This is a sponsored post for which I have been compensated by the Advertiser. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
I’m sure many of you have heard all the buzz around gluten free lately. I’ve been reading up on it myself and trying to learn more about it since I’m not one to just jump on the bandwagon of any new diet craze and eliminate items from my diet. I’m not gluten intolerant or sensitive but I wondered if there was any benefit to going gluten free or at least reducing the amount of gluten I consume in my diet. A walk down almost any aisle in the supermarket will show you a multitude of gluten free products. After noticing the labeling on some products, it made me aware that many people may not know what gluten actually is. On a recent trip to a salad bar, I found that the spinach was labeled gluten free. In another instance, I saw gluten free chicken. That led me to believe that there may be some confusion on what gluten means.
What is gluten? Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It gives food it’s shape and acts as a binding agent that holds food together. While gluten is often found in bread, baked goods, pasta, and cereal, it is also found in other products like soup, beer, food coloring, and sauces.
For people with Celiac, all gluten must be avoided. People with gluten sensitivity often feel better eliminating it from their diet. For the rest of us, there may be no benefit to eliminating gluten. I’m still doing my research on that based on the idea that wheat may have negative effects on our brains and bellies. While the verdict is still out on eliminating gluten completely for those who don’t have a medical need to do so, I do like to try gluten free products and see what’s good. Since many of my readers have different nutritional needs, I like to stay informed and be able to recommend different options.
When I went in to Walmart last weekend, I saw a display offering samples of Udi’s Gluten Free Burritos and Gluten Free Pizza. I love burritos and pizza and know that many other people do as well so I thought I’d give them a try. Since tortillas and pizza crust typically contain gluten, I was a little concerned that they might taste a little odd. But boy was I wrong! Both were delicious!
Udi’s taste testing at Walmart
Udi’s Chicken Burritos in the frozen section at Walmart
Since my family loves Mexican food so much, I decided to pick up some of the chicken and cheddar burritos. Although these are great to take as-is for lunch at work, I’m going to try them out in a burrito casserole tonight. I’m thinking some homemade enchilada sauce and cheese will make a delicious dinner. Stay tuned for the recipe!
Are you gluten free? Do you think eliminating gluten has any benefit for those who aren’t gluten sensitive or intolerant? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Rena McDaniel says
January 27, 2015 at 6:40 amI haven’t jumped on that bandwagon either even though I probably should. I think food should be enjoyed and although that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch what you eat I don’t want to give up taste and there isn’t alot about gluten free that looks tasty to me.
Rena McDaniel recently posted…VISITING REDWOOD NATIONAL FOREST
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life says
January 27, 2015 at 6:56 amI eat gluten free quite a bit because gluten doesn’t agree with me. It’s so interesting how many gluten free products have hit the market. More choices for consumers.
Maureen @ A Debt Free Stress Free Life recently posted…Is There Such A Thing As A Good Credit Card?
Lisa @bitesforbabies says
January 27, 2015 at 12:21 pmI’ve been eating gluten-free for quite some time now and have tried a TON of brands. Udi’s are hands-down my absolute favourite products! I didn’t even know they sold this product at Walmart!
Myrabev says
January 27, 2015 at 1:26 pmI will be honest my knowledge of gluten free anything is really limited so this post was very informative and handy for me.
Alisha says
January 27, 2015 at 2:06 pmMy daughter has vitiligo and I recall someone mentioning also making small changes to her diet. I’m sure gluteen free can’t hurt and it’s nice that there are so many more options out there now.
Alisha recently posted…Nashville Write the Vision Board Party – Manifest Your Goals & Dreams
Echo says
January 27, 2015 at 5:49 pmI haven’t tried Gluten free yet, but maybe this would be a good way to do it! I am going to have to check this out.
Echo recently posted…Keep Track Of Your Drink with DrinkMarx!
Cassie says
January 27, 2015 at 6:53 pmI didn’t know Wal-Mart had such great gluten free options! I’ll have to look for Udi’s the next time I go shopping. I’ve missed having burritos on our diet!
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Franc Ramon says
January 27, 2015 at 9:31 pmI’ve always been curious why some foods are gluten free. Now, I know why some people need foods to be gluten free.
Franc Ramon recently posted…Under Armour Unleashes Speedform Gemini
Michelle F. says
January 28, 2015 at 12:48 amWe got to go to Walmart during Gluten-Free event and I sampled a lot of the products. I am glad to see all of the options now.
Michelle F. recently posted…DynaPro Exercise Ball + 100 Exercises + Giveaway
Lauren says
January 28, 2015 at 12:56 amI am so excited that walmart has a lot of gluten free products now! I am always looking for the best options for a gluten free diet!
Rubbie Abad says
January 28, 2015 at 6:38 amIt’s a first for me to know about gluten free. Great products indeed. 🙂
Monica Platz says
January 28, 2015 at 8:51 amI have not tried gluten-free products but have been reading up on them and know friends who are gluten-free. I guess if I were diagnosed I would probably jump on the bandwagen!
Monica Platz recently posted…Intimate Love Stories Giveaway – 4 Winners – ends 2/5!
Debi says
January 28, 2015 at 9:35 amMy son has to eat gluten free because other wise he has tummy issues. I am glad to see more gluten free items being available because it makes it easier to feed the whole family.
Debi recently posted…CHEESY BACON RANCH DIP RECIPE
Lisa Rios says
January 28, 2015 at 11:20 amI love eating gluten free foods & it is amazing to know that Walmart has many such free options to try. I am looking forward to try most of them.
XmasDolly says
January 28, 2015 at 8:00 pmNo, we don’t have to be gluten free, but I know someone who does and I shall tell her about your Post here. I’m sure she’ll come over to see. Thanks for sharing.
XmasDolly recently posted…Into The Woods – On the Steps of the Palace
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
January 28, 2015 at 11:11 pmThose are great gluten-free options! Looking forward to your Burrito Casserole recipe.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen recently posted…Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
celebbabylaundry says
February 1, 2015 at 4:43 pmIt’s great that they have very visible gluten free options for those who need it, what a great selection!
celebbabylaundry recently posted…Jessica Alba & Family Enjoy Saturday Brunch
Alyssa C says
February 1, 2015 at 6:41 pmMy family is a huge fan of Udis. I look forward to trying their burritos.
Alyssa C recently posted…Chicken Chow Mein with Blue Dragon + Giveaway♥
Mommy Pehpot says
February 4, 2015 at 7:16 amI still haven’t thought about glutten free diet. I am going to read more about it. Thanks for asking, it makes me want to know more about it.
Mommy Pehpot recently posted…RACKS Opens Two New Stores With NEW LOOK!