When I was diagnosed with celiac disease in early 2020, I was bummed I’d have to give up all my favorite gluten-free foods, like pizza, bagels, and cupcakes. Luckily, I quickly discovered that there are a ton of amazing gluten-free products at the grocery store these days, particularly in the snack category. 

For Celiac Awareness Month this May, I’m sharing my favorite gluten-free snacks of the moment, along with advice on choosing the best gluten-free snacks for you. Happy snacking!

Best gluten-free snacks

From pizza bites to crackers to cookies and beyond, these are the gluten-free snacks I can’t get enough of right now. (Disclaimer: Everyone with celiac disease is different, so always do your own research before buying and trying any new snacks.) 

Crackers

If you’re looking to put together a gluten-free charcuterie board, the right crackers are a must. 34 Degrees Original Gluten-Free Crisps are one of my charcuterie must-haves. These chickpea-based crisps pair perfectly with cheeses, meats, and spreads. They’re light, crunchy, and totally delicious. I’m also a fan of Simple Mills Pita Crackers (they go great with hummus and tzatziki) and Blue Diamond Nut Thins. 

Chips, pretzels, and popcorn

I always like to have snacks on-hand for midday munching. I love noshing on tortilla chips and guac, pretzels and garlic dip from Trader Joe’s, or a bowl of buttery popcorn. That’s why I keep my pantry stocked with Siete Grain-Free Tortilla Chips (I once heard Gwyneth Paltrow say she was a fan of these in an interview, and therefore I had to try them), Real Food From the Ground Up Cauliflower Pretzel Sticks (I honestly think these taste better than regular pretzels), and Lesser Evil Himalayan Gold Organic Popcorn (sign me up for all the butter flavored coconut oil) at all times. 

Cookies and other sweets

I’ll admit it: I have a major sweet tooth. So I was especially bummed to have to say goodbye to my favorite desserts — but I’ve found some excellent gluten-free replacements. Most notably, after I was diagnosed with celiac disease, Oreos announced they were launching a gluten-free version of their beloved sandwich cookie (I think the brand must’ve heard my prayers!). I’ve made multiple non-gluten-free people in my life try them, and they can’t tell the difference.

Other gluten-free cookie options I enjoy are Goodie Girl Gluten-Free Mint Cookies (they satisfy my Girl Scouts cookie craving) and Partake Soft-Baked Chocolate Chip Cookies. Beyond cookies, I’m a sucker for XO Marshmallow, which offers a range of gluten-free marshmallows. Their newest launch, Caffeinated Marshmallows, really taste like a latte and give me the afternoon energy pick-up I need without the jitters.

Nuts

Nuts are one of my go-to snacks when traveling. They’re easy to pack and are pretty filling. I tend to prefer flavored nuts over plain ones, so I was happy to find SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds. I also like Sahale Snacks Maple Glazed Pecans. 

Meat sticks and jerky

It can sometimes be hard to find gluten-free options on the road, so I like to pack a lot of snacks with me if I’m traveling somewhere unfamiliar. In addition to nuts, I’ll throw a few meat sticks or a pack of jerky in my bag. My favorite meat stick option is The New Primal Snack Mates Sticks in Chicken & Maple. They might be for kids, but trust me, they’re satisfying for adults too. I also like this brand’s pizza-flavored chicken jerky sticks.

For those looking for a vegetarian option, I’d recommend Pan’s Mushroom Jerky in Applewood BBQ (which I just so happened to include in my Shark Tank food roundup too!). 

Bars

Bars are one of my favorite grab-and-go snacks. My first choice is always the Perfect Bar Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Protein Bar. In addition to being gluten-free, it has 15 grams of protein, is made with a ton of superfood ingredients, and tastes like a peanut butter cup. 

Frozen

My freezer is full of gluten-free snacks I can throw in the air fryer or oven on days when I don’t have a ton of time to cook from scratch or I’m hosting a party. For starters, I’m obsessed with Snow Days Pizza Bites because they remind me of childhood. My favorite flavors are Veggie White and Buffalo Chicken. Another one of my go-to brands is Feel Good Foods, which makes gluten-free versions of potstickers, egg rolls, snack bites, mozzarella sticks, and mac and cheese bites. If you didn’t know they were gluten-free, you’d never be able to tell. 

Guide to gluten-free snacking

I spoke with Melanie Marcus, RD, a culinary dietician from the greater Charlotte, North Carolina, area, for advice on gluten-free snacking — from how to read labels to how to make sure your snack fills you up. 

Learn which ingredients are naturally gluten-free and which have been processed 

This can help you assess your risk on whether a packaged snack is safe to eat. “Packaged foods may contain a variety of wheat alternatives that are naturally gluten-free, such as quinoa, millet, and buckwheat,” says Marcus. “These ingredients provide a source of nutrients and fiber and can add some variety and texture to gluten-free products.”

Marcus adds that many gluten-free packaged foods also contain xanthan gum, a natural thickener and emulsifier derived from corn that’s often used in gluten-free baked goods to help with texture and consistency. 

Get to know all of the alternative flours 

“One of the most popular ingredients in gluten-free foods is rice flour, made from ground rice grains,” says Marcus. “It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of products, from bread and pasta to cakes and cookies.”

Other alternatives to wheat include oat flour, almond flour, corn flour, and coconut flour, “each of which has its own unique properties that make it suitable for different types of products,” says Marcus. She explains that oat flour produces a chewier texture and tends to hold onto moisture, while almond flour offers a breadcrumb-like texture and creates a denser crumb while baking.

Be careful with oats

If you have celiac disease, it’s important to proceed with caution when it comes to oats. That’s because they’re often processed in the same facility as wheat, which could result in cross-contact, says Marcus. If you’re interested in eating a snack with oats in it, look for a certified gluten-free label or confirm the product is made with gluten-free oats.

Opt for fruit

“Fruit, including berries, apples, and bananas, are naturally gluten-free and easy to carry and snack on the go,” says Marcus. “Fruits are also rich in filling fiber, which aids digestion and helps you feel full until your next meal.”

Snack on nuts 

“Another healthy and filling snack option is nuts, which are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats,” says Marcus. “Almonds, pistachios, and cashews are excellent options. You can also make a trail mix containing your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.” 

Embrace savory flavors 

“If you’re looking for a savory snack option, roasted chickpeas or edamame are an excellent choice,” says Marcus. “They’re packed with protein and fiber, which makes them satiating and perfect for midday hunger pangs.”

Grab a bar

Bars are perfect for on-the-go snacking, says Marcus. There are many brands out there that have gluten-free offerings, so choose one with flavors you like.