The 7 Best Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Pre-Packaged Snacks to Buy Now

The gluten-free trend is nothing new, and ever since Gwyneth Paltrow authored a gluten-free cookbook back in 2015, the market for gluten-free snacks has become bigger every year. The end result is that now when you walk into most mainstream markets you will find an ever-growing selection of brands entering the gluten-free snack category with their own unique options directed at those who are gluten-intolerant and health-food seekers. A recent research report predicts that the global market for gluten-free food is expected to reach $36 billion in five years.

Gluten, for anyone unfamiliar with the term, is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye and it exists in most bread, pasta, pizza crust, cereal, and beer. Anyone with celiac disease has an immune reaction that is triggered by gluten but many people avoid gluten because they find it is inflammatory in their digestive system. Rice and corn starch generally do not contain gluten (unless cross-contaminated in the processing plant), and neither do quinoa and buckwheat so gluten-free products often use these or other flour substitutes.

Whatever your reason for seeking out gluten-free snacks, the list of plant-based options includes products that are packed with good-for-you ingredients such as leafy greens, corn, root vegetables, kale, cauliflower, and peas. As far as packaged snacks go, these selections contain something to recommend them, such as extra fiber or whole grains, and are readily available for purchase at your local store or online.

Editor's Note: If you have Celiac disease or severe sensitivities or allergies to gluten, it’s always important to do your own research and look for labels that warn of possible cross-contamination before deciding what products are safe for you to eat.

For all the Beet Meters, check out the 

If green peas were crossed with chips the result would be these lightly salted gems by Harvest Snaps. The baked green pea snack crisps will satisfy your need for something crunchy. The first and main ingredient is legumes and a serving contains five grams of protein. They are light tasting and not too strong making them appealing to all ages.

What makes Brads Crunchy Kale stand out in the world of snacks is they are air-dried instead of baked or fried. This nacho-flavored vegan snack is organic and packs a serious flavor punch. The kale is dehydrated at low temperatures to remove the water and allows them to retain nutrients and antioxidants. They are spicy with a strong zesty aftertaste. They also come in red bell pepper flavor.

You'll love these chips, made with only five ingredients they use cassava flour which is gluten and grain-free. They are light, fresh, and crispy with just the right amount of sea salt. Their texture is spot on with a clean aftertaste and nothing lingers. Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips also come in vegan, dairy-free ranch.

The moment you open the Leafy Green Vegetable Chips bag you can smell the spices and see the seeds and grains in each chip. They are certified vegan and super crunchy with an enjoyable texture. They taste healthy and full of goodness. The Cheese Greens are seasoned with non-dairy cheddar and can certainly compete with any mainstream tortilla chips.

If you love spicy snacks, you will be obsessed with Love Corn's Habanero Chilli flavor. Consider yourself warned, these corn nuts are fiery. As soon as you open the bag, the smell of corn and spice is strong. These savory roasted kernels is packed with flavor, crunchy, and (made with just four ingredients) they taste healthy. Order a box of 20 from their website or start slowly with a single bag at stores such as CVS. Love Corn also comes in BBQ, Sea Salt, and Salt & Vinegar.

Trader Joe's did it again with their unique gluten-free Cauliflower Crisps. These rounds are super thin and surprisingly crunchy – perfect to dunk into hummus or load them up with dairy-free cheese. They taste healthy and smell great and the texture is spot on with no after-taste.