10 Pantry Essentials for a Gluten-Free Kitchen

Nothing is worse than feeling extremely hungry after a long day and coming home to an empty kitchen or an unprepared gluten-free kitchen filled with pasta, bread and chocolate chip cookies. It is easiest to cheat or have “just one bite” of gluten when hungry and there are no other food options. In the moment, it may seem like a great idea, especially if you haven’t had your favorite cookies or “regular” pizza in months; but the aftermath definitely outweighs the indulgence. No one wants to spend the rest of their day in the bathroom or laying in bed in pain. To make sure that you avoid being “glutened” at home, keep your kitchen stocked with gluten-friendly pantry essentials to whip up a quick meal or grab a snack on the go. Below are 10 gluten-free pantry essentials to always have at home.

1) Spices

Many spices are gluten-free and ready to add flavor to your favorite foods and recipes. Having a variety of different spices can turn any ordinary dish to a savory meal. Be sure to watch out for seasoning mixes, as many do contain wheat.

2) Gluten-free pasta

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of pasta? You just pour, bowl and go! Pasta can act as a great side dish or a main meal. Some of our favorite gluten-free pasta brands include Banza, Taste Republic, and Ronzoni.  

3) All-purpose gluten-free flour

Gluten-free flour is a must-have pantry essential. All-purpose flour is not only great for baking your favorite gluten-free treats, but is also used in many cooking recipes. It’s a great idea to have this item on-hand, you’ll never know when you need it!

4) White or brown rice

Rice is naturally gluten-free and is a perfect side dish to just about any meal. Toss it with ground beef, add veggies to it or use it as a base for a chicken power bowl. The combinations are endless.

5) Quinoa

Tired of rice? Quinoa is a great alternative to with or brown rice and is packed with protein. Quinoa has many health benefits like providing all 9 essential amino acids, is naturally gluten-free, and is low in sodium and saturated fat.

6) Gluten-free snacks

Having gluten-free snacks in your pantry can be a life-saver, especially when you’re hangry. Gluten-free popcorn, trail mix and protein bars are always a great idea. As always, make sure to read ingredient labels to make sure there are no gluten-containing ingredients.

7) Canned beans or legumes

A great source of protein, canned beans and legumes can quickly be added to salads, power bowls, pasta and more. They are also a great source or protein for those on a vegetarian diet.

8) Chicken broth

Another must-have pantry essential, chicken broth is not only great as a soup base, but can also add flavor to rice, gluten-free pasta, chicken recipes and more.

9) Gluten-free soy sauce

Soy sauce is one of those foods that can easily be mistaken as naturally gluten-free. There are now many gluten-free soy sauces out there, and tamari sauce is also a fantastic gluten-free alternative.

10) Baking soda and powder

Love baking? Baking soda and powder are both naturally gluten-free and are called for in many baking recipes. They are mostly used as leavening agents, helping baked goods rise. And baking soda has hundreds of other uses and benefits like soothing skin from mosquito bites, as a cleaning agent, toothpaste and much more. You can’t go wrong with these two ingredients in your pantry.