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Going gluten-free doesn't mean you have to sacrifice taste. Whether you're dealing with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or want to reduce your gluten intake, there are numerous tasty and nutritious alternatives to gluten-free bread. Most substitutes don't even look or taste like bread, but bring unique flavors. From filling veggie-based options to grain-free baked treats, this guide has you covered with plenty of healthy and satisfying gluten-free alternatives.
Why Choose Gluten-Free Bread Alternatives?
Sometimes it’s nice to have a break from bread, even when it’s gluten-free. Eliminating gluten can help alleviate issues such as bloating, digestive problems, and fatigue. But the benefits don't stop there. Even if you don't have an intolerance, switching out bread for other options can be an easy way to incorporate extra fiber and vitamins into your meals and keep them more interesting.
Stack It Like a Sandwich
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
It may be messy, but it is a delicious source of B vitamins, antioxidants, and selenium.
- Sliced and roasted sweet potatoes
Slice and bake sweet potatoes with a bit of coconut oil and salt in the oven for 30 minutes.
- Crispy brown rice or quinoa cakes
This version of homemade quinoa cakes is packed with vegetables, including sweet potato, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes, among others. Both brown rice and quinoa cakes can also be store-bought.
- Bell pepper slices
Fill it with slices of ham or turkey, cheese, and your choice of vegetables.
- Eggplant Rounds
Grilled or roasted eggplant slices make an excellent substitute for bread or pizza crust. Stack them with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella, or use them as a base for burgers instead of a bun.
Bread Out, Bowls In
- Build your nutritious buddha bowl by tossing everything together and diving in with a fork. A Buddha bowl typically begins with cooked grains, followed by a variety of vegetables, a protein addition, a drizzle of sauce, and finishing touches as desired for garnish.
Wrap It Up
- Paleo coconut wraps
Some brands are made with only a few ingredients, like coconut meat, coconut water, and coconut oil.
- Tortilla wraps with almond flour
A popular brand that makes these wraps with clean ingredients is Siete Foods.
- Egg tortillas
Make your own at home by blending eggs, water, and optional seasonings, or look for the brand Egglife at your local grocery store.
- Rice paper wrappers
These wrap like a burrito and can be filled with anything you like. Popular protein choices include cooked shrimp, grilled chicken or beef, and baked tofu. Add in fresh vegetables such as shredded carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, avocado, lettuce, and bean sprouts. Finish with herbs like cilantro, mint, and basil.
- Blanched collard greens
Dunk the greens in boiling water until they are soft. Once they're pliable, use them like you would a tortilla or a big lettuce leaf.
- Romaine Lettuce Spears/Bibb Lettuce Wraps
Who doesn’t love a good Asian chicken lettuce wrap?
- Cauliflower rounds
It can be wrapped up like a taco or eaten like a pizza.
Transitioning from Bread to Alternatives
- Choose as often as you want to avoid bread so you don’t feel overwhelmed.
- Mix things up with your toppings. Try bold spreads like hummus, guac, nut butter, or tahini to keep your meals interesting.
- Pay attention to texture. Many individuals claim they miss the satisfying "bite" of real bread. Consider using roasted vegetables, crunchy wraps, or even meaty mushrooms to satisfy that craving.
- Prep ahead of time. If you have roasted sweet potato slices, cooked quinoa, or washed lettuce ready to go, making healthier choices is easier.
Still Craving Bread?
There are many gluten-free breads available at the grocery store that many people enjoy. Some can come off as dry and crumbly, but here are some favorites:
- Little Northern Bakehouse
With its soft texture and mellow flavor, this bread pairs well with everything from sandwiches to toast. Their classic loaves are allergy-friendly, egg and dairy-free, and non-GMO Project Verified.
- Carbonaut
A low-carb option with a chewy texture that feels close to traditional bread. Their white bread has 15 grams of fiber. All of their products are free from artificial ingredients, fillers, preservatives, or sugar.
- Promise Bread
Their full-size slices pack in more fiber and have less fat and sugar than most other gluten-free bakery options.
- Canyon Bakehouse
Made with whole grains and available in multiple options, including 7-grain, Hawaiian sweet, and cinnamon raisin.
Not all gluten-free breads are healthy, just like regular bread. It’s crucial to check the nutritional label and ingredient list when selecting what you put in your body, especially if you have other sensitivities.
Ready-Made Meals Without the Gluten or the Work
Hungry for a gluten-free meal without bread entirely? Ideal Nutrition offers a wide variety of pre-made meals that are gluten-free and taste delicious.
Some of our favorites:
1. Paleo Umami Burger
2. Vegan Sweet Potato Chana Masala
3. Keto Chicken Parmesan
Our meals are already prepared for you, so you don’t have to go through the trouble of researching recipes and spending all your time in the kitchen. This can be challenging if you have a really busy schedule. We make it easy to stay on track with your dietary needs in a delicious way.
Conclusion
Gluten-free eating doesn't mean you're stuck with boring meals. Indeed, it's a great chance to try all kinds of nutrient-packed, flavorful options, as there's so much more out there than just bread. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it and make your own bread alternatives. It’s essential to vary the types of foods you eat, so that they can help you sneak in extra vegetables and vital nutrients. Stack up some roasted veggies, use crisp lettuce wraps for your lunch, or dig into a hearty grain bowl. There's no shortage of creative, gluten-free meals to keep things interesting.
