5 gf pantry staples

5 Gluten-Free Pantry Staples I Always Keep — and How I Use Them

Living with celiac disease means my pantry is my safe haven. Over the years, I’ve curated a list of staples that I trust, love, and can rely on for quick, delicious, and safe meals. Today, I’m sharing five gluten-free pantry must-haves that have saved me time and time again. From noodles to flour, these items are always stocked on my shelves — because they make my gluten-free life easier, tastier, and safer.

Let’s dive into what’s in my pantry and how I use each!

🌾 1️⃣ Lotus Foods Gluten-Free Noodles

(Black Forbidden Rice, Brown Rice & Millet Soba, and Rice Udon)

If you haven’t tried Lotus Foods yet, you’re missing out. Their rice-based noodles are a total game-changer — they cook up beautifully, have great texture, and best of all, they’re certified gluten-free.

Here’s how I use my favorite varieties:

👉 Black Forbidden Rice Noodles
These are my go-to for making quick weeknight gochugang noodle stir-fries. The deep, earthy flavor of the black rice pairs beautifully with the spice of the gochugang.

👉 Brown Rice & Millet Soba Noodles
Traditional soba is usually made with wheat — but Lotus Foods’ version gives me all that nutty soba goodness without the gluten. I use these for cold noodle salads in the summer. A simple dressing of rice vinegar, Le Choy soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of honey makes it super refreshing.

👉 Rice Udon Noodles
These thick, chewy noodles are comfort in a bowl. I love using them in brothy soups with mushrooms, bok choy, and a soft-boiled egg. They also work well in yaki udon-style stir-fry dishes with a tamari-based sauce. I personally love using this to make my favorite udon noodle soup!

💡 Tip: These noodles cook FAST. Always keep an eye on them and rinse with cold water after cooking to stop them from getting mushy.

🥖 2️⃣ Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour

I usually have both brands on hand because they each shine in different ways.

👉 Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Baking Flour
This is my everyday workhorse. I use it for pancakes, cookies, and muffins. It blends beautifully into batter without a gritty texture, and the xanthan gum is already mixed in, so no guesswork required.

👉 King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour
This is my go-to for anything I want to mimic traditional wheat flour — especially in savory dishes. The flavor is mild and the consistency is spot-on.

🍞 3️⃣ Schar Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

If you’ve struggled to find a gluten-free breadcrumb that actually sticks and crisps up — look no further than Schar. These are light, perfectly sized, and have a neutral flavor that works in almost any recipe.

Here’s how I use them:

✔ Crispy Chicken Tenders — I dip chicken strips in egg, then Schar breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake or air-fry until golden.
✔ Topping for Mac and Cheese — I sprinkle Schar breadcrumbs over my gluten-free mac (using Jovial pasta!) and broil for a minute for that perfect crunch.

💡 Tip: Keep the opened package in a sealed container or bag to maintain freshness.

🍝 4️⃣ Jovial Gluten-Free Pasta

I’ve tried so many gluten-free pastas, and Jovial is hands down one of my favorites. It cooks al dente (even if you slightly overcook — we’ve all been there!), and it tastes the closest to traditional wheat pasta that I’ve found.

I love any and all Jovial pasta shapes, and I love to have this brand on hand at all times!

💡 Tip: Jovial pasta water gets extra starchy — I like to reserve some to help sauces cling beautifully!

🥢 5️⃣ Le Choy Gluten-Free Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is one of those sneaky gluten bombs that catches so many people off guard. That’s why I always have a bottle of Le Choy gluten-free soy sauce in my pantry. It’s affordable, easy to find, and has that classic soy sauce flavor I crave. Some people love tamari, but I don’t love the bitter taste that comes along with it- this is the only brand that truly is spot on to my beloved regular gluten soy sauce

How I use it:
✔ Stir-fries — Mixed with ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for quick meals.
✔ Dipping sauce — Combine with garlic, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, brown sugar/honey, and scallions for dumplings or sushi.

💡 Tip: I always double-check the label every time I buy a new bottle — manufacturers can change formulas, but so far Le Choy has stayed reliably gluten-free.

🌟 Final Thoughts

These pantry staples have earned their spot on my shelves because they make gluten-free living less stressful and way more delicious. They help me whip up meals fast without worrying about cross-contamination or compromising on taste.

What are your favorite gluten-free pantry must-haves? Drop a comment — I’m always looking for new ideas to try!