Gluten-Free Products of 2016 — The Best of the Best
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2016 was a challenging year for me personally. Several family members faced serious illnesses, my grandfather passed away, and I received a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The political and global events added to the stress, so I was relieved to move forward into the next year. Still, there were bright spots worth celebrating.
On the positive side:
- My daughter turned two and continues to be a joyful, energetic presence in our lives.
- My husband and I celebrated our fourth anniversary — and we still enjoy each other’s company.
- My Gluten Free Miami blog has grown into a valuable mix of recipes, reviews, and resources.
- I attended FABlogCon, which was both inspiring and educational.
- I had the chance to try many new gluten-free products — some excellent, some less so — and I discovered clear favorites.
If you haven’t tried these products yet, consider picking some up. They made a positive difference for me and could add variety and convenience to your pantry in 2017.
Favorite Gluten-Free Products of 2016
Picking a top ten was difficult, but I narrowed the list to the products I reached for most often. These items are reliable, delicious, and worth trying if you follow a gluten-free lifestyle.
American Gluten Free
American Gluten Free is my favorite subscription box. At $35 a month it might seem steep, but each box includes full-size gluten-free products, often worth more than the subscription price. Every month has a themed selection that highlights small businesses and interesting items — gnocchi, crepes, cupcake mixes, balsamic creme, and biscotti among them. If you enjoy discovering new gluten-free brands, this box is an excellent way to sample high-quality products.
New Primal Sticks
I manage blood sugar fluctuations, so high-protein snacks are essential for me. I discovered New Primal meat sticks at a conference and immediately loved them. The uncured bacon flavor was especially memorable. They are satisfying, flavorful, and a convenient protein option when I need a quick, portable snack.
GF Jules All-Purpose Flour
When I was first diagnosed with celiac disease, GF Jules all-purpose gluten-free flour changed my baking. It works beautifully for banana bread, brownies, layer cakes, and many other baked goods. If you bake regularly, this flour is a dependable base that helps gluten-free recipes come out with great texture and flavor. If you’re unsure, try a small sample — it made my gluten-free baking much easier and more consistent.
BFree Bread
BFree makes a range of bread products that are low in sugar, vegan, and satisfyingly flavorful. This year they introduced gluten-free pita bread, which quickly became a favorite. Their products are ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or warming and filling with your favorite ingredients. Availability can vary by region, but hunt them down if you can — they’re worth it.
Ardenne Farm Baking Mixes
Ardenne Farm’s baking mixes impressed me like no other ready mix has. Their cinnamon muffin mix made the best muffins I’ve tasted — even gluten-eating friends loved them and didn’t suspect they were gluten-free. Their brownie mix also disappeared quickly at gatherings. These mixes deliver excellent flavor and texture without the fuss of sourcing multiple ingredients.
Butcher Box
Butcher Box delivers high-quality meat — grass-fed beef, organic chicken, heritage pork — right to your door. The boxes are convenient and often more economical than buying comparable cuts at the store. I get multiple meals from each delivery, and the quality makes a noticeable difference in flavor and satisfaction. They also offer useful add-ons like bones for stock.
David’s Unforgettable Sauces
These sauces live up to their name. My favorites include the BBQ varieties and the balsamic soy ginger, which makes an incredible pork tenderloin marinade. The sauces are non-GMO and dairy-free, and they add vibrant flavor to grilled meats, stir-fries, and glazes.
Gus’s Fry Mix
Gus’s fry mix produces excellent fried chicken — crisp, flavorful, and well seasoned. It also works well for gravy and other fried favorites like mozzarella sticks. The mix handles heat without burning as some gluten-free flours do, and it ships at a reasonable price, so it’s worth stocking up.
Goodie Girl Cookies
Goodie Girl cookies are a delightful, ready-made treat that often replace my home baking. They offer a variety of flavors that our family loves: Mint Slims, Toffee, Quinoa Chocolate Chip, and Midnight Brownie. They’re great for quick snacks, lunchboxes, or when you want a reliably tasty cookie without baking.
Frontier Bites
Frontier Bites are nut-based snack bites packed with wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect for on-the-go snacking, portion-controlled treats, or a topping in no-bake desserts. My favorite lately is the almond-blueberry flavor — flavorful, filling, and easy to carry when I’m out and about.
I hope this list helps you discover something new and delicious. What was your favorite gluten-free find of 2016?