Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people avoiding gluten for medical reasons or by personal choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, it can be challenging to find convenient pre-made meals that fit their dietary needs. Stouffer’s is a popular brand of frozen prepared meals, but are any of their products actually gluten-free?
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue and more. These individuals must follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods and products containing gluten. This includes most breads, pastas, baked goods and even some sauces, seasonings and soups.
Why choose gluten-free pre-made meals?
Following a gluten-free diet can be difficult, especially when dining out or looking for quick and easy meals. Reading every food label is a must to avoid hidden sources of gluten. Choosing certified gluten-free pre-made frozen meals can make sticking to the diet much simpler. These meals eliminate the guesswork and risk of cross-contamination during preparation. Pre-made gluten-free options can also save time compared to preparing everything from scratch. For busy individuals or families following a gluten-free diet, having some go-to gluten-free frozen entrees, sides and appetizers in the freezer can be a lifesaver.
Overview of Stouffer’s meals
Stouffer’s produces a wide variety of frozen prepared meals, including classics like lasagna, meatloaf and macaroni and cheese. They offer everything from appetizers and sides to skillet meals, pasta entrees, bowls and more. With so many options, you may wonder if any meet gluten-free dietary needs. Let’s take a closer look at what Stouffer’s has to offer.
Gluten-free offerings from Stouffer’s
The good news is that yes, Stouffer’s does produce some gluten-free frozen meals. However, the selection is still relatively limited compared to their overall lineup of products. Here are some of the gluten-free meal options currently available from Stouffer’s:
- Gluten Free Chicken Fried Rice Bowl
- Gluten Free Zesty Chicken Bowl
- Gluten Free Chicken & Vegetables Meal Kit
- Gluten Free Sesame Chicken Bowl
These bowls and meal kits are all certified gluten-free and contain no wheat, barley or rye. They provide a convenient heat-and-eat meal containing gluten-free whole grains like rice coupled with chicken and assorted vegetables. Most options are around 300 calories per bowl or serving.
Other menu items to avoid
While Stouffer’s does offer those few gluten-free frozen meals, the majority of their products do contain gluten. Menu items from Stouffer’s that include gluten or have a high chance of cross-contamination include:
- Lasagna
- Macaroni and cheese
- Meatloaf
- Chicken pot pie
- Manicotti
- Ravioli
- Chicken Alfredo
- Turkey tetrazzini
- Creamed spinach
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffed peppers
These foods are made with gluten-containing ingredients like wheat flour, bread crumbs, pasta, barley, etc. Even some of their rice dishes may be produced on shared equipment with wheat-based foods, posing a cross-contamination risk.
How to spot gluten-free Stouffer’s products
When shopping the frozen food aisle, keep an eye out for the specially marked gluten-free Stouffer’s meals. Packages will be clearly labeled “gluten-free” and also display certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). As of November 2023, only the four bowl products listed above are available as certified gluten-free from Stouffer’s. Always carefully read labels since ingredients and manufacturing processes can change over time.
Homemade alternatives
Because the gluten-free options are still so limited, those following a gluten-free diet may want to prepare more of their own easy frozen meals. That way you can customize flavors and ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Try batch cooking gluten-free casseroles, soups, chilis and more. Portion out individual servings into containers and pop them in the freezer for heat-and-eat meals all week long. Adding your own gluten-free frozen pizzas, burritos, egg rolls and other appetizers can help round out your homemade frozen food selection.
Other gluten-free frozen meal brands
While the current selection from Stouffer’s is minimal, plenty of other brands offer a huge variety of gluten-free pre-made meals and snacks. Here are some top recommended gluten-free frozen meal companies to look for:
- Amy’s Kitchen
- Glutino
- Ian’s Natural Foods
- Van’s Foods
- Against the Grain
- Udi’s Gluten Free
- Real Good Foods
Brands like Amy’s Kitchen carry dozens of gluten-free options including burritos, pasta bowls, pot pies, entrees, breakfast foods and more. Be sure to compare nutrition labels – while gluten-free, some frozen meals may still be high in fat, sodium and calories.
Is Stouffer’s likely to expand gluten-free offerings?
As demand rises, there’s a good chance Stouffer’s will continue expanding their gluten-free selection. The company seems committed to catering to diverse dietary needs based on current marketing. Their website states:
“Stouffer’s accommodates a breadth of dietary preferences and needs, offering meals for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sodium and kosher lifestyles.”
Hopefully in the future we’ll see more gluten-free pasta dishes, skillet meals and classic entree options from Stouffer’s. For now choices remain pretty scarce. Reaching out to the company by phone, mail or social media to request more gluten-free items couldn’t hurt either!
Tips for following a gluten-free diet with Stouffer’s meals
Here are some tips for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who want to enjoy the occasional Stouffer’s entree:
- Stick only to the certified gluten-free meals like the gluten-free bowls.
- Avoid all other Stouffer’s products containing wheat, barley, rye and malt ingredients.
- Check labels carefully every time you purchase, as formulations can change.
- Call the company to ask about any labeling uncertainties or production concerns.
- Prevent cross-contact by preparing gluten-free items first, using fresh utensils.
- Look for signs your product was at risk for gluten cross-contamination during manufacturing or cooking.
- Consider adding your own gluten-free frozen meals and snacks to ensure variety and safety.
The bottom line
Stouffer’s offers a minimal assortment of certified gluten-free bowls and meal kits that provide a quick frozen entree option. However, the vast majority of their classic menu items contain gluten and wheat-based ingredients. Individuals following a gluten-free diet for medical reasons should use caution and double check all labels when purchasing Stouffer’s products. While selection is currently limited, hopefully Stouffer’s will continue expanding their gluten-free range to keep up with consumer demand in the future.
When opting for their gluten-free bowls, be sure to follow protocols for avoiding cross-contact at home. Also consider batch cooking your own gluten-free freezer meals to have more choices on hand. With so many reputable brands now offering gluten-free frozen foods, there are plenty of quick, convenient entree options to suit a wheat-free lifestyle.
