Whether you’re avoiding gluten due to sensitivity or just trying out the gluten-free trend, saying goodbye to those stomach problems feels like a big win, right? But let’s face it, while there are plenty of gluten-free snacks including veggies and fruits, finding the perfect munchies that satisfy your taste buds might be tricky.
Switching to gluten-free snacks isn't just about changing your diet; it's about finding a path to better digestion, managing your weight, and boosting your energy. But let's be real – those gluten-free energy bars can hit your wallet pretty hard.
But don't worry, because this blog is here to introduce you to a bunch of trendy and tasty gluten-free snacks, from turmeric-infused nuts to cranberry and millet treats. So let's dig into the delicious world of gluten-free snacking, along with why it matters.
Snack smart, snack happy. But before we get into the snacks, let's take a quick look at the challenges of dealing with a gluten allergy.
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Defining Gluten-Allergy
Having a gluten allergy or sensitivity means your body doesn't like gluten. It can cause tummy troubles, tiredness, and headaches. Your immune system reacts to gluten, causing inflammation and symptoms like bloating and abdominal pain. Unlike celiac disease, it doesn’t damage your small intestine as much.
Though not life-threatening, it requires careful food monitoring to avoid discomfort.
The solution? A gluten-free diet - which means bidding farewell to wheat, barley, or rye.
So, let’s focus on a few tasty gluten-free treats to make sure your taste buds are as happy as your stomach!
6 Nutritious Gluten-Free Snacks
If you’re sensitive to gluten, this section will make your heart skip a beat! Follow us as we browse over some of the healthiest options in the market - nutty ‘haldi’ super snack, cranberry and millet marvels, etc!
1. Nutty ‘Haldi’ Super Snack
Meet ‘Haldi’ Supersnack – the gluten-free munch that's not just tasty but a powerhouse of nutrients! Imagine a mix of turmeric, sunflower seeds, almonds, coconut, and ragi flakes, sweetened with honey and dates, and spiced up with ginger and cinnamon.
Now, why should you give it a try?
Turmeric's Wonder: Ever heard of curcumin? That's the golden ticket in turmeric, famous for fighting inflammation.
Battles Free Radicals: Curcumin doubles as an antioxidant, battling those free radicals to keep your cells in check.
Supports Digestion: Turmeric's not just a spice; it's your gut's best friend, helping digestion and waving goodbye to bloating.
Strengthens Immune System: The word on the street is that turmeric might amp up your immune system, giving your body that extra armour.
To add this gem of a snack to your daily routine, sprinkle it over yoghurt, milk, or fresh fruit juice, or include it in fruit bowls and even smoothies!
Moving on to our next snack, Cranberry and Millet Super Snack – is a burst of sweetness and crunch that’ll keep you coming back for more!
2. Cranberry & Millet Super Snack
Dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, puffed quinoa, and ‘amaranth’ come together to make this yummy gluten-free snack.
Here's why this snack is not just tasty, but a real winner:
Antioxidant Boost: Cranberries bring antioxidants to the table, fighting off stress in your body.
Fiber Friends: Millets, the whole grain champs, pack a punch of dietary fiber, keeping digestion smooth and making you feel satisfied.
Vitamins & Minerals Galore: Cranberries and millets team up to deliver essential vitamins and minerals, giving your overall health a high-five.
Heart Health Haven: Thanks to their antioxidant-fibre combo, this snack may just be your heart's new best friend, helping keep cholesterol levels in check.
Here’s an interesting twist - This snack is sweetened with orange marmalade to add a burst of citrusy goodness to every bite!
Now, get ready for the next culinary adventure with our ‘Rajgira’ Ragi & Rice Krispies Cereal Mix! It's a spoonful of joy that'll make every bite feel like a comforting hug.
3. ‘Rajgira Ragi’ & Rice Krispies Cereal Mix
Puffed ‘rajgira’, ragi flakes, poha, and rice krispies, sweetened with palm jaggery and loaded with dried apricots, flax, chia, and sunflower seeds. Now, let's talk about the magic of this snack-time hero.
Here's why you'll love it:
Nutrient Fiesta: ‘Rajgira’, Ragi, and Rice Krispies team up to bring a carnival of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Grain Harmony: Mixing ‘Rajgira’, Ragi, and Rice Krispies isn't just tasty; it's a nutritional jackpot with unique benefits from each grain.
Fiber Fix: Cereal mixes mean digestive bliss, thanks to the essential dietary fiber.
Carb Kick: Ragi and ‘Rajgira’ pack a carb punch, giving you quick and sustained energy whenever you need it.
Although it sounds like a breakfast item, this snack can be munched on at any time of the day. It is a solution for rushed or skipped meals and is a much healthier replacement for instant noodles or highly processed foods!
The next snack, Dates Almond & ‘Rajgira’ Nutribar – is about to drop the mic on your taste buds!
4. Dates Almond & ‘Rajgira’ Nutribar
Meet the Dates and Almond Nutri-Bar – It combines the sweetness of dates with the crunch of almonds and the nutritional benefits of ‘rajgira’ (amaranth) for a guilt-free and delicious snack. This bar is made by blending premium-quality dates, almonds, and jaggery, and then shaped into bars.
Let's explore why this gluten-free snack is stealing the spotlight:
No Added Sugars: The Dates and Almond Nutri-Bar bring you sweet satisfaction without any guilt. Thanks to the natural sweetness of dates, there are no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Let nature do its thing!
Energy Booster: Experience a quick and sustained energy boost with the dynamic trio of dates, almonds, and ‘rajgira’. Perfect as a snack or a pre-workout pick-me-up, these bars keep you going without the dreaded sugar crashes.
Nutrient Blast: Almonds are not just for crunch – they bring in healthy fats, protein, and a myriad of essential nutrients. ‘Rajgira’, the nutritional powerhouse, adds its richness, delivering a snack that's as wholesome as it is delicious.
Gluten-Free: Bid farewell to gluten concerns! The Dates and Almond Nutri-Bar is a gluten-free marvel, making it an ideal choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone seeking a wholesome gluten-free snack.
Sweetened using soft dates, these Nutri-bars or ‘chikkis’ are the perfect pair for your ‘masala chai’ in the evening!
To refresh your snacking game indulge in guilt-free joy with Dates and Almond Nutri-Bar. Next stop: Zesty Delight – Lemon Slices Snack.
5. Lemon Slices Snack
When life gives you lemons, make a snack out of it! This zesty snack, features a native Kaagzi variety of lemon (‘nimbu’) peel ground with unrefined sugar, sun-dried, and cut into slices. It can be enjoyed on the go and boasts numerous health benefits.
Check out some of them below!
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, these slices are a nutritious on-the-go snack. A tasty boost for your immune system!
Rich in Dietary Fiber: Lemon peels, being citrus rinds, boast a high fiber content. Dietary fiber is like the unsung hero of digestion, promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Aids Weight Loss: The fiber in lemon peels not only keeps things moving smoothly but also contributes to a feeling of fullness. This can help in controlling appetite and supporting weight loss efforts.
Cholesterol Champion: Dietary fiber has a cholesterol-lowering effect, and the lemon peel's fiber content plays a role here. By helping to manage cholesterol levels, it contributes to cardiovascular health.
And remember, snacking should be a party for your taste buds and your tummy! Speaking of which, get ready to dance to the sweetness of ‘Nachni Laddoos’!
6. 'Nachni’ or Sprouted Ragi ‘Laddoo’
Perfect for those managing diabetes, these energy-packed bliss balls are made from hand-rolled laddoos with sprouted ragi (‘nachni’) malt, sweetened with jaggery, ‘khareek’ (dry dates), and ‘gondh’ (edible gum), offer a delightful blend of taste and health benefits, with no refined sugar used.
Gluten-Free: ‘Ragi’, is inherently gluten-free because it belongs to a different botanical family than wheat, barley, and rye, which contain gluten. Its unique composition makes it safe for consumption by individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Therefore, making the laddoo gluten-free!
Fiber-Rich: High in fiber, these ‘laddoos’ contribute to a feeling of fullness and can help in managing blood sugar levels more effectively.
Energy Booster: The ‘laddoos’ are not only a delightful treat but also an energy booster, making them a suitable snack for various occasions, including before or after a workout.
Supports Immune System: ‘Gondh’, or edible gum, is known to boost the immune system, adding an extra layer of health benefits to these ‘laddoos’.
These energy-packed bliss balls are not only great brain food during intense study sessions or exams. They are also ideal for replenishing energy before and after workouts and while fasting due to their nutrient content!
Why settle for ordinary snacking when you can turn each bite into a celebration? Let your snacks be the life of the party, and remember, the joy of munching is a journey, not a destination!
FAQs: Top 6 Nutritious Gluten-Free Snacks
How to know if a snack is gluten-free?
Check the label for gluten-free certification or look for naturally gluten-free ingredients like rice, quinoa, or corn. Avoid wheat, barley, and rye-based ingredients.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It provides elasticity to dough, giving bread and other baked goods their structure.
What kinds of foods are high in gluten?
Foods high in gluten include wheat-based products like bread, pasta, and baked goods, as well as barley and rye-containing items such as beer and certain cereals.
Can a normal person eat gluten-free food?
Yes, anyone can consume gluten-free foods. Some choose it for dietary preferences, while those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods.
Are cereals gluten-free?
Not all cereals are gluten-free. Many traditional cereals contain wheat or barley. Choose cereals labeled gluten-free, usually made with rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains.
Do gluten-free foods lack nutrition?
No, gluten-free foods can be nutritious. However, it's essential to choose a well-balanced diet with naturally gluten-free whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and gluten-free grains to ensure proper nutrition.
Conclusion
In the vibrant world of gluten-free snacking, our exploration has unveiled a symphony of flavours and health benefits. From the antioxidant-rich Nutty ‘Haldi’ Super Snack to the heart-healthy Cranberry & Millet Super Snack, each gluten-free marvel is a celebration for the taste buds and a boon for well-being.
Dive into the Nutribar goodness with Dates Almond & ‘Rajgira’, refresh with the zesty Lemon Slices, and revel in the guilt-free joy of ‘Nachni Laddoos’. As you embark on this delightful journey, remember, that snacking is a celebration – a journey, not just a destination.
And for the finest, native and naturally cultivated ingredients, explore Two Brothers Organic Farms. Happy snacking!
