Living cheap gluten-free or gluten-free on a budget is absolutely possible and can happen with just six simple steps. They are easy to implement and will save you lots of dollars AND time!
We are kicking off our annual 12 days of Gluten-Free Giveaways with this fun KitchenAid giveaway and more info on living GF on a Budget. Come back everyday through December 12th for a new recipe, party or feature AND a $100+ giveaway!
Cheap gluten-free on a budget
The number one thing I get asked is, “How can you live gluten-free on a budget?” I did my 3TV Your Life A to Z TV segment on this exact topic and want to give you guys just a few of the tips I shared because living gluten-free on a budget can be rewarding and taste delicious!
Keeping it simple will be the best way to save money. We have a few easy steps that will help whether you make the change in one area of all, you are sure to see the benefits.
Subscribe to This Vivacious Life
Receive a free e-book of Instant Pot recipes!
Eat gluten-free naturally
This is the best advice I can give. It will save you the most money while also helping your body to be at it’s best from all of the natural, unprocessed vitamins, minerals and nutrients it will be receiving. Remember, brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, nuts and seeds, meat and dairy in their pure form, fruits and vegetables are all great options for creating delicious meals.
We love to make the BEST roast chicken with gluten-free mashed potatoes and red cabbage salad with bacon and aged balsamic. All naturally gluten-free and delicious!
Buy gluten-free items in bulk
I always stock up BIG on organic brown rice at Costco, my favorite gluten-free flour blends and other items on Amazon and other great products when they are on sale at the grocery store. You will save so much money by doing this, it will amaze you!
Gluten-Free on a Budget cookbook
Our gluten-free on a budget cookbook gives you over 100 delicious gluten-free recipes, almost all with photos, that you and your family will love! We’ve covered breakfasts, appetizers, soups and salads, main dishes, breads, sweet treats and even our favorite meals and recipes for holidays.
In the book we also cover living gluten-free in a gluten filled world, stocking your pantry, resources, sample meal plans and grocery lists and much MORE.
Here are just some of the recipes you will find inside…
- Thin Gluten-Free Crepes (almost as amazing as our gluten-free waffles and gluten-free pancakes)
- Gluten-free Oat Bread (but if you can’t wait, our gluten-free crescent rolls are to die for)
- Apple Pie with Flaky Pie Crust (but our gluten-free pumpkin pie cream delight is pretty tasty too)
Meal prep and plan ahead
Gluten-free meal prep by cutting up lots of fruits and veggies. Store them in containers in the fridge twice a week so that you always have a healthy snack or side to your meals ready to go. This will help keep you from reaching for the junk food.
Meal prep is great because you will have nutritious lunches on the go rather than feeling like you have to stop and buy your meals. This alone will save you big on your grocery/eating out monthly bill.
I love to prepare a big batch of gluten-free pancakes or breakfast burritos and freeze them for quick breakfasts where I can pull out one or two and go.
Use your crockpot and instant pot
As I mentioned in the segment, you can make any cut of meat a fabulous creation in the crockpot. It is like a magic cooking tool! Stephanie O’Dea has great crockpot cookbooks that I just adore.
She is a real mom who tested her recipes out on her real family and I love that. This is also great because you can throw dry beans or leftovers in and come back 8 hours later to a mouthwatering dinner.
Instant Pots can also transform meals in minutes! Our hamburger soup and creamy Italian chicken are two of our favorite recipes and they can be made in under 45 minutes.
Meatless Monday
Or Tuesday, just choose one day a week and go meatless from breakfast to dinner. This is a great way to give your intestines a little break from heavy digestion as well as cut some money on your next grocery trip.
I think this once a week detox from meat actually feels great and encourages you to get creative in the kitchen and try new veggies. I have found some great vegan blogs from doing this. Our vegan tikka masala is one of my favorite meatless Monday meal!
Make your own gluten-free goodies
We all know we need them so why not make them yourself. Find a gluten-free cup for cup flour blend that you love and make a big batch of cookie dough. Make a few and freeze the rest for another day.
Baked goods are some of the most expensive gluten-free things you will find on your grocery receipt so shake it up a but and become an expert baker. Your wallet will thank you.
*This post was originally published on April 14, 2014 but was update in November 2019 with new information.
Erica Jackson says
I save money by shopping at Aldi and then always making everything at home as much as possible. I find sales whenever possible and I get coupons too at times which is always fun!
Chandice says
I definitely think cooking at home saves a ton of money. Coupons are great too!
Lamia says
Love these ideas – embodies some of my favorite ways to save: Naturally GF foods & Costco ☺️
Chandice says
Haha those are my two favorites also 😉
Jennifer says
Meal planning definitely helps!
Chandice says
I couldn’t agree more!
Mandi says
We make a lot of muffins it’s the kids favorite budget GF snack. We freeze fruit when it’s in season and on sale so that we can make our favorites year round.
Chandice says
Oh I love these ideas! Muffins are always so great for snacks and breakfast and I love freezing fruit, it’s the perfect snack.
Susan says
We eat out less now that we are gluten free so that saves money!
Chandice says
Yes, eating at home saves a ton!
Christina says
Love love love all these tips!
Chandice says
Aw thanks Christina!!
Cassidie Webster says
Favorite way to eat gluten free on a budget is to meal plan! Nothing saves more money than a plan. Pre-made food is so much more expensive! Plan to succeed!
Chandice says
Plan to succeed, what a great saying! I love planning ahead too. 🙂
Emily Perry says
So many great suggestions! Thanks!
Chandice says
Thanks Emily, hope some of them help you 🙂
Erica Dermer says
Just love your cookbook xoxox great way to save money!
Chandice says
Aw thanks Erica, I am so glad you love it!! We love to share ways to eat not only gluten-free on a budget but also deliciously! 🙂
Patricia E says
For me it’s all about the basics. I usually do a protein, veggie, and fruit.
Chrystal Carver says
This is such a fun giveaway. I can’t wait to see what’s new each day.
Chandice says
Thanks Chrystal! 🙂
Jillian Too says
I find it easier to budget if I focus on plant-based gluten free recipes.
Emily says
We meal prep a week’s worth of gluten free meals in our instant pot. It helps make great use of leftovers.
Jacob Austin says
I save money by making my own treats and foods. It also helps me feel better.
Chandice says
Hi Jacob, yes making treats at home is so smart and saves so much!
Amanda Austin says
Being newly married, living on a budget is crucial! I love doing meal prepping and freezer meals with natural ingredients. They last us a couple weeks and keep us from having to shop every week.
Chandice says
I remember trying to save a lot in the early years of marriage too and you know what, we still work hard on saving because its smart no matter what your financial situation. 🙂
Cara says
I love looking at all the wonderful GF bloggers that make almost everything from scratch & share their deals/promo codes with all of us so we can have safe yummy meals. I also love that they share where they shop & share the sales they find, even with coupons.. I have yet to go over my budget food each month. Now time to start saving for new baking utensils to help with my GF baking since I haven’t been able to replace all of them yet
Chandice says
That is so sweet of you Cara! We love sharing tips and coupons. Can’t wait to see what you start baking with your new utensils 🙂
Brandie K says
My favorite way to stay on a budget gluten free is to plan a week or two in advance for meals. This allows me to buy in bulk, know in advance what is for dinner and I feel like I use fresh ingredients more instead of quick processed options. My husband and I work full time so knowing ahead and having food on hand really helps our family.
Chandice says
Yes, I love planning ahead of time too and meal prepping. It saves so much money and time too.
Paula Decaria says
I save money by making my own goodies and cutting way back on the amount of breads and goodies we eat.
Traci Washburn says
I need to work harder at being on a budget for my gluten-free things! I love the idea of meatless Monday! Great tips!!
Chandice says
Thanks Traci, I love meatless Monday too. It is so easy do and saves lots of money weekly.
Rachel says
My favorite way to stay on a budget with being gluten free is to make my own bread and other goodies!
Chandice says
That’s a wonderful way to sound money and sounds tasty too!