Gluten-free food doesn't mean fun-free: 6 tasty GF foods that prove it

In the world of better food options, we often define things by what they lack— whether it be allergen-free, gluten-free, or GMO-free. But going gluten-free shouldn’t be seen as a limitation; it should be seen as a lifestyle choice, and today, there are tons of choices available to those adopting a GF diet. We’ve come a long way from the days of “I can’t have that”: There’s a gluten-free option for any meal you can dream up (if you know where to look). Here, we’ve rounded up some of our very favorite gluten-free snacks and foods (including candy from YumEarth, of course— because even gluten-free dining should end with a sweet treat) that will satisfy your cravings and show skeptics that there’s very little you have to say “no” to as an observer of a gluten-free diet. Whether you’re testing the waters of going gluten-free for your health, you’ve recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, or you’re planning on hosting gluten-free guests, these foods will prove to the entire family that going gluten-free doesn’t mean giving up the things you love. 

1. Gluten-Free Donuts

That Saturday morning donut routine is tough to quit— but as it turns out, you don’t have to. No Bread is a fantastic resource for gluten-free deserts to make at home, and her Paleo Banana Bread Donuts are as mouth-watering as they are simple to make. Just 9 ingredients and 30 minutes are all that stand between you and some chocolate chip-studded treats— consider those cravings satisfied.

2. Gluten-Free Pizza

The pizza love is strong, you guys. And frankly, we don’t want to have to adopt any diet where pizza would be off-limits. Luckily, there are plenty of new flour options on the scene that make it easy to whip up a gluten-free pizza crust that tastes like it came from your local pizzeria. This version from Lexi’s Clean Kitchen uses a combination of tapioca flour, coconut flour, and flax meal (all available at your local health food store) to create a dough that smells (and tastes!) as unbelievable as it cooks up— the perfect combination of a flaky exterior and warm, bread-like center. Best of all? Your guests will never guess it’s gluten-free.

3. Gluten-Free Sushi & Soy Sauce

While the primary ingredients in sushi—fish, rice, and seaweed—are all gluten-free, dining out on sushi can be an unexpected minefield for those with celiac disease because of the variables in soy sauce. But it doesn’t have to be this way— several high-quality soy sauce makers offer 100% soy recipes that are in accordance with strict gluten-free diets. One word you might look for is Tamari, which is traditionally made purely from soybean miso and is low in wheat or wheat-free. Japanese Tamari is thicker than the more common Chinese soy sauces, but it’s a delicious option with extra benefits to boot (thanks, vitamin B3!). Opt for one of these choices—we’ve even brought our own when dining out—and be sure your order doesn’t contain imitation crab (which uses wheat as a binding agent), and you’ll be all set to enjoy your sushi.

4. Gluten-Free Homemade Fried Chicken

One of the things that you might miss the most when starting a new gluten-free diet? The perfectly crisp coating on a batch of homemade fried chicken. Eliminating traditional wheat flour means a bit of recipe-reconfiguring is necessary, but Chef Ari of San Francisco’s legendary Proposition Chicken has a clever fix that makes use of a longer marinating time and a perfectly browned coating made from tapioca flour.

5. Gluten-Free Beer

If you’re looking for something to pair with that fried chicken or pizza, worry not— gluten-free beer is on the scene. A growing number of craft breweries now list gluten-free beverages among their offerings, meaning that even weekend brewery tours are back on the table for the whole crew. CT-based Church Owl Beer’s gluten-free brew is made by a celiac sufferer herself who was moved to begin brewing because of a lack of options on the market at the time— so you know this beer is something special (must be 21 and older).

6. Gluten-Free Candy

As anyone living with kids knows, candy is king. And trying to nix it from the family pantry is definitely an unpopular decision. But we’ve got good news for youngsters and the young-at-heart alike— YumEarth offers a ton of candy varieties that are totally gluten-free, so you can indulge your sweet tooth without worry. From face-puckering sour twists to classics like lollipops and gummy bears, there are plenty of sweet gluten-free snacks to choose from— perfect for holidays and everyday.