High-quality savory snacks are probably the food category that most gluten-free diets are missing. With bread being a staple part of most people’s daily food intake, those who omit all wheat-related products are often left with very little to work with – especially on short notice.
Not having access to the right kind of snack tends to be the main reason for diet diversions, which is why it is so important for all people following a gluten-free diet to have these healthy and convenient snacks at their disposal 24/7.
- Swap out bread for rice cakes
There’s nothing that can really substitute for the convenience, flavor, or texture of a good slice of bread, but rice cakes can present a more-than-adequate alternative for those on a wheat-free diet.
Rice cakes are very affordable and come in packages much like pre-sliced bread, easy to grab and great on their own as well as a vessel for all of your favorite toppings. Crunchy, filling, salty, and versatile, rice cakes should be any gluten-free person’s go-to weekday snack.
- Make popcorn for a salty fix
While chips are still permissible for people with gluten intolerance, they can be very fatty and high in sodium if you eat them too regularly – enter popcorn. This whole-grain snack is irresistibly crunchy and savory, without the high volumes of salt and oil.
You can whip up a big bowl of popcorn within minutes and kill any cravings for pretzels or toast that may be lurking in the background. In addition to being extremely satisfying and delicious, popcorn is a healthy snack that comes at half the cost of similar products.
- Hello, hummus
Hummus is a brightly flavored middle-Eastern dip made of blended chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt – but there are many variations available to change things up and add your own unique flair to the dish.
Spread hummus on seed crackers, rice cakes, or as a dip for veggie sticks and transform your understanding of what delicious, healthy food can look like.
- Roast your own nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein, calcium, iron, and zinc. What’s more, they are very high in calories which means you can eat only a couple and feel extremely satisfied without needing to reach for anything else.
Buy a big bag of your favourite nuts and seeds (try almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, or a mix) and briefly roast in the oven with olive oil and seasonings. The results are delicious, deeply flavorsome, and highly snackable. Or if you prefer them chopped up, pop them in smoothies for extra texture.
- Experiment with raw red lentil wraps
This is a food trend you may not have heard of yet but it’s as satisfying as playing the online Bingo Australia offers. Many people following wheat-free diets end up missing hearty wraps filled with veggies or meat, but with this recipe, they don’t have to.
Simply rinse your lentils and blend in a high-power blender with equal parts water until completely smooth. Pour your beautiful orange liquid into a greased non-stick pan and flip after a few minutes of frying. They hold together surprisingly well and will give you more than your daily fix of protein.
