Gluten-free snacks and regular snacks show a clear difference in ingredients that make different tastes for both of them. Gluten-free snacks are often dry, crumbly, and off-texture, while regular snacks have sugar, fats, and enough texture. But advanced technology has made gluten-free snacks more tasty nowadays by using added sugar and other ingredients that are not healthier. So ingredients and the making process are more important than whether it is gluten-free or not.
When a gluten-free snack is made with whole grain foods like legumes, nuts, or seeds, then the product can be introduced as a healthy snack. When a gluten-free snack is made with wholegrain items, then it contains more nutrition or food values. Today’s refined ingredients have made it more tasty, and people are being attracted more to gluten-free snacks.
What Are Gluten-Free Snacks?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Foods or snacks that are free from this protein are called gluten-free snacks. Some gluten-free snacks are listed below:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Cheese slices or cheese sticks
- Rice cakes
- Yogurt
- Smoothies made with fruit and dairy or plant-based milk
- Edamame
Packaged gluten-free options for snacks are:
- Gluten-free pretzels
- Gluten-free granola or snack bars
- Gluten-free crackers (rice, almond, or seed-based)
- Gluten-free cookies or brownies
- Tortilla chips made with 100% corn
- Gluten-free muffins or mini cakes
- Gluten-free protein bars
What Are Regular Snacks?
Regular snacks are daily basis foods made with regular ingredients under a standard. These snacks are our everyday go-to foods in our daily routine, from home to outdoors. Some regular snacks are listed below:
- Cookies (chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal, unless labeled gluten-free)
- Crackers (saltines, wheat thins, cheese-flavored, multigrain)
- Pretzels (traditional wheat-based)
- Granola bars (especially those with oats not certified gluten-free)
- Cakes and cupcakes
- Muffins (bran, blueberry, banana, etc.)
- Donuts and pastries
- Cereal bars
- Sandwich halves
- Leftovers from meals (mini-portions)
- Candy bars
Taste Comparison
|
Snack type |
Regular snack |
Gluten-free snack |
|
Crackers |
Wheat-based, buttery, flaky |
Often made from rice, corn, almond, or chickpea flour |
|
Cookies |
Chewy, soft, or crisp, depending on the recipe |
Often made with almond, oat, or rice flour |
|
Granola bars |
Often oats are processed with gluten |
Use certified GF oats or seeds |
|
Snack mixes |
May contain wheat-based pretzels or crackers |
Use GF versions of each item |
Mainly, gluten-free snacks are more crumbly or dry, occasionally gritty, denser, or slightly gummy if not well-formulated in texture. Taste is usually pretty close, but GF based foods might taste a bit nuttier or plainer.
Nutrition Comparison
Gluten-free snacks’ calories are sometimes slightly higher than regular snacks. Protein is higher in regular snacks, but when nuts and seeds are added to the gluten-free foods, they might increase the protein level. Fats are higher in gluten-free snacks than in regular snacks.
Oats and added fiber may increase fiber levels in gluten-free items. In GF baked goods, the sugar level is higher in gluten-free foods than in regular snacks. Gluten-free snacks are good for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Follow our nutrition facts guide to get a proper idea about it.
Which Should You Choose?
Choosing between gluten-free and regular snacks depends on your diet goal or health issues. If you have celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergy, then gluten-free foods are your safer options. In fact, gluten-free snacks are the best choice when they are made with high-quality GF or wholegrain ingredients.
Top Picks from Aapon Mini Market
You can buy both gluten-free and regular snacks from Aapon Mini Market, as they provide both. For gluten-free snacks, you can choose organic, gently dried pineapple chunks and organic, gently dried whole apricots.
Pineapple chunks are a great source of vitamin C and minerals and contain bromelain. Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Also high in sugar and calories.
Apricots are high in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and nutrition. Also high in sugar and energy-dense.
For regular snacks, a luxury fruit and nut gift box would be a great choice. It contains healthy fats and proteins. A perfect balance of various vitamins.
Natural NRG would be another good option for regular snacks as it contains a macronutrient profile.
Are gluten-free snacks more expensive?
Yes, gluten-free snacks are generally more expensive than regular snacks as they use alternative flours like almond, coconut, rice, chickpeas, or tapioca. These are often more expensive to produce and less available. Sometimes they are imported or organic. Manufacturing costs of gluten-free snacks are also higher than other and they have a premium quality in ingredients and branding.