40+ Easy & Cheap Gluten-Free Meals On A Budget

Eating gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to spend more! These cheap gluten-free meals rely on affordable, naturally GF ingredients so you can prepare easy family-friendly dinners, snacks, and breakfasts without sacrificing your budget or energy!

best Tips for gluten-free meals on a budget

When initially starting a gluten-free diet, home cooks may have a bit of of sticker shock. Grocery and speciality health food stores carry certified gluten-free prepared foods that are priced astronomically higher than their traditional counterparts.

It’s a trap, though! Cheap gluten free meal ideals are all around you, and affordable recipes are possible without spending extra time or effort in the kitchen. This recipe website, as well as my gluten-free cookbook, includes many easy gluten-free dinners, made from naturally GF ingredients that are not only economical, but readily-available in your local grocery store.

Here are some easy money-saving tips for affordable gluten-free meals!

1. Number one – meal plan! Avoid convenience food traps by planning out meals each week and shopping for those ingredients. You will have everything on hand, ready to go, and avoiding frequent trips to the grocery store saves money!
2. Feed everyone in the family the same meal. Find easy gluten-free dinner ideas that use naturally GF ingredients and appeal to the whole family. Stir frys over rice, stuffed potatoes, casseroles, and sheet pan meals are great options!
3. For pricier ingredients, such as my favorite gluten-free flour, certified GF oats, and specialty grains, buy in bulk using Amazon’s Subscribe and Save, Vitacost, or Thrive Market.
4. Instead of premade mixes, which often contain hard-to-decipher ingredient labels, use whole foods – fruits, veggies, affordable cuts of meat, grains, and canned goods.
5. Make foods that you use a lot and are expensive to buy, such as gluten-free sandwich bread, pancakes, and gluten-free muffins.
6. Alternatively, avoid using bread by substituting lettuce wraps, opting for stuffed potatoes, or serving open-faced over cheap-to-make and freezer-friendly gluten-free cornbread.

where to buy affordable gluten-free food?

A web search for “cheap gluten free meals” will turn up many options for pre-made gluten free meal delivery. Although this may be convenient and easy, there is a massive trade-off with price. Plus, small portions doesn’t make this a realistic option when feeding a family.

The number one place to buy affordable gluten free ingredients is your local supermarket. Use regular grocery store items, such as meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, and canned goods to make meals. Typically the only speciality item I buy is GF pasta, which isn’t terribly expensive if using Barilla or Ronzoni brand.

For gluten free flour and certified grains, buy in bulk using Amazon’s Subscribe and Save, Vitacost, or Thrive Market. Signing up to mailing lists will alert you to coupon codes and deals, and take advantage of those deals by buying in large quantities!

cheap gluten-free dinners

The gluten free recipes listed below are great examples of using regular ingredients to make affordable, allergy-friendly dinners. If you are cooking for a family, be sure to check out Gluten Free Recipes for Kids for more affordable gluten free meals!

easy Gluten-free snacks

Looking for affordable gluten-free snacks that are perfect for the whole family? These affordable snacks are not only delicious, but they’re easy to prepare and perfect for movie nights, after-school snacks, or fuel for the office.

More Snack Ideas

• Cheese sticks wrapped with lunchmeat
• Nuts
• Fresh fruit
• Raisins mixed with gluten free cereal
• Popcorn
• Cottage cheese
• Hummus and veggies
• Dates stuffed with peanut butter
• Rice cakes with peanut butter & banana

bargain breakfasts

Great tasting gluten-free breakfasts don’t have to break the bank! These affordable options are ideal for busy school or work mornings. Many can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for quick and convenient breakfasts on the run.

Save these cheap gluten free meals to your PINTEREST board!

Let’s be friends on Pinterest! I’m always sharing great recipes!

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