A gluten-free diet is becoming increasingly popular, but is it really necessary for pregnancy? In fact, gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Moreover, many people believe that eliminating it from their diet can improve their health.
Some experts claim that a gluten-free diet can help to prevent or treat conditions such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
There is also some evidence that a gluten-free diet may improve fertility and reduce the risk of miscarrying.
However, there is no definitive proof that a gluten-free diet offers any real benefits for pregnant women.
In general, some experts believe that eliminating gluten could be harmful, as it may lead to deficiencies in important nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and calcium.
Best snacks for a gluten-free diet during pregnancy
|
Product |
Category |
OREO Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies |
Best Overall |
NHF Gluten-Free Cookies |
Best Cookies |
Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Homestyle (8packets) 11.3oz |
Best Oatmeal |
Annabella Sugar Free Brownie |
Best Brownie |
Schar Salti, Gluten Free Crispy Salted Crackers, 175G |
Best Crackers |
Best Snacks For a Gluten-Free Diet
| OREO Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies Best Overall | | View Details | Buy Now |
| NHF Gluten-Free Cookies Best Cookies | | View Details | Buy Now |
| Nature's Path Organic Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Homestyle (8packets) 11.3oz Best Oatmeal | | View Details | Buy Now |
| Annabella Sugar Free Brownie Best Brownie | | View Details | Buy Now |
| Schar Salti, Gluten Free Crispy Salted Crackers, 175G Best Crackers | | View Details | Buy Now |
Best Overall
Basically, this item includes 1 resealable 13.29 oz pack of Oreo Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies.
In general, these certified gluten-free Oreo cookies are filled with smooth creme and taste just like the original chocolate sandwich cookie you love.
Moreover, these gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies are made with real cocoa and a special blend of gluten free flour. Hence, they’re perfect for twisting, licking, and dunking!
Reusable packages help your cookies stay fresh, allowing you to anticipate a crisp creme-filled cookie whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet!
Enjoy gluten-free Oreo cookies as a simple dessert or afternoon pick-me-up, or whenever you want to make a moment or occasion sweeter.
Features we love:
- Perfect snack for something sweet.
- Resealable.
- Good combo with milk.
Best Cookies
If you have gluten intolerance, a digestive disorder, or even coeliac disease, finding a tasty snack that doesn’t irritate your intestines can be difficult.
However, we are here to help! NHF produces delicious gluten-free cookies that taste just as good as regular cookies.
With G-Free cookies, you don’t need to sacrifice taste for the benefits of being gluten-free.
These snacks are healthy and great-tasting, whenever you want them. They taste so good; you won’t even believe they’re gluten-free!
Flavours include:
- Green Tea+Spirulina (Exp: 10/2023)
- Dark Choc Chip (Exp:11/2023)
- Chocolate (Exp:12/2023)
- Strawberry New (Exp:11/2023)
- Blueberry (Exp: 11/2023)
- Cranberry (Exp:12/2023)
- NutriBetic (Exp:10/2023)
- Nutri 9 (Exp:02/2023)
- Nutri 9 New (Exp:02/2023)
- Multiseed New (Exp:10/2023)
Aside from being gluten-free, it doesn’t contain the following:
- Artificial colouring and flavouring
- GMO
- Trans Fat
- Soy
- Yeast
Features we love:
- Various selections of flavours.
- No artificial colouring and flavouring.
- No GMO.
Best Oatmeal
Start your day off right with a hearty, gluten-free breakfast that includes delicious individual oatmeal sachets and no gross artificial ingredients.
Pregnant women will love our oatmeal sachets because they are packed with 100% natural whole grains, fibre, and protein to help them stay full throughout the morning.
Plus, our oatmeal is easy to make and can be enjoyed on-the-go! Simply add hot water, milk, or nut milk of your choice and enjoy.
Features we love:
- No sugar or salt added.
- Good source of fibre.
- Simple, just oats.
Best Brownie
Annabella’s walnut brownie is sugar-free, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low carb so that people with all types of dietary restrictions can still enjoy dessert.
These brownies are made with a unique blend of almond flour and cocoa powder, giving them a moist and fudgy texture that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
The addition of walnuts adds a nice crunch and depth of flavour to these brownies, making them an irresistible treat.
Whether you are following a gluten-free, ketogenic, or low carb diet, these brownies are a perfect dessert option. They are also dairy-free and sugar-free, making them ideal for those with food allergies or sensitivities.
If you are looking for a delicious and healthy dessert option, look no further than Annabella’s gluten-free brownies!
Features we love:
- Halal-certified.
- 100% Keto.
- Low on carbohydrates.
Best Crackers
Pregnant women need to be extra careful about what they eat. Some foods can harm the developing baby, while others may not provide enough nutrients.
This is why many pregnant women turn to crackers as a safe and nutritious snack option.
Here’s a closer look at the Schar gluten-free crispy salted crackers. For a party appetiser or for your lunch box, try this delicious gluten-free snack!
Enjoy it on its own, with a savoury topping, or with sweet chocolate cream as dessert. Gluten-free, wheat-free, lactose-free, without milk or eggs added, and preservative free.
There are many different types of crackers available, so it’s important to choose ones that are high in nutrients and low in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Crackers made with healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds can also be a nutritious option.
When choosing crackers for pregnancy, it’s important to check the labels to make sure they’re made with whole grains and are low in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Also, look for crackers that are fortified with folic acid, which is important for the development of the neural tube.
Features we love:
- No preservatives.
- Wheat-free.
- Lactose free.
Price Comparison Table
|
Product |
Category |
OREO Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies |
$15.20 |
NHF Gluten-Free Cookies |
$7.99 – $9.50 |
Nature’s Path Organic Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal Homestyle (8packets) 11.3oz |
$19.90 |
Annabella Sugar Free Brownie |
$15.80 – $18.80 |
Schar Salti, Gluten Free Crispy Salted Crackers, 175G |
$7.95 |
Note: Each item and price is up to date as of publication. However, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Benefits of gluten-free diet during pregnancy
If you’re considering following a gluten-free diet during pregnancy, it’s important to speak to your doctor or midwife first.
They will be able to advise you on whether it’s right for you and your baby. But according to research, here are some of the benefits of a gluten-free diet while you are pregnant.
Increase of energy.
People with gluten sensitivities frequently experience chronic fatigue.
The reasoning behind this is that consuming gluten-containing products damages their intestines, which then hampers the absorption of key nutrients—one being iron.
This iron deficiency further develops into anaemia and subsequently debilitating fatigue and a heightened awareness of exhaustion.
By switching to a gluten-free diet, you give your intestines time to heal; as a result, nutrient absorption improves and so do your energy levels.
Encourages sensible weight gain.
The symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are diarrhoea, bloating, gas, and tiredness – all of which might appear vague.
As a result, the condition may go undetected for decades.
This leads to nutritional deficiencies and in many cases, significant and uncontrolled weight loss.
A gluten-free diet will also aid in the regain of lost weight as well as the correction of these nutritional shortages.
Reduces bloating.
After eating gluten-containing foods, many people who suffer from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity develop gas and bloating.
When you go gluten-free, your stomach will be visibly smaller after your meal because your digestive issues will disappear.
Eliminates pain in the joint area.
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance commonly manifest in the gastrointestinal tract, but they can also affect other areas of the body.
For example, since celiac disease causes an abnormal immune reaction, it increases levels of inflammation.
This is why joint painsters from research – with over 91% experiencing some degree of improvement after going on a gluten-free diet.
Food for a gluten-free diet
There are a variety of reasons why people may choose to follow a gluten-free diet.
For some, it is a medical necessity due to celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For others, it is a personal preference.
There are a variety of gluten-free foods available on the market today. Many manufacturers are now offering gluten-free versions of popular products.
There are also many naturally gluten-free foods that can be included in a gluten-free diet.
Some of the most common gluten-free foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Gluten-free grains and flours
- Gluten-free snacks and desserts
If you are following a gluten-free diet, it is important to read food labels carefully.
Ingredients that may contain gluten include wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats. Manufacturers are required to list these ingredients on the label.
When in doubt, always contact the manufacturer to verify that a product is indeed gluten-free.
With a little bit of effort, it is possible to follow a healthy and delicious gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free diet for celiac disease
If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you know that a gluten-free diet is essential for your health.
But did you know that following a gluten-free diet during pregnancy is also important?
Research has shown that pregnant women with celiac disease who don’t follow a gluten-free diet are at increased risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.
For women with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of having a baby with low birth weight.
If you’re pregnant and have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to follow a gluten-free diet.
They can provide you with information and resources to help you make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
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