The gluten free diet can be expensive without a smart strategy to budget your meals. Here are some tips to help drive down the cost of your next grocery bill.
1. Plan meals each week according to the sale fliers and incorporate seasonal foods into your meals. Foods that are in season are typically more inexpensive than unseasonal foods.
2. Scope out gluten free coupons in the paper, online, and some stores offer gluten free coupons like the Whole Deal at Whole Foods. Here are a few links to gluten free product coupons:
Chobani Yogurt
Stony Field Organic
Whole Foods
Enjoy Life Foods
Pacific Foods
General Mills
3. Shop primarily on the outside of the grocery. There are lots of natural foods on the outside of the
grocery that can build the basis of a gluten free meal. For instance:
- produce
- fresh meat
- fish
- dairy
- beans
- rice
- corn meal
- whole kernel pop corn
- frozen vegetables
- corn tortillas
4. Have at least one meal a week meatless. Incorporates more veggies and cut down on cost.
Examples:
- Black bean tacos with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado
- Brown rice pasta with marinaria sauce and side salad
- Spinach and eggs, baked sweet potato, and black eyed peas
5. Shop farmers markets or participate in community supported agriculture to save on local produce.
6. Purchase gluten free processed foods minimally,some products tend to be more expensive and empty nutrient value due to the high sugar and white rice flour content. Stock up on favorite products when they are on sale.
7. Buy gluten free flours and mixes in bulk through Amazon.