Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Favorite Products: January

A beautiful Orlando sunset.

January proved to be a simply delightful month as I found myself back in Orlando for most of it. Able to kick back and relax after a stressful semester, I loved having more time and energy to devote to cooking, researching restaurants, and blogging. 

Just as I got into the swing of things, my siesta in the sunshine state came to an end as I headed back up to Maryland to embark on my second semester. 

Easing back into the semester, I've made sure to stock up my dorm with enough treats and eats on hand to allow me to minimize the trips to the dining hall. After all, I don't really want to brave the winter weather to get a meal I could just as easily cook in my dorm (which my version probably tastes better anyway). This blog highlights a few gluten and dairy free products that caught my eye this month.

Bakery on Main Traditional Unsweetened Oatmeal

When it comes to dorm cooking, nothing is more simple and satisfying as a piping hot bowl of oatmeal for breakfast to brave chilly mornings. Wanting to minimize my sugar intake, I have never picked up one of Bakery on Main's brightly colored instant oatmeal flavors because the sweet shop inspired flavors never appealed to me. However, when I found that they make an unsweetened variety, I was hooked from the first bite. These quick and easy oats are in self-serve packets that are perfect for portioning and easy transportation if I want to throw in a pack to make while out and about on campus. I add a splash of Califia unsweetened almondmilk to make them creamy and rich without adding additional sugar. These oats are non-GMO, certified gluten-free, high in fiber, and low in salt; can you think of a food to beat such a nutritional powerhouse?

For more information about Bakery on Main and their full line of products, click here.

Zen Chocolate Pudding with Almondmilk

While at Whole Foods in Dr. Phillips (Orlando- Sand Lake), I spotted the quintessential childhood treat: chocolate pudding cups. Normally off limits due to milk content, I was excited to find that these were made with my milk of choice: almondmilk. The pudding is rich, indulgent, and fully lived up to- and surpassed- my memory of what pudding should be. In perfectly portioned containers, the pudding makes a great snack or dessert, and is gluten, dairy/casein, soy, egg, and MSG free. These puddings are also vegan and certified organic.

For more information about Zen and their other products, click here.

Snyder's of Hanover Gluten Free Mini Pretzels

With the recent surge of mainstream brands rolling out gluten-free products, I sometimes am skeptical about their commitment to making safe and tasty duplicates of their gluten and dairy-containing counterparts. However, the lure of "normal" gluten-free pretzels prompted me to pick up a bag of Snyder's of Hanover gluten-free mini twists. Crunchy, salty, and satisfying these pretzels were spot on and were even better than I remember mini twist pretzels to be. They were an even bigger hit with my sister and mom who raved about them and also affirmed that they are better than "normal" pretzels. Certified gluten-free, these pretzels are also free from dairy and egg. Specially marked packages even promote the Celiac Disease Foundation and five cents from each purchase is donated to that great cause. Great pretzels to benefit a great cause? Count me in!

For more information about Snyder's of Hanover's gluten-free pretzels, click here.

So Delicious Almond Milk Minis

Ice cream is just one of those foods that I haven't been able to fully fall back in love with since going gluten and dairy free such as Italian pasta, brownies, and cupcakes. I've tasted awesome dairy-free ice cream before, but was disappointed to find it was nowhere near me. Strangely craving ice cream while dorm restocking shopping, I picked up a box of So Delicious' minis for my dorm. A classic taste of vanilla ice cream dipped in a chocolate coating, I was won over by the creaminess of the ice "cream" and crunchiness of the dark chocolate exterior. These perfectly portioned pops are perfect for dessert, but are seriously addicting: it's hard to stop at just one! They are certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan and are soy free.

For more information about So Delicious and all of their products, click here.

These four products caught my eye, which ones caught yours last month? Let me know via Twitter, Facebook, or comment below! 

Disclaimer: This review is current to the original publication date. Updates will be noted. Ingredients and manufacturing processes can change without notice. Each product should be reviewed for individual nutritional needs. Feel free to to contact me with any questions or comments. I purchased all of the items featured in this post independently and it is a reflection of my personal opinion. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.