by Claire Bennet | Easy Gluten Free

Hi friend,
Can we talk about sticker shock for a second?

Because the moment I started eating gluten-free, my grocery bill looked like it had gluten in it — bloated, puffy, and way too heavy

It’s no secret: gluten-free products often cost more.
But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to feel good. With a few smart habits (and a little help from my Sunday Light Kitchen), you can eat well, feel amazing, and stay within your grocery budget.

Let me show you how

1. Skip the “Gluten-Free Aisle” (Sometimes)

Those shelves are shiny and tempting — but often overpriced.
Instead, build your meals around naturally gluten-free whole foods:

• Rice, quinoa, lentils
  
• Fresh fruits & veggies
  
• Eggs, beans, and plain meats
  

Bonus: They’re healthier and way more affordable.

Not sure what to cook? Start here: “Top 10 Gluten-Free Grains That Aren’t Just Rice”

2. Cook More, Buy Less Processed

I’ll be honest: gluten-free cookies, frozen meals, and snack bars are convenient… but they add up fast.

Try making these at home:

• Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Banana Oat Breakfast Muffins
• Creamy GF Mac & Cheese

Simple, wholesome, and budget-friendly.

3. Buy in Bulk (When It Makes Sense)

Staples like oats, rice, and GF flour blends are often way cheaper in bulk.
Just be sure to check for:

• Certified gluten-free labeling
• Separate packaging areas (or buy online from trusted sources)

Claire tip: Store everything in glass jars to keep your pantry cute and organized

4. Meal Plan Like a Pro

Planning your meals = less food waste = less $$ wasted.
Need help? I’ve got you covered

Download the Free 7-Day Gluten-Free Meal Plan + Pantry Checklist

It includes budget-friendly recipes like:

• Overnight Oats 3 Ways
• One-Pot Lentil Soup
• Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

5. Make It Yourself (When You Can)

Homemade versions of gluten-free staples are usually:

• Cheaper
• Tastier
• Free of weird preservatives

Try making:

• Your own GF breadcrumbs (just toast & blitz stale GF bread!)
• GF pizza crust or flatbread
• Simple sauces with tamari + spice

Coming soon: “Bake It Yourself” – Homemade Gluten-Free Pantry Basics

6. Shop Sales — Then Plan Your Meals

Instead of picking recipes first and then shopping for ingredients, reverse it.

Check store flyers, find what’s on sale, and build your menu around those items.
Got a deal on sweet potatoes? Boom — sweet potato toast is back on the menu.

7. Try Store Brands

Many supermarkets now carry their own certified GF products — often at half the price.

Some surprisingly great ones:

• Aldi’s LiveGfree line
• Trader Joe’s GF offerings
• Walmart’s Great Value GF baking mix

Same safety, smaller price tag.

8. Use Rebate & Cashback Apps

Apps like Ibotta, Fetch, or Rakuten can earn you money back on everyday gluten-free groceries — especially specialty items.

It’s not a huge payout, but it adds up!

9. Pack Your Own Snacks & Lunches

Eating out gluten-free is expensive.
Eating out gluten-free and safe is even pricier.

Try prepping:

• Claire’s Quinoa Veggie Bowls
• Muffins or protein bites
• A banana and GF rice cake with nut butter (underrated snack alert!)

10. Avoid “Health Food” Traps

Just because something’s labeled “gluten-free” doesn’t mean it’s healthy or worth it.

Be wary of:

• $6 protein bars
• $8 “superfood” chips
• $10 loaves of bread with 3 slices

If it doesn’t truly serve your body or budget, skip it.

11. Choose Multi-Use Ingredients

Stretch your dollars by buying foods that work across multiple meals:

Meal planning magic

12. Budget Tip: Track Your Grocery Spending

Once I started writing down what I spent each week, I realized I was wasting $$ on little snacky things I didn’t actually enjoy.

Now I stick to my favorites and skip the impulse buys.
More money for good coffee and really good cheese

Final Thoughts from the Sunday Light Kitchen

You don’t need a fancy budget or unlimited income to eat gluten-free.
You need a few smart swaps, a little planning, and the confidence to say: “Nope, I’ll make that at home.”

So go ahead — stock your pantry with love, prep something cozy, and know you’re doing amazing. Gluten-free can be delicious and affordable — promise

— Claire

Read Next:

• “The First Week Gluten-Free: What I Wish Someone Told Me”
• “Is It Really Gluten-Free? How to Read Labels Like a Pro”
• “Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes”
• “Top 10 Gluten-Free Grains That Aren’t Just Rice”