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.
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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.
Leslie says
My favorite way to way gluten free on a budget has been to not eat out.
Chandice says
That is a great way to save! Eating out adds so much extra to budgets…
Nicole says
Cooking at home and meal prepping multiple saves me! Since my celiac diagnosis 2 years ago I’ve been slowly figuring out better ways to do things. This book is on my Christmas list this year!!
Chandice says
Yay, I hope you get your Christmas wish! Meal prepping totally saves so much money. 🙂
Dana Coughlin says
I try to buy things that are naturally gluten free plus I find quite a few things at Costco.
Sarah says
I like to shop the sale flyer for fresh fruits and veggies & plan meals based on those. Which saves us money from eating out, it being on sale & cheaper and healthier than any premade gluten free items.
Chandice says
Yes, sales are so helpful! I love fresh fruits and veggies for the majority of my meals as well. 🙂
Jennifer Sitz says
I try to buy gluten free items on sale as much as possible.
Chandice says
That’s the best time to buy anything pre-packaged is on sale. 🙂
Sonja S says
My favourite way to eat gluten-free on a budget is to include a lot of fruit and vegetables in our meals — healthy and gluten-free!
Chandice says
Hey Sonja, I totally agree! We try to eat 70-80% fresh fruits and veggies in our meals. Saves so much money!
Emily Zeitler says
My son and I are both gluten intolerant and have horrible GI issues when consuming it. I love your tips on making gluten free easier. I think my favorite one is definitely buy nut flours in bulk. Amazon and thrive market have saved me a ton. I actually don’t miss wheat based baking at all. I’ve grown to love almond, coconut and oat flours for baking.
Chandice says
I am so sorry to hear this about you and your son but I understand. I also love baking with almond, coconut and oat flours too! 🙂
Elena Rodriguez says
Looking forward to getting this book. We are new at gluten free. Nice to see i can make afortable food. GF is so expensive. My daughter has celiac.
Chandice says
You will love it! Yes, we definitely show you how to do it all on a budget. 🙂
Ali Celestino says
Buying in bulk and cutting back on restaurants and takeout has saved me a ton.Cooking from scratch and ahead of time saves time and money. Gluten-free eating becomes easy now I have accepted there’s really no substitute for wheat.
Noreen says
Your advice of eating foods naturally gluten free really is the best. We eat a plant based diet and our favorite is quinoa taco meat on corn street tortillas
Chandice says
That sounds so yummy! I’m glad you like the advice 🙂
Brianna Wolin says
I’m a big proponent of eating *naturally* GF to stay on a budget– there are many amazing fruits, veggies, and proteins to have! Especially frozen veggies!
Chandice says
Absolutely, it’s my favorite advice for people living gluten-free 🙂
Deb Broosk says
We always have a stash of gluten free cookies in the freezer. Can pull out a couple at a time or a plateful for guests. Bonus – out of sight, less temptation.
Chandice says
Haha I love that! 🙂
Stefanie says
My favorite way to eat gluten free on a budget is to plan out my meals for the week and shop sale items, as well as make my own bread and pizza crusts.
Chandice says
Those are great ways to save money while living gluten-free! I love the sale items idea too!
Lissa Walker says
You had me at gluten free crepes😋 I’ve had in set in my mind that living gluten free is so boring. Your recipes are teaching me that I can still enjoy eating and cooking while being gluten free. Thanks for this fun and generous giveaway!
Chandice says
Thanks Lissa! Yes, the gluten-free crepes are one of my favorites 🙂 I am not a boring gluten-free eater, that’s for sure haha
Cami says
This cook book looks amazing! Adding it to my wish list! I love Apple pie and want to try that recipe!
Chandice says
Aw thanks, I hope you love it! Yes, our apple pie is so yummy 😉
Amorette says
I think getting good cook books and planning from them is the best way. Then I don’t buy things I won’t use!
Chandice says
That’s so smart to only buy what you will use. 🙂
Kit says
Cooking meals with my instant pot saves time and money.
Chandice says
Oh I love my instant pot too, I have a whole recipe section dedicated to them. 🙂
Elizabeth says
I save money by eating whole foods and making recipes in bulk
Chandice says
That’s so smart I love buying in bulk too 🙂
Kara says
I get some of our simple gf staples at Costco.
Chandice says
I love Costco!
SAS says
I’m new here…looking forward to learning. I do not have celiac disease but I believe I am intolerant. Doc says I’m fine…my body disagrees
Chandice says
Yeah, I think we know our bodies best. Some things just don’t agree with us.