I am the worlds worst penny pincher, which is sort of an oxymoron, because I feel I am the best at it. I don't like to waste money and go to great lengths to make sure I am not wasting a cent and therefore getting the best deal. So, in other words, I do not use local natural foods markets very often, nor do I use the average grocery store for my Gluten free ingredients/purchases. Both of these places are huge wastes of money.
Here are the best prices I have found, click the bolded links to go directly to the sites:
Agave Nectar RAW: Agave is my favorite sweetener, so I buy it in bulk. The best price I have found is at 21 Missions. They sell both dark and light raw agave syrups (Dark may have a distinct flavor. I bought 1 dark, so I could find out). It costs 29.95 a gallon, which is about 66% the average cost found at other places. Shipping for 4 Gallons cost me $33 by FedEX, which was the best shipping cost outside of Amazon.com. Even considering shipping it amounted to a savings of $2.50 per quart or $10 per gallon. This is also considering that the other comparisons I was making was against products that were not raw, or in other words did not still have their enzymes and 'living' properties still in tact. This makes the value of the purchase all the greater. If you have never bought it before, I recommend you go to your local Walmart and pick some up. It has a perfect sweet flavor with no distinct flavors as honey or molasses do. It is an AWESOME replacement for breakfast syrups and I even substitute it in baking for sugar.
Amaranth: Believe it or not the best price for Amaranth was Overstock.com. Amaranth is an expensive grain primarily because it is very new to the USA. There are only 3 companies that produce Amaranth, so there is no competition to bring down the price, least of all a market to use it. So the price is $56 per 25#, but it is well worth it for the value of nutrition that it provides.
Coconut Cream: Best priced at Walmart for $0.68 for about 3/4 cup. It is a korean product. If you have any oriental stores around that cater to local Oriental Restaurants, then you will likely find Coconut Milk or Cream for cheaper there.
Coconut Oil RAW: When you buy coconut oil, you must be careful. The only kind worth buying is RAW. Any coconut oil can be extra virgin or virgin or even organic, but if it is not RAW, it is worthless. The best price I have found is from Total Health. For 1 quart (or 31 oz) you pay 12.98. I bought 2 jars recently and paid only 6.95 for shipping. That is an awesome price!! I believe the brand was Health Support, though not totally sure.
Coconut Sugar: Lowest priced in Asian Markets. I, however, would rather shop from my computer, so I have not yet gotten out to our Local Asian market to compare prices. I did however, do lots of internet research on prices. The best price I have found is at eFoodDepot.com. The cost is $2.19 a pound or $2.12 a pound if you buy more than 6lbs. Shipping is flat rate $5.99.
Coconut Sugar: Lowest priced in Asian Markets. I, however, would rather shop from my computer, so I have not yet gotten out to our Local Asian market to compare prices. I did however, do lots of internet research on prices. The best price I have found is at eFoodDepot.com. The cost is $2.19 a pound or $2.12 a pound if you buy more than 6lbs. Shipping is flat rate $5.99.
Flax, Golden: I have yet to buy Golden Flax, because it is more expensive than Brown Flax. But I did find a place that sells Golden for the same (if not a better) price as Brown. The only characteristic that makes Golden Flax more desirable than brown, is the color. Your breads maintain that lightness to them as a white wheat would give, giving a greater sense of normalcy for anyone (especially school aged children) sensitive to being seen as different. Just as the amaranth, you can find it at Overstock.com. I can't wait to use up my stocks of brown flax and move on to golden flax.
Gelatin: The Essential Store with free shipping. It is actually a supplemental powder for healthy joints, but great in baked goods and jello too.
Guar Gum: Lucky Vitamin - under $4 a 1/2 pound with a minimal shipping charge makes a great deal! Again going with Now Foods, primarily because they rarely use allergy prone grains in their products and the best methods.
Noodles: Best priced at Asian Markets. The one we have here has all sorts of shapes for less than $2 a pound. These noodles are much better quality than the Gluten Free noodles you find in a health store- no pastey liquid after boiling them, better texture, and don't fall apart.
Noodles: Best priced at Asian Markets. The one we have here has all sorts of shapes for less than $2 a pound. These noodles are much better quality than the Gluten Free noodles you find in a health store- no pastey liquid after boiling them, better texture, and don't fall apart.
Puffed Brown Rice: Best priced at Walmart for $1.00 a bag! You can find it in the Cereal section usually where they keep the Bagged cereals.
Quinoa: It is primarily produced outside the USA, in fact I don't think there is a company in the USA that produces it. Your best bet would be to find a Peruvian (or similar) market the sells it. I imagine the East Coast would be a great resource for Ethnic markets like this. However, the best pricing I have found online is at SuperiorNutStore, 10# for $28.50 and 7.95 shipping.
Rice Flour: It is cheapest to buy your own rice and mill it yourself. Sam's Club has the best price on rice; I am pretty sure my last purchase was $18 for 50#. If you want it pre-ground, then the best price is from Bulk Foods. Their shipping price is also just $5 when you spend $75 and it is quite easy to spend $75.
Sorghum: Twin Valley Mills - While their website is a bit ancient, it has no impact on the quality of their grain. Their prices are beyond the best!! You can buy pre-ground or whole grain. Whole grain has a longer shelf life, so if you have your own grain mill, it is well worth it. They also will call you after the order is placed to let you know the shipping expense. This made me nervous upon first ordering, but it is very reasonable (I think it was about $12 dollars to ship 1 bucket of whole grain and $15 for 30# of whole grain). For added convenience, they also ship your order in prepacked 5 gallon buckets.
Tapioca Flour/Starch: Best priced at Hong's Son at 115 N DIXIELAND ST, ROGERS, just off Walnut St. It is a local Chinese Store in Rogers, Arkansas. they sell their tapioca flour in 14 oz pound paper sacks (just like you find flour at the store) for $0.79 each. If you are not local then look for an Oriental Store in your area. If you cannot find one, then the best place to buy is Bulk Foods. Their shipping price is also just $5 when you spend $75 and it is quite easy to spend $75.
Wild Rice: I use my wild rice primarily for grinding, so it really does not matter that it is broken. There is a miniscule amount of nutrient difference from whole, but not significant enough. By buying broken you save about 75% or $8 per pound!! Makes an excellent deal! There are 2 options that I have found that would be good buys, both online. The first would be best if you are planning on buying a pound or 2 Duluthpack.com AND the second would be the better option if you want to buy bulk The Essential Store.
Xanthan Gum: I most recently bought Xanthan Gum from an Ebay shopper with stellar ratings Tasseltrader. I have been using it for a while now and it has been excellent. You cannot beat 2# for $17.99. The only thing that may present a problem is that it comes from a Corn base, so if you have a corn allergy too, then it won't work for you. In that case I would recommend using a Now Foods Xanthan Gum, because it is made free of the primary allergy grains. When we run out of our current Xanthan Gum, that is what we will be using.
