Kobayashi Noodles

Gluten-free pasta alternatives in three tasty varieties

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With a cook time of only three minutes, Kobayashi Noodle Company‘s gluten-free noodles are a deliciously filling staple made with 100% Japanese white and brown rices. Using a koshihikari variety of the grain lends delicious texture and taste thanks to being rich in amylase (an enzyme that helps break down sugars).

The wheat-, dairy- and egg-free pasta has even fewer calories, as well as less fat and protein than traditional wheat noodles. Plus, they come in fettucini-style, ramen, and udon noodle varieties to accommodate different culinary preferences.

To help consumers adjust their cooking methods to the noodles’ accelerated cook time, the Kobayashi site offers plenty of helpful cooking tips and presumably delicious recipes. All varieties sell for $4 a pack from the online shop.

For delicious gluten- and guilt-free desserts, check out our guide to gluten free indulgences.


Four Gluten-Free Indulgences

From crave-worthy cookies to carrot-based brownies, four new ways to skip the gluten without sacrificing taste
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Finding gluten-free products is easier than ever, but finding tasty treats with good texture remains a constant challenge. Here are five new treats that we think hit the mark.

Tate’s Bake Shop

A forever favorite, Tate’s chocolate chip cookies are now available without the gluten. These thin crunchy cookies achieve a rare level of tastiness and texture not often found in gluten-free products, and taste nearly identical to their wheat cousins. They’re made with rice flour and the same all-natural ingredients as their usual gourmet-baked goods—and taste just as good. Head to Tate’s webstore to order a batch, $38 will get you six bags of 12 cookies each. And for your gluten-eating friends, try the new Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookies, which add an earthiness that takes the original to a whole new level.

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Tokies

This mother-and-daughter team takes an unusual approach to traditional ready-to-use mixes by using carrot hulls as well as grains, lending moisture and fluffiness. Plus, there’s plenty of room or improvisation during preparation of the natural mixes, allowing for last-minute confectionary additions. “Stella’s chocolate indulgence” brownie mix sells for $9 a box. Also check out Tokies‘ gluten-free pancake and chocolate cake mix.

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Marion’s Smart Delights

Few sweet treats complement a temperate afternoon quite like a homemade lemon bar. Look no further than Marion’s lemon bar mix for an easy route to satisfying that summer sweet-tooth while skipping the gluten. Certified Kosher, made with less salt and over one-third less sugar than the leading lemon bar mix, Marion’s brings a refreshingly delicate balance of tart and sweetness. Available for $7 a box from their online shop. While you’re there we recommend giving the cookie and muffin mix a try too.

Glutenus Minimus

Devoted to bringing the finest gluten-free products to the lovely folks of Massachusetts and beyond, Glutenus Minimus bakery (not pictured) offers a wonderful selection of products baked daily—from take-and-bake mixes to 15 muffin flavors and wedding cakes. With 14 Massachusets locations and an online market, you’ll never be too far from a delectable gluten-free guilty-pleasure.


Mini Pops

The tastiest and healthiest snack food you’re not eating yet
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A staple in grain production worldwide, sorghum is slowly making its way from the side stage to the spotlight. It’s easy to grow anywhere on the globe, inexpensive, gluten-free and, with a mild taste that partners perfectly with seasoning, you’re going to start seeing a lot more sorghum-based snack foods in the future. One of the first we have seen, which happen to be extremely satisfying, is popped sorghum, made by newcomers to the snack food industry, Mini Pops.

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The snack is made from organic, pesticide- and genetically modified-free sorghum grown in the USA. It also has fewer calories, less saturated fat, less sodium and more protein, calcium and fiber than popped corn does, not too mention being high in iron, antioxidants and heart-friendly policosanols so you can enjoy a light airy snack with your favorite rom-com without any guilt. Nature has also blessed sorghum grains with softer hulls than corn, preventing those awkward moments of sticking your fingers in your mouth trying to pry uncomfortable wedges from between your teeth.

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Mini Pops comes in plain and seven other flavors (we loved the Nano Pepper & Herb and the Baby White Cheddar), as well as in bags of raw kernels that you can pop and flavor yourself. Try some with a dash of Lucini’s Organic Limited Reserve White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Nudo’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil with Sicilian Chilies for a quick, healthy and low calorie snack.

Mini Pops are available online at the Mini Pops shop or look for a retailer near you. A 16-ounce bag of raw kernels sells for $13 and the six-ounce flavored bags sells for $3.50.