A product that labeled gluten free has no wheat added. 

Many families with someone on the autism spectrum remove wheat from their diets.  We have tried a variety of products lately in attempt to find different items that are nutritious with no artificial flavors or preservatives.  Some products are a hit while others tank in the taste test.

The latest food items are all packaged with an option of small pouches that contain 100 or more calories.  These can be expensive over time, but I find it a good way to test out a product and send to school for feedback from the aide.

Ian's sells cookie buttons that are wheat free, gluten free.  They range from 120 calories for the crunchy cinnamon flavor to 130 calories per pouch for the chocolate chip variety.  There are six pouches in the box that costs $4.99 at Whole Foods.  They contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. 

They satisfy the need for something crunchy, plus the taste of cinnamon is so comforting.  Some varieties contain egg, dairy and soy.   They utilize corn flour, soy flour and potato flour plus organic dehydrated cane juice.  There is also ginger and sea salt. 

Surfs Sweets are organically sweetened gummy candies and jelly beans that also contain no artificial colors or sweeteners and have no corn syrup.  The small bags are handy for adding for school lunch or snacking at home.  The calories range from 120 to 140 per serving.  Please note that the bag is considered two servings.  

There is an expiration date stamped on the back of each package and they are certified organic.  My teen likes the super sour worms as they are not sticky on his fingers.  The packages are available in a variety including fruity bears, gummy bears and gummy swirls.  Their motto is Catch a Wave of Flavor.

People Pops are sugar free, gluten free, fat free, no salt, no artificial flavors or colors that are naturally colored with beet juice and tumeric liquid or annatto.  It can be used for diabetics as well.  The label on the side indicates the best buy date.  They contain 28 calories per pop. 

My teen likes the raspberry, cherry and grape flavors the best.  I have sent them to school with my other son for sharing with the class for parties.  They are a bit hit.  A bag contains 6 pops.

Enjoy Life Foods sells soft baked cookies that can also be found at Whole Foods stores.  They regularly have coupons on their website.  We like the double chocolate brownie, chewy chocolate chip and the snickerdoodles.  These sell for about $3.69 per box of twelve cookies in a plastic tin that has dividers with the cookies. 

These cookies are allergy friendly, make in a dedicated bakery, nut and gluten free.  They do not contain dairy, soy, eggs, or tree nuts.  There are two cookies per serving with the calories being 120 or 130 per serving.   

Check out Gluten Free Chip Bags as a snack option for teens as well. 

Bonnie is a freelance writer/editor that has many Autism Family Adventures and writes about Autism Spectrum Disorders