Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Cooking Gluten Free For Kids


JackieC

Recommended Posts

JackieC Newbie

Help... we're thinking my 4 yr old may be gluten intolerant. It hasn't been confirmed yet. What are some things you cook for your kids that are gluten free?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Darn210 Enthusiast

Basically the same stuff I cooked before gluten free . . . I just had to make sure my ingredients were safe or switch to a gluten free version of something:

Pasta . . . We switched to Tinkyada brand. They even have one called Lil Dreams which are shaped liked stars, cats, cars (fun stuff for kids).

Tacos . . . Ortega brand (and actually several others) will list any gluten ingredients. We use the Ortega shells, seasoning packet and taco sauce.

Chicken (Baked or Grilled) and Rice . . . fresh meats are OK and plain rice is fine. Watch out for the seasoned/flavored rice like Rice-a-Roni.

Hamburgers or Hotdogs . . . Udi's makes a nice gluten-free hamburger or hot dog bun but my daughter prefers to eat them bun-free.

Chicken Nuggets . . . My daughter prefers the Applegate Farms brand and the Bell & Evans brand. Make sure you get the boxes that say gluten-free because they make other versions.

Roast Beef & Potatoes . . . Not that its a big favorite of hers ;)

Fresh & Frozen veggies and fruits are good. Watch out (meaning check ingredient list) for ones that have sauces added.

String Cheese, Glutino Pretzels, Jif Peanut Butter, Udi's or Rudi's gluten-free bread, Pizza made with Udi's pizza crust, microwave popcorn, chex cereal, Rice Krispie treats made with the gluten-free Rice Krispies . . .

What does your 4-yr old eat now? We can help steer you in the right direction for replacements.

tarnalberry Community Regular

DD (2.5yr) has always had what we've had - stirfry is probably her favorite. ;)

Roda Rising Star

Same here as Darn210 I cook pretty much the same things as I did before. There were a few modifications to ingredients/products etc. but they enjoy a very varied diet. Fresh fruits, veggies, pasta, Brazilian cheese rolls, cookies, cakes, muffins, Udi's bread and pizza crusts, etc. You get the picture. I make a big batch of baked goods, pancakes and waffles and freeze them to have on hand for lunches and quick breakfast in the mornings. They love anything dairy too. I frequently send leftovers from supper in their lunches. Their lunches are 10X better than their friends and the cafeteria lunches.

kvanrens1 Explorer

I will add gluten free pizza. My daughter's fav. I get the premade Udi's pizza crusts (2 smallish ones to a package and keep in freezer - they thaw really quickly). I add gluten free speghetti sauce, gluten free pepperoni, and kraft pizza cheese (lactose free). She loves it. I usually make one a week and she has some for her lunch the next day.

I have made the gluten free pizza using the gluten free pizza crust mixes. She loves the Udi's pizza crusts better so that works for me.

The applegate hotdogs are gluten free and I add that to the gluten free mac and cheese.

alex11602 Collaborator

Breakfast:

-peanut butter chocolate smoothie (for 4 of us we take 4 bananas, slice and freeze them. After they are in the freezer for at least 15 minutes I put them in the ninja with at least a 1/4 c of chocolate almond milk and a huge heaping tbs of creamy peanut butter)

-cereal (kix, berry berry kix, rice chex, apple cinnamon chex, fruity pebbles, cocoa pebbles or Kashi Indigo Morning)

-scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage

-pancakes (Namaste or we just tried Pamela's this morning and they were nice and fluffy) with bacon or sausage

Lunch:

-usually dinner leftovers

-sometimes pb&j on a rice cake or Glutino original crackers

Dinner:

-beef or chicken with potatoes or rice with roasted broccoli or raw carrots, sometimes balsamic brussel sprouts with bacon

-chicken parm

-chicken risotto

-tacos using whatever meat and homemade taco seasoning and ortega white corn shells, cheddar cheese and Daisy sour cream

-pizza using Udi's crust

-breakfast for dinner (an absolute favorite of my girls)

JackieC Newbie

Basically the same stuff I cooked before gluten free . . . I just had to make sure my ingredients were safe or switch to a gluten free version of something:

Pasta . . . We switched to Tinkyada brand. They even have one called Lil Dreams which are shaped liked stars, cats, cars (fun stuff for kids).

Tacos . . . Ortega brand (and actually several others) will list any gluten ingredients. We use the Ortega shells, seasoning packet and taco sauce.

Chicken (Baked or Grilled) and Rice . . . fresh meats are OK and plain rice is fine. Watch out for the seasoned/flavored rice like Rice-a-Roni.

Hamburgers or Hotdogs . . . Udi's makes a nice gluten-free hamburger or hot dog bun but my daughter prefers to eat them bun-free.

Chicken Nuggets . . . My daughter prefers the Applegate Farms brand and the Bell & Evans brand. Make sure you get the boxes that say gluten-free because they make other versions.

Roast Beef & Potatoes . . . Not that its a big favorite of hers ;)

Fresh & Frozen veggies and fruits are good. Watch out (meaning check ingredient list) for ones that have sauces added.

String Cheese, Glutino Pretzels, Jif Peanut Butter, Udi's or Rudi's gluten-free bread, Pizza made with Udi's pizza crust, microwave popcorn, chex cereal, Rice Krispie treats made with the gluten-free Rice Krispies . . .

What does your 4-yr old eat now? We can help steer you in the right direction for replacements.

Thank you. This was helpful. She basically has a small menu of items that she will eat... mac n cheese, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, turkey & cheese sandwiches, chex cereal. I found some gluten free chicken nuggets & fish sticks at a health food store. A small box of each...$14.00. Can't seem to find them in a grocery store.


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Darn210 Enthusiast

Thank you. This was helpful. She basically has a small menu of items that she will eat... mac n cheese, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, turkey & cheese sandwiches, chex cereal. I found some gluten free chicken nuggets & fish sticks at a health food store. A small box of each...$14.00. Can't seem to find them in a grocery store.

Was that $14 total or $14 each? Unfortunately $7/each is about what I pay. I do watch for stuff to go on sale (save a buck or two a box) and then buy several.

My Krogers carries some gluten free frozen stuff in their "health food/organic" section, it's not with the regular food. Whole Foods has a bigger selection than Krogers but if Krogers carries it, it's cheaper than Whole Foods (in my experience). Do you have a Whole Foods anywhere near you?

I do have an independent type Health Food store not too far from me that has the highest prices but they carry a few products that I can't get anywhere else.

I make homemade mac and cheese, but Annie's makes a gluten free mac & cheese if you can find it.

celiac-mommy Collaborator

I made this the other night and my picky son ate 2 huge helpings. Took 5 min to throw together...

In a large bowl, combine:

I jar gluten-free alfredo sauce (I use Ragu)

2c water

Stir

Add 1 box gluten-free noodles (I use Ancient Harvest elbows)

and 1 pkg frozen mixed veggies

Stir to coat all noodles

Add 1/2 pgk deli ham chopped (I like Hormel naturals)

and 1c cubed cheddar cheese

Stir

Pour into baking dish and bake at 350 for 40 min

JackieC Newbie

Was that $14 total or $14 each? Unfortunately $7/each is about what I pay. I do watch for stuff to go on sale (save a buck or two a box) and then buy several.

My Krogers carries some gluten free frozen stuff in their "health food/organic" section, it's not with the regular food. Whole Foods has a bigger selection than Krogers but if Krogers carries it, it's cheaper than Whole Foods (in my experience). Do you have a Whole Foods anywhere near you?

I do have an independent type Health Food store not too far from me that has the highest prices but they carry a few products that I can't get anywhere else.

I make homemade mac and cheese, but Annie's makes a gluten free mac & cheese if you can find it.

It was $14 TOTAL. Yes, I am finding the gluten free items are very expensive. Unfortunatly I do not have a Krogers or a Whole Foods. Just Walmart, Hannafords or Price Chopper.

I have found the Annie's mac n cheese but find it tastes much more salt than the regular Kraft. Do you have a good recipe? Thank you for your input. :)

nvsmom Community Regular

My kids tested negative for celiac but I suspect my oldest and possibly my youngest have issues with gluten. They are all gluten-free now just in case.

My kids are all very different eaters. Ds#1 would live on raw fruits and veggies with some meats; he has a tree nut allergy so that limits us some. Ds#2 is very picky. He eats beige food and actually gags when trying to chew a vegetable, fruit, or piece of red meat; eyes water and everything... not pretty. LOL Ds#3 will try most foods and eat the largest variety.

All food is gluten-free:

Breakfast

Pancakes - I replace 1/3 of mix with golden flax, add extra eggs, bee pollen and protein powder.

bacon or other thin meats (Piller has a nice lower fat "bacon" with no nitrites

fruits

raw veggies

Lunch

I slice bread or 1/2 bagel or microwaved bun

carnberries or other fruit

meat slices and cheese

nuts

yogurt

Snack

Fruit and veggies

dried fruits, nuts and seeds

dry ceral (Chex and granola)

meat slices or cheese

Kinicritter cookies

rice cakes or crackers

Supper

Chicken (KFC) nuggets (cooked in Actifry with 1tbs oil)

fruit sauces

fries

veggies (raw or cooked)

garlic butter noodles

hot dogs and bratwurst

baked beans or chili

quesadillas (sp?)

pizza

meatballs

rice

turkey

... lots more but those are their prefered foods

shadowicewolf Proficient

My mac and cheese recipe is:

Half a box of ancient harvest elbows

one tab of butter (original recipe called for half a stick :blink: )

Enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan

2 cups of milk (i use 2%)

About a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with a tad bit of water (careful here corn starch does not like heat, thus it makes little clumps without the water, if it happens just strain it out)

8 or so slices of kraft american cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Reducw the milk dow then add the cheese. Add cooked pasta.

Really really good recipie

JackieC Newbie

My mac and cheese recipe is:

Half a box of ancient harvest elbows

one tab of butter (original recipe called for half a stick :blink: )

Enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan

2 cups of milk (i use 2%)

About a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with a tad bit of water (careful here corn starch does not like heat, thus it makes little clumps without the water, if it happens just strain it out)

8 or so slices of kraft american cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Reducw the milk dow then add the cheese. Add cooked pasta.

Really really good recipie

Thank you very much. I will try it. :)

JackieC Newbie

I made this the other night and my picky son ate 2 huge helpings. Took 5 min to throw together...

In a large bowl, combine:

I jar gluten-free alfredo sauce (I use Ragu)

2c water

Stir

Add 1 box gluten-free noodles (I use Ancient Harvest elbows)

and 1 pkg frozen mixed veggies

Stir to coat all noodles

Add 1/2 pgk deli ham chopped (I like Hormel naturals)

and 1c cubed cheddar cheese

Stir

Pour into baking dish and bake at 350 for 40 min

Thank you very much. :)

my3monkees Rookie

My 9 yr. old, always LOVED Kraft Mac and Cheese. It was always a special treat. He doesn't like good mac & cheese. Only powdered cheese for him! LOL

So every so often I will buy a box, throw away the noodles and use the cheese with gluten free noodles! I have heard that you can buy the cheese packets from Kraft without the noodles. But I don't do it often enough to be bothered.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,878
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Dcecilio
    Newest Member
    Dcecilio
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      70.5k

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      @Mynx, how long have you been gluten-free? I ask because many newly diagnosed celiacs react to many things, and often think their reactions are caused by gluten, when in fact, they are really caused by a combination of a sensitive gut due to damage, as well as additional food intolerance/leaky gut issues to other foods which may be temporary until their villi heal.
    • Scott Adams
      Many major brands of distilled vinegar in the USA, including Heinz white vinegar, are typically made from corn. In the United States, corn is a common and cost-effective raw material used in the production of distilled white vinegar. The process involves fermenting the sugars derived from corn into alcohol, which is then further fermented into acetic acid to produce vinegar. Distillation follows, which purifies the liquid and removes impurities, including any residual proteins or allergens. While the source of the vinegar (e.g., corn) is not always explicitly stated on the label, corn-derived vinegar is widely used in the food industry due to its neutral flavor and affordability. For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, distilled vinegar made from corn is generally considered safe, as the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins. However, if you have concerns about cross-contamination or specific sensitivities, it’s always a good idea to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the sourcing and production practices. Heinz, for example, has stated that their distilled white vinegar is gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease, but verifying this information can provide additional peace of mind. The belief that distilled vinegar is gluten-free is rooted in the scientific understanding that gluten proteins, which are large and complex molecules, are generally too big to pass through the distillation process. Distillation involves heating a liquid to create vapor, which is then condensed back into a liquid form, leaving behind larger molecules like gluten proteins. However, the concern about cross-contamination arises from the possibility that gluten-containing ingredients may have been present in the liquid prior to distillation. While the distillation process itself is highly effective at removing gluten, the equipment used in production could potentially introduce trace amounts of gluten if not thoroughly cleaned between batches. For most individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, distilled vinegar is considered safe because the gluten content, if any, is typically below the threshold that would trigger a reaction. However, for those with extreme gluten intolerance or celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause adverse effects. This is why some individuals, like yourself, may choose to avoid commercially produced distilled vinegar and opt for alternatives like apple cider vinegar, which can be verified as gluten-free. The meticulous process of researching ingredients and preparing homemade products, such as ketchup, is indeed challenging but crucial for maintaining health and avoiding gluten exposure. It’s important to note that regulatory standards for gluten-free labeling vary by region, and in many places, products labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is considered safe for the vast majority of people with celiac disease. Nonetheless, individual sensitivity levels can vary, and your approach highlights the importance of personalized dietary management for those with severe gluten intolerance.
    • Bebee
      I have been diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis (LC) for quite a few years, so I have been gluten-free and DF.  I would like to get tested for Celiac Disease because of the possibility of cross contamination and colon cancer.  And if you were hospitalized and didn't have a celiac diagnosis you could not get gluten-free food, I don't know if that is true or not.  Also because there is chance of colon cancer so I want to know if I have Celiac Disease and need to be on very restrictive diet.  The only testing I did was a sigmoid scope and Enter Lab but no gene testing.  I know I can go back to eating gluten for a few months, but I would worry you would have to stay home for the few months while getting gluten.  What other options do I have?  Should I do the gene testing?  Maybe through Entero Lab?  Any other tests?  How important is it to have Celiac diagnosed? Thank you! Barb
    • trents
      Take it easy! I was just prompting you for some clarification.  In the distillation process, the liquid is boiled and the vapor descends up a tube and condenses into another container as it cools. What people are saying is that the gluten molecules are too large and heavy to travel up with the vapor and so get left behind in the original liquid solution. Therefore, the condensate should be free of gluten, no matter if there was gluten in the original solution. The explanation contained in the second sentence I quoted from your post would not seem to square with the physics of the distillation process. Unless, that is, I misunderstood what you were trying to explain.
    • Mynx
      No they do not contradict each other. Just like frying oil can be cross contaminated even though the oil doesn't contain the luten protein. The same is the same for a distilled vinegar or spirit which originally came from a gluten source. Just because you don't understand, doesn't mean you can tell me that my sentences contradict each other. Do you have a PhD in biochemistry or friends that do and access to a lab?  If not, saying you don't understand is one thing anything else can be dangerous to others. 
×
×
  • Create New...