by Claire Bennet | Easy Gluten Free
Hi friend,
Let me guess — you’ve gone gluten-free, and suddenly it feels like every recipe says: “Serve over rice.” Again. And again. And… again.
Don’t get me wrong, rice is lovely (especially jasmine, if you ask me). But the world of gluten-free grains is so much bigger — and honestly, way more exciting once you know where to look.
So today, I’m opening the pantry doors in my Sunday Light Kitchen to show you my 10 favorite naturally gluten-free grains (and grain-like seeds) that will bring texture, flavor, and variety to your meals.
Spoiler: There’s not a boring bowl of plain rice in sight
1. Quinoa
Let’s start with a classic.
Quinoa is technically a seed, but cooks like a grain — fluffy, nutty, and protein-packed.
Why I love it:
- Naturally gluten-free
- High in fiber and iron
- Cooks in under 20 minutes
Try it in:
Warm Roasted Veggie & Quinoa Salad — a perfect meal prep lunch.
2. Millet
Mild in flavor and delightfully fluffy, millet is a lesser-known grain that’s seriously underrated.
Why I love it:
- Easy to digest
- Slightly sweet — great for both sweet and savory dishes
Try it in:
Savory Millet Porridge with Garlic & Greens — a cozy hug in a bowl.
3. Corn (and Polenta)
Corn in its whole-grain form is safe and delicious for gluten-free folks. Think cornmeal, polenta, masa harina, and corn grits.
Just make sure your corn products are labeled certified gluten-free — cross-contamination is real.
Try it in:
Cheesy Polenta Bowls with Roasted Mushrooms
4. Buckwheat
Don’t let the name fool you — buckwheat is 100% gluten-free! It’s earthy, hearty, and great for savory meals.
Try it in:
Claire’s GF Buckwheat Pancakes — nutty and nourishing for weekend mornings.
5. Sorghum
Sorghum is one of my pantry staples — a chewy, round grain with a texture similar to Israeli couscous.
Why I love it:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Holds up beautifully in salads and grain bowls
Try it in:
Mediterranean Sorghum Power Bowl
6. Teff
Tiny but mighty, teff is the star grain in traditional Ethiopian injera. It’s packed with iron, calcium, and protein.
Try it in:
Teff breakfast porridge with almond milk and cinnamon — so creamy and comforting.
7. Amaranth
Another ancient grain you need in your life! It’s a little sticky when cooked but makes for a filling porridge or binder in baking.
Try it in:
Claire’s upcoming recipe for gluten-free amaranth muffins (coming soon!).
8. Certified Gluten-Free Oats
Yes, oats can be gluten-free — if certified! They’re often processed alongside wheat, so look for that GF label.
Try it in:
Claire’s Overnight Oats Three Ways — breakfast just got exciting.
P.S. Not sure if oats are safe for you? Don’t skip this guide:
“Are Oats Really Gluten-Free? What Every Beginner Should Know”
9. Coconut Flour & Almond Flour
Okay, not technically grains — but these flour alternatives are essential in gluten-free baking.
Try them in: Lemon-Coconut Snack Cake
Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
10. Gluten-Free Pasta Varieties
From chickpea to lentil to quinoa-based pasta — there’s a whole GF pasta world out there!
Try them in:
Claire’s Creamy GF Mac & Cheese
Gluten-Free Sesame Noodles with Tamari Sauce
Claire’s Tips for Shopping These Grains
- Always check for certified gluten-free labels — especially for oats, corn, and buckwheat.
- Buy in bulk and store in glass jars for a pretty and practical pantry setup (yes, it’s a whole vibe).
- Rotate your grains weekly — it keeps meals interesting and supports gut health.
Bonus: Add These Grains to Your Pantry Checklist
You’ll find most of these (and how to use them!) inside our free 7-day gluten-free starter guide.
Grab it here if you haven’t already:
Gluten-Free Made Easy: Your 7-Day Beginner’s Guide
Final Thoughts from the Sunday Light Kitchen
Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free.
It means exploring new textures, cultures, and ingredients — and I hope today’s list sparks some delicious ideas for your week ahead.
Want to get started? Here are a few recipes using these amazing grains to ease you in gently and joyfully.
Read Next:
- “The First Week Gluten-Free: What I Wish Someone Told Me”
- “Going Gluten-Free on a Budget: 12 Smart Shopping Hacks”
- “How to Set Up a Gluten-Free Kitchen (Without Losing Your Mind)”
