8 Gluten Free Grain Alternatives

There have been a lot of scientific studies supporting the shift towards gluten free lifestyles in recent years – one of which being gluten’s link to life-threatening illnesses such as diabtetes, heart attacks as well cancers. Alongside that, a lot of people have provided convincing testimonials on the positive effects of consuming only gluten free grain alternatives. Some of you may find it almost impossible to give up eating gluten: wheat, rye and barley (main gluten grain sources) as it more than likely that these have been a major staple in your daily diet for more than likely your entire life. However you’d be surprised to know that there are a number of grain alternatives you can use that are easily accessible, more delicious and in some cases even a bit cheaper than the ones you’ve already consuming.

Here’s my list of 8 Gluten Free Grain Alternatives:

Quinoa – This lovely gluten free grain has been used by vegetarians for a long time as their complete source of protein. Now, you can also take advantage of its gluten freeness and nutty flavour, oh and be ensure that you also getting your daily dose of fiber, phosphorus, iron, as well as magnesium in the process.
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Amaranth – This is another one of the gluten free grain alternatives you should try as it has a rich nutritional profile, with high levels of potassium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium. If you’re curious, it is slightly more expensive than some the other grains however, it should be worth the expense.
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Teff – To diversify, you could also spend close to $10 for a kilo of this gluten free grain alternatives – Teff. This is a healthy substitute for wheat that’s simple to prepare. Very similar in taste and appearance to quinoa, teff is also quite nutritionally impressive considering it is packed with calcium, amino acids and iron.
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Rice – If you’ve indulged in Chinese, Indian and Japanese cuisines, you’ve certainly come across this number 1. gluten free grain alternative and more than lively you love it. Great news – Rice is gluten free. You could go white, brown, black, wild, long-grain or short grain. All rice varieties are gluten free, out of all of them however I sternly recommend either brown or black rice over the whites. Rice can be used to make gluten free bread while the next few options are more popular for baking or creating desserts. Even better news… rice is available world wide! I love this fact it makes regardless of where I travel I always have readily available access to this yummy gluten free grain.
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Corn & cornmeal – Can be used to make all sorts of pastries so you don’t have to depend on the commercial wheat flour that’s often used and required to create cakes, muffins, slices and biscuit. Oh and this is almost available at all supermarkets in the Baking isle. So look out for either corn or cornmeal.
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Tapioca – This is another Asian ingredient that’s great for making sweets. Tapioca is useful when it comes to making pudding and sticky cakes because of the thicker more moist consistency.
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Sorghum – This ancient gluten free cereal grain has been used to create everything from gluten free bread to biofuel, animal feed, and alcohol. It is quite abundant in Australia and many other western countries and it’s super cheap on the pocket too.
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Chickpeas – As a final entry to my list of 8 gluten free grain alternatives, this one is not just great for baking, but it is ideal for cooking: salads, stir fry’s, dips and more. And added bonus you can just about get them anywhere too.