Stretch Your Gluten-Free Dollar With These Tips

1 .  Buy In Bulk

You can save a lot of money with a membership to a club store such as Costco. If you don't want to pay for a membership, many regular grocery stores offer family packs or club size items as well. Keep an eye out for those "stock up and save" promotions as well.

2 .  Bargain Hunt

This is worth making the extra time for. 

• Look at flyers to find sales
• Visit clearance racks
• Price match
• Take advantage of discount produce with minor imperfections
• Buy private label brands

3 .  Frequent Discount Stores

There are actually a lot of places you can find gluten-free food with a price cut. 

Almost Perfect deals directly with major manufacturers. Prices are kept cheap as items are the result of overproduction, cosmetic imperfections and or packaging changes.

Marshalls, HomeSense and Winners sell brand name gluten-free items at 20%-60% less than you would see in other stores.

Dollaramma has many gluten-free items including cereal, snacks and beverages. 

4 .  Use Coupons

There are several ways to find coupons for gluten-free items. Some companies offer printable coupons direct from their website. Signing up for an email newsletter is another great way to get coupons. You can also visit the sites below, to either print coupons and or have them mailed to your home.

GlutenFreeCoupons.ca

WebSaver.ca

Save.ca

SmartSource.ca

5 .  Shop Online

There is an abundance of gluten-free shopping to be done online! Many online retailers even offer free shipping with a minimum order. Not sure where to get gluten-free goods online? Read up on Where To Find Gluten-Free Groceries Online here.

6 .  Use Your Freezer

Once a month, prepare several freezer friendly meals. If you don't have time to do that, make a little bit extra with every meal. This way, you will have food to put aside for freezing. Having something available that can be effortlessly popped in the oven will save you money in the long run. By transforming leftovers, you will also be less tempted to head out to eat.

7 .  Look For Naturally Gluten-Free Food

Fresh fruits
Vegetables
Seeds 
Nuts
Eggs
Brown Rice
Lean Meats
Popcorn

8 .  Keep Those Receipts

Canadian's who have been diagnosed with Celiac can submit a Doctor's note with their taxes. They can then claim the incremental cost of gluten-free food as a medical expense every tax season. Please visit the Canada Revenue Agency for more information.

9 .  Grow Your Own Produce

There are several benefits to starting a garden. 

• Taking care of a garden involves exercise and time outdoors
• You will be more likely to eat healthy
• It's a great family activity
• You will learn something
• Gardening is a great way to relax
• You will also save money

7 Gluten Free Mistakes You Don't Want To Make

7. Assuming You Don't Need a Support Network

Adjusting to the gluten-free diet is a big lifestyle change and it's not easy.Surrounding yourself with people who are supportive is vital. Celiac associations, friends, and family should all be a part of this circle. Just as important is distancing yourself from those who bring you down. You know, the people who get offended that you won't can't eat gluten-containing food.

6. Being in the Dark About what Celiac Disease actually is

Celiac is a life-long autoimmune disorder, so understanding what it's all about is paramount. While you won't become an expert overnight, reading an educational book or two on Celiac will certainly help you out. The more you understand it, the more likely you are to maintain the diet. Knowing what Celiac is all about and sharing that knowledge with those around you is a double win.

5. Overindulging In Gluten-Free Junk Food

Just because it's gluten-free doesn't mean it's magically good for you. Junk food is still junk food and moderation is key. True story. Since we are being honest, eating a healthy gluten-free diet requires some extra work. Why? Well, most gluten-free food is full of sugar and various other substitutes to make up for that missing wheat stuff. This means it's even more important to be aware of what you're eating and not over do it with the junk.

4. Failing to do Your Own Research 

Please don't accept everything you see or hear as fact. Although the interwebs are full of great resources, rumours and inaccurate information lurk everywhere. Myths are abundant and a Facebook meme doesn't come with guaranteed authenticity. Fact-check legitimate resources such as the CCA or NFCA. Also, if there ever is a pill/cure/therapy etc. Those two sites will list it front and centre. Until then, everything is either in research mode or non-existent hocus pocus.

3. Focusing on What You Can't Eat

There is an entire world of "yes" food out there just waiting for you to dig in. Seriously, the gluten-free food department has come a long way. You're going to have to get creative and shop around more, but you will discover great products.You may even learn new kitchen skills in the process. By focusing on what you can enjoy, you will bypass that feeling of missing out.

2. Not Creating a Celiac Safe Area in Your Kitchen

This is a big deal. Without a safe zone to prepare your gluten-free food, cross contamination is just hanging around, waiting to happen. It's important to keep your food clearly labelled "gluten-free" and away from any non-safe items. Designate the top two shelves in the fridge for gluten-free only. Also, pick a cupboard to house all of your gluten-free pantry items. You can and should keep a separate cutting board, strainer and dish sponge in a special non-gluten zone.

1. Forgetting To Be Your Own Advocate

I can't stress how important it is to look out for number one - that's you!
Not everyone has an in-depth understanding of Celiac Disease, so speak up, be firm and when in doubt go without.

My Gluten Free Bucket List

1. Master the art of Gluten-Free baking. Seriously, I need help.

2. Visit Feast in Toronto. I've known about this gem for some time now and I really need to get there!   *Visited July 2015

3. Read:

• Gluten Freedom by Alessio Fasano, MD 
• The Gluten-Free Revolution by Jax Peters Lowell
• Mayo Clinic Going Gluten Free: Essential Guide to Managing Celiac Disease and Related Conditions by Joseph A. Murray

4. Take another Walt Disney World resort vacation, aka Gluten-Free paradise

5. Add final touches to the Gluten Free Doll website and officially launch it

6. Attend a Gluten-Free expo/conference

7. Cross-border shop for Gluten-Free goods which are not available in Canada

8. Encourage Rogers Centre to host a Celiac Awareness night

9. Help rid Celiac of the fad stigma

10. Find a delicious Gluten-Free croissant and eat it

The Little Things Make Life Sweet

Good friends are important. Always. 

As someone with a dietary restriction, I find it important to surround myself with those who accept me for who I am. People who take steps to understand Celiac Disease. People who don't make me feel awkward or like a nuisance.

Recently, at a friend's BBQ, I was treated to safe gluten-free food. I say "safe" as it was prepared properly with no risk of cross contamination. This really warmed my heart. I was included as an equal and didn't stick out like a sore thumb.

Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

Wanna know what else I was treated to?

• Ribs
• Corn on the Cob
• OMG Chicken Wings - That's what I call them because they were that tasty!
• Blue Corn Chips with Tomato Salsa
• Watermelon Salad

Share with me YOUR stories about the little things that friends and family do to go the extra mile.

Mini Donuts: Gluten Free & Homemade

I made the above yummy donuts with my Babycakes mini donut maker. I followed a recipe from Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Recipes to Sweeten Your "Hole" Day, by Jessica Segarra. The recipe I worked with is called "Nutella Mini Donut".

I simply swapped out the regular flour for a gluten free one. In this case, I used President's Choice Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend. 

Overall, I was really quite happy with how these little donuts turned out! Even the gluten eaters in my family enjoyed them. So much so, that they have been requesting that I make more!

Not All Juice Is Created Equal

Here we have a surprising source of gluten - Juice! 

Thankfully the container hints that it is not gluten-free, with the photo of wheat and the word "Cereal" on the front. 

Red wheat bran, oat, wheat, and barley are clearly labeled in the ingredients list.

Don't worry, though, most juice is still gluten-free and I don't expect a huge surplus of gluten containing juices to hit the market. 

As always, we should still read labels to ensure product safety. You never know where you will unexpectedly find wheat/gluten!

Ingredients

Fruit juice from concentrate (water, apple, cherry, banana, raspberry, blackberry and blueberry) purées, concentrated concord grape (sulfites) and lemon juices, yogurt powder, ground whole grains and seeds blend (oat, wheat, rice, chia, quinoa, barley), red wheat bran, natural flavor, vitamin C. Contains: milk, oat, wheat and barley.

Save Money With Gluten Free Coupons

Gluten-free food is expensive. We all know that. It also doesn't help that most gluten free baked goods are best developed as mini versions of their gluten counterparts.This is where Gluten Free Coupons Canada comes in. I cannot begin to express how wonderful it is to see coupons for gluten-free products, available to Canadians! It's a big move forward seeing as most coupons, in general, are strictly available to our American friends.

Gluten Free Coupons Canada sends out two coupon mailings a year. All you need to do is sign up here and you will be added to the coupon mailing list. Once signed up, you will automatically be on the list for future coupon mailings. Pretty awesome, right? Well, it gets better! When used, each coupon provides financial support to the Canadian Celiac Association. It's a win-win situation.


I received coupons for a pretty good variety of items. Check out what I got in the mail, below.

• Save $1.25 off any All But Gluten product
• Save $3.00 on Butterball Turkey Burgers
• Save $3.00 on the purchase of a Dempsters Bakery Gluten Zero product
• Save $2.00 off any Mary's Organic Crackers product
• Save $1.00 on purchase of any 1 box of Breton Popped! Beans, Breton Bean and Breton Gluten Free
• Save $1.00 on any Catelli Gluten Free Pasta product
• Save $1.00 on any one Enjoy Life product over $3.00
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free Chia Seed Loaf
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free Hamburger Buns
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free Seeded High Fibre Multigrain Bread
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free Seeded Wholegrain Sandwich Rolls
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free English Muffins
• $2.00 off Promise Gluten Free Raisin Bread
• 50% off a 1-year subscription to Delight Gluten-Free Magazine

Overall, I feel that I received a great selection of coupons. While I have been a long time purchaser of most of the products, there were two which were new to me. These are the Butterball Turkey Burgers and the Breton products. I'm going to have to look for these on my next grocery run. It's a lot easier (and more exciting) to chance unknown territory and purchase a different product when you have a coupon for it! My favourite coupon would have to be the 50% off a 1- year subscription to Delight Gluten-Free Magazine!!! Holy crow that is an awesome deal and a big surprise!

Brands Which Are Part Of This Coupon Installment 

The coupons received will vary slightly, depending on where you live in Canada. Why? Well, some items are regionally based and thus not available across the country. The availability of particular coupons also depend  on  numerous other things, so please don't fret if you don't land a specific one.

Promise Gluten Free - Can I please recommend the  Double Chocolate Muffins?! If chocolate is not your thing, no worries. Promise Gluten Free offers a variety of gluten-free goods ranging from various breads, and rolls to muffins, english muffins, and even pancakes.

Catelli Gluten Free -  I'm already a huge fan of Catelli Gluten Free pasta! It cooks up perfect in under 10 minutes. It also reheats nicely, without falling apart.

Dempster's Gluten Zero - This gluten-free bread is available in both white and whole grain. One of a handful of gluten-free bread's, that I enjoy this product has a nice sweetness to it.

Breton Gluten Free - I have not tried this product yet. Various Cracker and Popped Bean snacks are available.

All But Gluten - Some really great products come from this company! My personal favourites include the Chocolate Snack Cakes, Chocolate Chip Granola Bars and the amazing white hamburger buns. You will not be disappointed.

Flamingo - This brand is based out of Quebec and offers up three of gluten-free  breaded chicken products: fillets, strips and burgers.

Enjoy Life -  Enjoy Life is one of my go-to favourite brands! They provide a large roster of items. All of which are wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, soy, fish and shellfish free.

Mary's Organic Crackers -  I have tried the crackers which are lovely with a cheese spread. Did you know that you can also buy Cocoa MiNis, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Chipotle Tomato Pretzels from this company? I sure didn't and will now be on the look out for them.

Butterball - I had no idea until I got my coupon that Butterball sells gluten-free turkey burgers. Boxes are clearly labeled gluten-free and these lean burgers can be cooked either by skillet or bbq.

Nature's Path Organic - This brand offers many gluten-free options. They range from cereal and frozen waffles to crispy rice bars and superfood snack bars.

Pop Chips - These are a great alternative to potato chips. Pop Chips are not fried. Instead, they are heated in a pressurized chamber and then quickly released. This results in a POP.

Freybe - Freybe offers a wide range of meat products that are both lactose-free and gluten-free, with no liquid smoke or mechanically separated meat.

Summer Fresh -  Summer Fresh has over 25 gluten-free products available. This includes Tzatziki Dip, Artichoke & Asiago Dip Bruschetta, Crab & 4 Cheese Dip and Spinach & Artichoke Dip.

Grimm's Fine Foods - This company has a lot to offer gluten-free consumers. 
Products include Gluten-Free Tortillas, Smoked Turkey Breast, Black Forest Ham, Honey & Maple Flavour Ham, Pastrami and more!

SunRype -  SunRype provides gluten-free fruit and vegetable juices along with various 100% fruit snacks.

Piller's - This is a great choice. Piller's offer a wide array of gluten-free meat products through their Simply Free line.

Are you on the Gluten Free Coupons Canada mailing list? If you received your coupons, feel free to answer the following questions in the comments:

Which coupons did you receive?

Did you discover anything new?

Was there a particular coupon that was your favourite?

What brands/coupons would you like to see offered in future mailings?

****   This is a sponsored post. Although I have received compensation, my opinion is entirely my own.  ****

Crispy Minis Now Certified Gluten Free

Quaker Oats sent me a lovely "mini moment" care pack to announce that Crispy Minis are now certified gluten free. This means that they have met the strict criteria set forth by the  Gluten-Free Certification Program, which is endorsed by the Canadian Celiac Association. This is great news for the 30 percent of Canadians living with Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity!

I appreciate how clear and noticeable the gluten-free label is on the front of the package. Anyone with special dietary needs knows how time-consuming label checking can be. This seal of approval ensures safety while making shopping easier.

“The demand for safe and reliable gluten free snacks is growing,” says Paul Valder, President of the Allergen Control Group, owners of the GFCP. “By displaying the GFCP endorsed trademark, Crispy Minis rice chips provides consumers with a trusted and easily identifiable source of safe, gluten free products.”

Of the 10 gluten-free flavors to choose from, I sampled BBQ, Cheddar, and Ketchup. I'm not much of a BBQ snack fan, but I did really enjoy the Ketchup and Cheddar minis. Two classic not-to-be-missed flavors if you ask me.

My 1st grader seems to be a huge fan of the Cheddar flavour. These snacks are also perfect for the lunch box as they are packed full of flavour, without the junkiness. 

Overall, I am a fan of the product. It's great for light snacking and perfect for on-the-go munchies.

Which Crispy Minis flavour will you take a mini moment with?

Crispy Minis rice chips are available at grocery retailers across Canada in 10 Gluten Free flavours:

– Quaker Crispy Minis Cheddar rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis BBQ rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Ketchup rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Butter Popcorn rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Dill Pickle rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Salt & Vinegar rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Sea Salt & Lime rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Sweet Chili rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Caramel Kettle Corn rice chips


– Quaker Crispy Minis Sour Cream & Onion rice chips