Gluten-Free On A Budget – Money Saving Tips

A gluten-free diet will cost you more than a regular diet. Moreover, if you don’t do proper research regarding the gluten-free stores near you or the cheapest gluten-free foods, there’s a chance that you will harm your budget beyond repair. When planning a special diet, it is necessary that you don’t compromise on your requirements. However, it is also essential that you find options that best suit your pocket. Going gluten-free on a budget is no easy task. But you need not worry as you have landed on a page where you will definitely find the solution to your problem. In this article, we will discuss how you can go gluten-free on a budget while making sure that each dietary need is fulfilled. So, brace yourself for some fool-proof money-saving tips.

1. Choose Natural Gluten Free Options

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Sticking to naturally gluten-free foods can save you a fortune and you can’t disagree with that. Options like beans, fruits, vegetables, and rice are not only free of gluten but will also keep you filled for long hours. These options are very favorable when it comes to your budget as they are much cheaper than other gluten-free alternatives that are available in the market. Looking for some extra money-saving tips? Choose seasonal produce when it comes to natural gluten-free foods as a large supply means less cost. Moreover, try to buy frozen fruits and vegetables as they will last you quite a long time.

2. Buy Your Food In Bulk

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Buying food in bulk is another one of the money-saving tips that is hard to beat. However, when buying in bulk, there are a few things that you should be mindful of. Buy your food in bulk but do not buy from bulk bins. In the bulk bin sections, you will often find gluten-free and gluten-containing ingredients placed side-by-side. When customers scoop from bin to bin, the contents of one bin can move into another bin. Therefore, it is better to avoid bulk bins and purchase bulk quantities of pre-packaged items. Moreover, when buying in bulk, be careful of impulse buys. Just because an item is cheaper in bulk doesn’t mean you need it.

3. Keep Your List In Mind

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When purchasing gluten-free food items, stick to the list that you have prepared. If you go grocery shopping without preparing a list of items that you need, you’ll come home miserable because you’ll probably spend half of your income on food, that too, on food that you don’t even need. Moreover, DONOT go grocery shopping when you are hungry! The snack items that you add to your cart during grocery shopping on an empty stomach will add up more quickly than you have imagined. This can lead to a disaster that you won’t be able to recover from in months.

Want to know more? Read: 5 Ways To Save Money On Groceries.

4. Reduce Meat Consumption

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If you are on a tight budget and want to eat gluten-free, it is recommended that you go for cheaper food alternatives. For instance, swapping meat with more affordable options can considerably benefit you. No dietary need shall be compromised when you are on a gluten-free diet, so if you plan on reducing meat consumption, look for other high-protein options that you can consume. Some protein-rich options that are also affordable include eggs, lentils, nuts, and quinoa. You can even start some kind of traditions to motivate yourself like Meatless Wednesdays. Moreover, you can try out some new gluten-free, vegetarian recipes that suit your taste and preferences.

5. Choose Meal Bases That Are Less Expensive

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A meal base is the primary component of your food that is rich in nutrients and is also filling. A meal base like brown rice, beans, potatoes (both sweet and regular), and lentils are affordable and will keep you full throughout the day. Contrary to this, if you go for pre-packaged gluten-free products, they can cost you quite a lot. The bases that you choose for yourself don’t have to be boring and tasteless. In fact, you can prepare them using spices and flavorful herbs to enhance their taste. You can combine these bases with some seasonal vegetables and prepare a gluten-free meal of your dreams at home, by yourself.

6. Gluten-Free Baked Goods

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Why spend money on buying gluten-free bread when you can prepare it yourself at home? Gluten-free bread is quite expensive. When on a budget you might even have to quit bread if you are on a gluten-free diet. However, if you get motivated enough to prepare it at home, you can enjoy your meals without having to worry about the money. You can easily find the recipe for gluten-free bread on the internet. In order to bake the perfect bread, follow the recipe step-by-step and make sure that your measurements are accurate.

Similarly, if you are a fan of cookies and are looking for gluten-free options, the best way is to prepare your cookies at home. Store-bought cookies are way more expensive than homemade cookies so make sure that you don’t get tempted to add a pack to your cart while grocery shopping.

7. All-In-One Meals

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Here is another tip that will help you go gluten-free on a budget. If you prepare instant pot, slow cookers, and sheet pan meals, you will be able to “set it and forget it”. These meals will not only save money but will also save plenty of your time. You can add the herbs and spices of your choice to your one-pot meals and make them tasty and enjoyable. So, save on your ingredients and on your precious time by preparing all-in-one gluten-free meals.

8. Breakfast For Dinner

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The gluten-free breakfast options include fruits, hashbrowns, eggs, homemade gluten-free pancakes, or breakfast tacos. All these options are quite cheap and are easily affordable. Therefore, on days when you don’t feel motivated enough to prepare a complicated dinner, don’t go for expensive, ready-made gluten-free food. Instead, you can use the breakfast items for nighttime meals and save your money. This idea is a hit even if you have kids.

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These were some money-saving tips that can help you go gluten-free on a budget. Follow the tips that best suit your lifestyle and make sure to let us know how they benefit you.