, and these (made from cassava and coconut flour) really hit the spot. The lime is my favorite flavor.
Nutrail Cocoa Granola
I randomly bought this at a grocery store in Malibu, and was immediately texting a couple of my grain-free friends about how freaking delicious this granola was. Turns out, they’d recently “discovered” it too, and now we’re all addicted. I usually eat this on its own as a snack, or even sprinkle a little on ice cream or yogurt for dessert.
The Best Grain Free Breakfast Foods
Purely Elizabeth Grain Free Granola
I’ve been eating this granola since way before I went grain-free, because it’s just that delicious. Whether you’re following a grain-free diet or not, there’s no question that swapping out some of the flours and oats in most granolas for wholesome ingredients like nuts and seeds is a good idea. The Coconut Cashew Granola is especially good sprinkled over yogurt.
Thrive Market Coconut Flakes
These are the secret ingredient in my viral homemade grain-free granola recipe, and I’m never without a box (or three) in my pantry. They’re made of coconut meat, coconut water, and organic palm starch, and they’re super crunchy and sweet—a handful makes a perfect snack.
Birch Benders Grain-Free Pancake and Waffle Mix
It’s funny because I didn’t really eat waffles before I went grain-free, but these are so full of wholesome ingredients with fiber and protein, they’re now on my weekend breakfast rotation.
Seven Sundays Grain Free Cereal
I’ve been sampling the various grain free cereal options out there, and so far, these are my favorites. The cinnamon flavor hits the spot when you’re craving a little classic cinnamon crunch situation, and I’m so impressed by the fact that it’s made from upcycled sunflower seeds that are high in protein and fiber.
The Best Grain Free Desserts
Sweet Laurel Grain Free Cakes
You really cannot beat Sweet Laurel when it comes to a special occasion cake that works for pretty much every dietary need—without sacrificing any decadent, satisfying flavor. I got to try a bunch of different Sweet Laurel treats at a brunch at founder Laurel Galucci’s home, and I instantly fell in love with these super clean baked goods that don’t leave you with a sugar crash. You can buy the cake mixes—or treat yourself to one of the beautiful mail-order cakes.
Simple Mills Almond Flour Chocolate Cake Mix
This grain-free chocolate cake mix is actually really good, and I like to keep a box in the pantry for when I need a sweet treat (you can use it for cupcakes, too. Of course, if you have the inclination to make something homemade, I am partial to my gluten free chocolate cake as the absolute best of the best. But this is a good boxed version.
The Best Grain Free Flours
Since we’re talking about the grain-free products to keep in your pantry, it felt like a good time for a quick rundown of the best grain-free and gluten-free flours to have on hand for any baking projects. Most gluten-free baking requires a mix of a couple different types of alt flours for the best results, so I like to have these handy so I’m prepared for anything:
Cassava Flour
Cassava flour is made from the cassava root, a starchy tuber also known as yuca. It has a neutral flavor and fine texture, similar to wheat flour! And it’s grain-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, which means it’s suitable for all kinds of dietary restrictions. It also happens to be a good source of resistant starch, which can support gut health and digestion.
Coconut Flour
Made from dried coconut meat, coconut flour is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates. It has a natural sweetness and imparts a subtle coconut flavor to dishes. Note that coconut flour is highly absorbent, so it requires more liquid than other flours when used in recipes.
Almond Flour
Made from blanched almonds, almond flour is rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and works well in baked goods like cookies, cakes, and muffins. Almond flour is also low in carbohydrates compared to wheat flour, making it great for low-carb diets.
Arrowroot Flour
Arrowroot flour is a starchy powder made from the rhizomes of the arrowroot plant. It’s a versatile thickening agent and can be used to add structure to baked goods, sauces, and puddings. Arrowroot flour is easily digestible and can be a good option for those with sensitive stomachs. And since it has a neutral flavor and a smooth texture, it’s ideal for gluten-free baking.
Tapioca Flour
Tapioca flour, also known as tapioca starch, is made from the starchy liquid extracted from the cassava root. It has a neutral flavor and a smooth texture, making it suitable for thickening sauces, soups, and gravies. Tapioca flour also adds chewiness and elasticity to gluten-free baked goods when combined with other flours.
