Gluten-Free Pantry Ingredients

Many Americans suffer from celiac disease or other forms of gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein most commonly found in wheat. Anyone following a gluten-free diet is to avoid any wheat products or items containing rye, barley or bulgar. This means substituting regular pantry items, especially those used for baking, with specific gluten-free products. Does this Spark an idea?

Non-Gluten Flours

There are alternatives to wheat flour that are used in a gluten-free pantry. Some health food brands make gluten-free flour mixtures that are substituted for regular flour without the addition of a gluten substitute. If you prefer to make your own gluten-free baking mix, stock your pantry with a variety of natural flours. Gluten-free alternatives to wheat, rye or spelt flour include almond flour, bean flour, potato flour, corn flour, cornmeal, rice flour, tapioca flour and soy flour.

Gluten Substitutes

Many recipes call for gluten substitutes to be added to gluten-free flours to stabilize baked goods. These items, which are also sometimes used to thicken sauces, are an important part of any gluten-free pantry. The most common gluten substitutes are xanthum gum and guar gum, both of which are available in most health stores. A product called pre-gel starch is also used as a gluten substitute.

Standard Pantry Items

Add traditional baking and pantry items that do not contain wheat or other gluten-laden items to your gluten-free pantry. Baking soda, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, chocolate, vinegars and vanilla are usually gluten-free. Be sure to read packaging labels to make sure there is not any hidden gluten in seemingly safe products. Products manufactured in a site that also makes wheat products are possibly contaminated with gluten. Buying products that are explicitly marked as "gluten-free" is the safest way to ensure that no gluten shows up in your diet.

Staples and Grains

In addition to flours and baking items, a gluten-free pantry contains staples and grains that are eaten with daily meals. Since bread and traditional durham or semolina pastas are out, stock your pantry with rice, polenta, quinoa and corn tortillas. If you're looking for snacks for your pantry, buy crackers, cookies and cereals that are clearly marked as being gluten-free.