People are becoming more and more conscious of what they’re putting in their bodies these days, and whether that’s because of allergies, ethical beliefs, or simply wanting to feel better, we’re all for it. But as specialty diets become more common, it can understandably get a little confusing how to please everyone. We’re here to help.
Vegan and gluten-free are two of the most quickly growing diets in the US, so let’s check out some great plant-based and zero-gluten nibbles and gifts that will make the perfect additions to any occasion:
A spiralizer is a great kitchen gadget for both your gluten-free and vegan friends. “Zoodles” or zucchini noodles are all the rage these days. You can recreate your favorite Italian pasta or Asian noodle dishes with more nutrients and lower carbs, sugars, and calories. Honestly it’s an awesome gift for anybody — vegan/gluten-free or not. There are so many spiralizers to choose from, but here’s one we think works great.
Part of being vegan is about being inventive in the kitchen — it just goes with the territory. But sometimes you just want someone else to handle the creativity. The 10th Anniversary Edition of Veganomicon is packed with delicious, innovative plant-based recipes that any vegan home chef — novice or expert — will adore.
Who doesn’t love chocolate? And who doesn’t love chocolate you can feel good about eating? We love the goodies from Hu Kitchen, which are gluten-free, vegan (and Paleo). Pure ingredients, creative flavor combos, and just the right amount of sweetness make their chocolate bars a perfect treat to pass around the dinner table after a meal.
Bread is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Of course, for our gluten-free friends, it can be a tricky thing to navigate. Sure, there are some pretty good gluten-free breads out there on the shelves now, but let’s be honest: there’s nothing better than a warm homemade loaf. And a bread machine is an easy way to be sure your breads are made with the wholesome ingredients that fit your lifestyle. Here’s a great one.
Dr-Cow is a popular Brooklyn plant-based cheese shop and you can order their scrumptious offerings online. Their cheeses are vegan, gluten-free, raw, soy-free, organic and non-GMO. That’s a lot of checked boxes! And most importantly they are creamy and delicious. Arrive with a cheese board appetizer with some jam and your favorite gluten-free crackers and Aunt Carol will definitely approve.
One of the trickiest things about being gluten-free is how to keep your taste buds excited. It’s easy to fall into eating the same “safe” things day after day. We get it. You want to make sure you don’t accidentally ingest something you can’t tolerate, and there can be hidden gluten in the strangest places. (We’re looking at you, vitamin supplements, lipsticks, and salad dressings.)
A gluten-free magazine subscription makes a great gift for the gluten-free buddy in your life. Here are two magazines we love: Gluten-Free Living and Gluten-Free & More.
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but blenders have gotten really awesome. So awesome that you’ll find yourself using them every single day in the kitchen. There’s the NutriBullet which is great for smoothies, yes, but also for grinding coffee beans, speeding up the roux and gravy-making process, and about a million other things. And the VitaMix, which is more expensive, but can make literally anything smooth in seconds.
There’s also the immersion blender, which is not as talked about, but helps make the most epic soups. Most people don’t have one, but everyone should.
Non-dairy milk is key for vegans and a way for everyone (including non-vegans) to get more nutrition from their milk. You can make nut milk and leave the sediment in it, or you can use a nut milk bag (like Ellie’s!) to get deliciously smooth “milk”. You can also use it to make cold brew, which you should definitely do.
If you want to go really fancy, you can get their Nut Milk Start kit, which includes everything you need to get started.
It’s easy to spend hours going down the Amazon rabbithole, but why not try something a little less corporate? Uncommon Goods is a site that offers “remarkable designs by independent makers, and our goal is to do it with a positive impact on both people and our planet.” They have tons of fun items, but here are some that your vegan and gluten free friends might love:
Who doesn’t love cookies for the holidays? These cookies are certified both vegan and gluten free, and won’t make you feel blah after you eat them, which, let’s be honest, is a rarity for sweets.
Who doesn’t love cookies for the holidays? Baking homemade cookies have been a holiday tradition for many families but when you're running out of time and still want that delicious homemade taste, you want the best storebought cookies you can buy. That's where we come in! These cookies are certified both vegan and gluten free, and won’t make you feel blah after you eat them, which, let’s be honest, is a rarity for sweets. Shop for a variety of vegan and gluten-free cookie flavors at Maxine's Heavenly!
