Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour
This flour is essential. I use Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour. It's fairly inexpensive, and you can find it in Gluten Free shops, some supermarkets, Ocean State Job Lot, and online. Vitacost is a site that I buy baked goods from. If I am in a pinch, I will purchase it at Ocean State Job Lot.
Gluten Free Bread Crumbs
If you love breaded chicken, fish, etc, stock up on Gluten Free Bread Crumbs. These are a bit pricey, but, they are handy to have around. I am partial to the Glutino bread crumbs. You can find these breadcrumbs at Gluten Free shops, supermarkets, and online at Vitacost.
Gluten Free Xantham Gum
This is just as important as the All Purpose Flour. Xantham Gum is a binding agent that hold the food together. Gluten Free baked goods can be quite crumbly, but Xantham Gum does a decent job holding things together. This is moderately prices, and easy to find.
Gluten Free Soy Sauce
If you like Asian cuisine, you must stock up on Gluten Free Soy Sauce. Regular soy sauce contains wheat, so make sure you purchase the gluten free ones and not the regular ones. You can find these in the supermarket in the natural/organic section, and online. Gluten Free Soy Sauce is a little pricey, but, worth it.
Gluten Free Brown and White Rice Flour
For all you baking enthusiasts, stock up on these items. These items are available online. These items are moderately priced.
Gluten Free Cornstarch
This product is available in stores and online, at a moderate price.
Gluten Free Mustard
I love making my own chicken marinades, and a lot of recipes call for mustard. Definitely keep mustard in your pantry.
Gluten Free Mayonnaise
I'm not a huge fan of mayo, but, if you like making potato, pasta, tuna, or chicken salad, definitely stock up on mayo. I've noticed that most mayonnaise is Gluten Free, especially Hellmmans. Definitely check the ingredients, just in case.
Gluten Free BBQ Sauce
If you pinched for time, and you cannot make your own BBQ sauce, carefully read the ingredients of BBQ sauce. Some have modified food starch, which is something you have to stay away from. Some also contain wheat and barley. Stay away from those as well. Check out the natural and organic section of your supermarket for already made BBQ sauce. They are pricey.
Some other goods to look out for: *GF Worcestershire sauce, *GF Ketchup, *GF Stocks(chicken, beef, vegetable, etc). I use a lot of *GF stocks while cooking. *GF pastas, lentils, rice, soups, etc. All products can be found in the natural/organic section of your local supermarket and online. Also, if you LOVE pancakes, Betty Crocker makes a delicious pancake mix. You can find Betty Crocker Gluten Free pancake mix, and other GF Betty Crocker mixes in the baking aisle of your local supermarket. Again, it is expansive and may run you $4-$6. Oil, salt, pepper, spices, etc are all fine. Still, check the ingredients.
The Gluten Free lifestyle is expensive, but, when it comes to your health, there is no price on health. It is worth the price to not have to deal with the nasty symptoms of Celiac Disease.
*GF=Gluten Free
(photo courtesy of: http://www.glutenfreeinspired.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/gffoodpantry.jpg)
