Cheap Gluten-Free

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. 

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.