Ideal Bite

Wheat-free Biters: wanna bite a cracker?

05.16.2007

Submitted by tmeronek on Wed, 05/16/2007 - 12:01am.

The Bite:

We hear ya. Healthy options for the 2 million Americans allergic to gluten (in wheat, rye or barley) have been cerealy slim. Until now. Many companies are going against the grain, offering gluten-free pastas, breads and sweets.

The Benefits:

A healthier diet. Our gluten-free picks contain fewer additives and preservatives.
Tastier bites. New options mean that just 'cuz you're "different" doesn't mean you have to settle for less in the taste department.
A healthier earth, since many options are organic. A 22-year study found that organic corn and soy crops use 30% less fossil fuel energy than non-organic.

Personally Speaking:

San Francisco team member Kay is really sensitive to wheat, so she checks labels and sticks with gluten-free faves from Pamela's Products.

Wanna Try:

Arrowhead Mills - big, fat list of its organic, gluten-free flours and mixes. Purchase here ($5-$7).
'Cause You're Special - bread, cake, pasta and pizza crust mixes without GMOs or artificial ingredients ($4-$7).
Erewhon Crispy Brown Rice - organic crispy brown-rice cereal ($17/6).
Mary's Gone Crackers - organic gourmet crackers ($5).
Pamela's Products - scrumptious gluten-free confections (some organic), available online here (prices vary).
New Grist Gluten-Free Beer - though not organic, this microbrewery was the first to make a certified organic beer under its own label ($7/6-pack).
Gluten-Free Girl and Gluten-Free Goddess - tons of great recipes from Kay's fave gluten-free chefs-turned-bloggers.