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    Home » lifestyle » Cheap Gluten-Free

    Cheap Gluten-Free

    Modified: Apr 17, 2025 · Published: Dec 1, 2019 by Chandice · This post may contain affiliate links · 200 Comments

    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!

    Gluten-Free on a Budget cookbook

    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. 

    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 crepes with strawberries on a blue plate
    • Gluten-free Oat Bread (but if you can’t wait, our gluten-free crescent rolls are to die for)Gluten-free oat bread with jam
    • Apple Pie with Flaky Pie Crust (but our gluten-free pumpkin pie cream delight is pretty tasty too)

    Gluten-free apple pie on a plate

    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. 

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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi, I'm Chandice!

    Parties, gatherings, gorgeous food and ESPECIALLY holidays with my people are what make my heart pitter patter. Having a place to share our favorite traditions, recipes and celebrations is very important to me. I live each day with unapologetic, authentic happiness and hope to help others do the same. More About Chandice

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    Comments

    1. Nataly Carbonell says

      December 21, 2019 at 10:11 pm

      I always have corn tortillas because it’s an easy and cheap way to make gluten-free meals and snacks (tacos, mini-burittos, tostadas, etc).

      Reply
      • Chandice says

        December 23, 2019 at 3:29 pm

        What a great idea! I totally agree 🙂

        Reply
    2. Stephanie Ann says

      December 21, 2019 at 7:14 pm

      I like to go to local farmers markets to buy produce and if I’m buying from the store I find coupons and the best deals before I go.

      Reply
    3. Rania R. says

      December 21, 2019 at 3:03 am

      My favorite way to eat gluten-free is buying it on sale or using promo codes online.

      Reply
    4. Nicole Zerbini says

      December 16, 2019 at 11:59 pm

      I love buying my favorite gluten free items in bulk, especially when they go on sale.

      Reply
    5. John Peil says

      December 16, 2019 at 4:23 pm

      Buying groceries at Costco is a great way to be able to eat healthy and within a reasonable budget.

      Reply
    6. Stephanie Crane says

      December 15, 2019 at 2:02 am

      Fresh foods from the local grocer.

      Reply
    7. Ally says

      December 14, 2019 at 10:53 pm

      I like making as many things as possible that are automatically gluten free (such as oat pancakes or Brazilian cheese bites) rather than having to buy the more expensive flours!

      Reply
    8. Carol Moore says

      December 14, 2019 at 8:10 pm

      My favorite way to eat gluten-free on a budget is catching items on sale.

      Reply
    9. Christina A. says

      December 14, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      Eating lots of fresh produce is really a super easy and healthy way to eat gluten-free! I always check my sales ad for what produce is on sale for the week and stock up on it!

      Reply
    10. Stephanie Shipley says

      December 13, 2019 at 5:50 pm

      I look for sales and skip recipes with really expensive items to keep my budget low.

      Reply
    11. Karla R. says

      December 13, 2019 at 2:57 am

      I like to buy items on sale and use coupons also buying items like rice, beans, that are cost efficient.

      Reply
    12. Katy P says

      December 13, 2019 at 12:23 am

      My favorite way to eat cheap on a budget is to make homemade bread and eat mostly unprocessed foods.

      Reply
    13. linda says

      December 12, 2019 at 5:01 pm

      I like to buy in bulk.

      Reply
    14. Shawanda says

      December 12, 2019 at 5:29 am

      I like to buy in bulk. I also like to purchase items on sale and make various dishes not only to meal prep for the week but also to freeze for future use.

      Reply
    15. Carolyn says

      December 12, 2019 at 4:46 am

      I buy ingredients in bulk online from Vitacost.com when they have 20% off food sales

      Reply
    16. Sydney Wynne says

      December 11, 2019 at 7:12 pm

      I eat naturally gluten free foods majority of the time!

      Reply
    17. madonna says

      December 11, 2019 at 5:20 pm

      I have not yet tried gluten free although I am going to get tested to see if I am sensitive to gluten.

      Reply
    18. Sarah says

      December 10, 2019 at 3:35 pm

      I like to eat more whole natural foods to afford feeding my house of 5 celiacs. I use thrive market a lot for things like pasta!

      Reply
    19. Tina says

      December 10, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      I plan out my shopping trip. I buy in bulk if I can. I make as much as I can from scratch. I use coupons if I find some.

      Reply
    20. Jackie Angers says

      December 10, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      Cooking from scratch has always been my favorite, even now that I’m GF!

      Reply
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    Chandice of This Vivacious Life

    Hi there, I’m Chandice!

    I love sharing ways to live more vivaciously! Celebrate life with us through unforgettable gluten-free recipes, easy mocktails and everyday entertaining ideas…

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