Finding and Enjoying Gluten-Free Flatbreads
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the availability of gluten-free options has greatly expanded. Flatbreads, a versatile food item in many cuisines, are now accessible in gluten-free versions. Although traditional flatbreads commonly use wheat flour, several brands now offer quality gluten-free options that use alternative flour blends. This guide explores where to locate these products, important considerations when purchasing them, and even instructions for making them at home.
Where to Purchase Gluten-Free Flatbreads
Finding safe and delicious gluten-free products is easier than ever due to broader retail distribution and robust online choices. Flatbreads can be found in several key locations:
- Large Grocery Stores: Most significant supermarket chains have a dedicated gluten-free section. Seek out brands such as Schär and BFree Foods, or store-brand alternatives. These can often be found in the bread aisle, a specialty foods aisle, or sometimes the frozen food section.
- Health Food and Specialty Stores: Retailers such as Whole Foods or independent health food shops usually have a greater selection of gluten-free brands and products. They may stock less common or local brands that specialize in allergen-friendly foods.
- Online Retailers: The internet offers access to an extensive variety of gluten-free brands, many of which may not be available locally. Websites such as Amazon, Thrive Market, or the online stores for brands like BFree Foods, Absolutely Gluten-Free, and Daiya Foods provide convenient shopping and home delivery.
- Specialized Bakeries: Some local bakeries specialize in gluten-free products. Although not as common, these artisanal options offer fresh flatbreads that often contain no preservatives. Searching online for local gluten-free bakeries is the best way to discover these options.
What to Consider When Buying
Not all gluten-free products are the same. To make a safe and satisfactory purchase, consider these points:
- Certification: Always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging. This ensures the product has been tested to meet specific standards and is safe for people with celiac disease.
- Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list. Look for flatbreads made with alternative flours like rice, almond, chickpea, sorghum, or tapioca starch. Because some people have additional allergies, it's vital to read the complete ingredient list. Other common ingredients include yeast, oil, eggs, or various thickeners and starches.
- Texture and Flavor: The flours used have a significant impact on the final product. Some flatbreads are crispier (such as those oat-based, like Nairn's), while others are softer and more pliable (like those rice or tapioca-based, like BFree). Reading reviews and trying different brands is the best way to discover a favorite.
- Shelf-Life: Many gluten-free flatbreads are sold frozen or refrigerated to extend their shelf life because they lack the preservatives found in traditional wheat bread. Always check the packaging for storage and reheating instructions.
Popular Gluten-Free Flatbread Brands
Below are some popular, reliable brands that provide high-quality gluten-free flatbread options:
- Schär: As a leading brand in gluten-free products, Schär provides a range of breads, including foldable flatbreads and wraps.
- Nairn's: Known for their oat-based products, Nairn's offers a variety of light and crispy gluten-free flatbreads.
- BFree Foods: This company offers a wide range of gluten-free and allergy-friendly products, including various types of flatbreads, wraps, and pitas.
- Absolutely Gluten Free: This brand focuses on certified kosher and gluten-free items, offering flatbreads that are also grain-free.
- Daiya Foods: Known for dairy-free products, Daiya also has a line of gluten-free flatbreads, often used as pizza bases.
- Ugly's Gluten Free Bakery: A smaller bakery that specializes in fresh-baked, vegan, and nut-free gluten-free flatbreads.
Making Gluten-Free Flatbreads at Home
If you cannot find a suitable option in stores, or simply like the idea of a fresh, homemade touch, making your own gluten-free flatbread can be a great option. Numerous recipes are available online that use alternative flours. Here are a few tips and ingredient suggestions:
- Use a Flour Blend: Using a single gluten-free flour can sometimes create a gummy or brittle texture. For best results, use a blend of flours, such as brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and sorghum flour, to mimic the qualities of wheat flour.
- Add Binders: Gluten is a key binder, so many gluten-free recipes add a binding agent like xanthan gum or psyllium husk powder to hold the dough together and improve elasticity.
- Let the Dough Rest: Allowing the dough to rest for 15-20 minutes lets the flours and binders absorb the moisture, resulting in a more workable dough.
- Use a Hot Pan: Cooking flatbreads in a very hot, dry skillet or cast iron pan is crucial to achieving a good texture. A high temperature allows them to puff up and cook quickly without becoming dry.
Comparing Gluten-Free Flatbreads
| Brand | Primary Flour | Best For... | Texture | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schär | Rice, Maize | Wraps, Sandwiches | Soft and Foldable | Versatile, Well-known Brand |
| Nairn's | Wholegrain Oats | Dipping, Cheese Boards | Light and Crispy | High in Fiber, Vegan Options |
| Absolutely GF | Tapioca, Potato | Crackers, Dipping | Crispy and Crunchy | Kosher, Grain-Free Options |
| BFree Foods | Various Blends | Indian Cuisine, Dips | Soft, Pliable | Wraps, Pizza Bases, Naan |
Conclusion: Enjoying Gluten-Free Flatbreads
To conclude, the answer to the question "Can you buy gluten-free flatbreads?" is a definitive yes. With more brands and retailers providing these products, individuals with dietary needs have more options than ever before. Whether you like the ease of store-bought versions from brands like Schär and BFree or the satisfaction of creating your own using alternative flours, the world of gluten-free flatbreads is both accessible and delicious. Always verify proper certification and read ingredient labels to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal. For more details on celiac disease and a gluten-free lifestyle, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation [Celiac.org].
- Celiac.org: Celiac Disease Foundation - Provides information on living gluten-free.
