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I’m not intending this post to be contentious although I know the topic can be. So extreme health standards aside, here is my 5 & 5 for GF processed foods. Starting with the positives…. 5 Pros to GF Processed Foods 1. Thank you Lord, I feel normal again! There’s nothing like how excluded you can feel when you can’t eat something that everyone else is eating. These foods are improving everyday to emulate those available to the gluten eating population. So many of us grew up eating Saltines when we were sick - well guess what, celiacs can’t do that….or can they? Thank you to the ever growing selection of gf foods we now have some options for these sick day go tos. 2. On the Go Convenience When we got the Type 1 diagnosis we were overwhelmed with all the food instructions. In addition to carrying low supplies (glucose tabs, skittles, juice, etc.) everywhere we also needed to carry some sustaining foods and the one we were told to have on hand for ease and convenience and shelf life and portability was granola bars. Most granola bars aren’t gluten free though. And those that are, are not always the most appetizing to a child. Cue gluten free chocolate chip granola bars that actually taste like normal granola bars. These may sit in the trunk of my car for over a year before we need to reach for them. They are not something we need to eat everyday, but to have that convenience once again is priceless. Packing fresh things just don’t have the same shelf life and require a lot more prep and replacement. These granola bars will sit in her classroom low boxes sometimes all year long never being needed. As a type 1, celiac parent this is a major pro. 3. The Social Gatherings “I would love to come over for dinner!” How often do we want to accept these invitations but then cringe at the thought of cross contamination and being rude for not being able to eat anything, or standing out among the crowd for what we do eat. Here, these foods can be very much appreciated. “Oh, you’re making spaghetti? That’s sounds wonderful, however, since I’m gluten free would you be offended if I brought my own along?” Packing the foods that are the same or similar to what is being served is a great way to blend in and enjoy the occasion and camaraderie. (Please also refer back to my post on the diaper bag as a great way to transport foods to these occasions.) 4. The Back Ups Gluten free baking and cooking can sometimes be a trial and error process with no guaranteed outcomes. Oh, look how great this cake recipe looks….Hmmm, I can’t figure out why it didn’t raise and just spilled all over the oven… Gluten free cake box to the rescue, no one will not it wasn’t made from scratch. 5. Travel We always go through so much to eat when eating outside our own homes. The research into ingredients, cross contamination, food prep policies, etc. When traveling the last thing we want to do is even more research in an unfamiliar territory. We want to just sit back and relax like everyone else. When you can look at a label and see a certified seal, the time spent investigating foods is so much less. And that time saver is worth so much when you realize how much better your time could be spent. 5 Cons to GF Processed Foods 1. The Health Factor Let’s face it. Processed foods, gluten free or not, are not healthy. If this was what one’s whole diet consisted of, their state of health would be very poor. So despite the ease and convenience of gf processed foods, its very important to remember the key is moderation. Eating in moderation and balance with healthier fresh foods is essential. So while it is exciting to see the increased options at the store, it doesn’t mean you need to buy it. 2. It Tastes Like Cardboard This is always what non-gf people say. And it’s not unconfounded. More often than not, bread, cracker, etc. foods often taste like cardboard when made gluten free. So while it was nice to not have to make from scratch, the taste is not always worth the price. This is improving and many brands are learning how to avoid this, but my bank account can’t always afford the taste test to distinguish between the options. 3. The Price Gluten free foods cost more. That’s no secret. But it quickly adds up while you walk the aisles at the store adding things here and there. Again, just because it’s available, it doesn’t mean you need to buy it. It inevitably costs about $2 more than the gluten free equivalent. 4. Food Waste Sometimes it looks better than it actually tastes. After opening the box and trying the first one, you realize what a mistake it was. The box then may get slowly pushed back in the pantry until a year later you find it. At that point you may remember how bad it was and throw it out, or you may not remember opening another one to try and quickly spitting it out with flashbacks now coming to you. Often we put in the car to give to homeless people, but some things are so bad, homeless people deserve better. 5. Check Those Expiration Dates While one of the great (and not so great…) things about processed foods are their shelf lives. Gluten free foods however don’t always last as long as their gluten filled versions. I have had to return items to stores, throw away unopened items, and been repulsed opening bad items. So now, in addition to reading the labels and remembering all the different ingredients that translate to gluten, you also need to remember to check the use by date and make sure you will eat it before it goes bad. There you go, happy gluten free grocery shopping!
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