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Recently, I asked a question on my Facebook page about “what’s the one bad-for-you food that you just can’t give up?”
I think as humans we all have our vices. No matter how good of a diet we eat, there are probably a few foods that we may still crave, and even eat, despite knowing that they’re not good for us.
Trust me.
Been there.
Done that.
Still do that. 😉
I have a few foods that I still crave (and sometimes give in to) that are not really the best things for me to eat. Do I eat them often? No. But, it happens. This list was compiled to make the transition away from your favorite junk foods a little easier. If you’re new to a real food diet, this is a great way to see how you can create healthier versions of your favorite standard American fare.
The bulk of these recipes are going to be allergen friendly (i.e. gluten, grain, dairy, etc. free) in some fashion. Some will have allergen friendly options within the recipe. A few of them are going to contain gluten and/or grains, which I have tried to notate within the list.
So, let’s get this party started!
Soda, Sports Drinks, Milk Shakes, etc.
- Homemade Water Kefir (Probiotic Soda That’s Good For You!) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Kombucha (a Fizzy Probiotic Beverage) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Strawberry Soda from A Life Made Full
- Homemade “Gatorade” from Real Food Girl: Unmodified
- Strawberry Watermelon Slushee from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Lime Slushie from Brown Thumb Mama
- Raspberry Lime Icee from A Girl Worth Saving
- Real Strawberry Milk from A Girl Worth Saving
- Real Food “Orange Julius” from Delicious Obsessions
- Easy “Orange Julius” from Richly Rooted
- McCafe Shamrock Shake from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Chocolate Banana Shake from Delicious Obsessions
- Chocolate Ice Cream Shake (dairy free) by GAPS Diet Journey
- Homemade Sugar Free Lemonade from Whole New Mom
Starbucks and Coffee Shop Drinks (yes, this gets its own category!)
- Homemade Peppermint Mocha Latte from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Homemade Chai Tea Latte (hot or iced) from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Homemade Hazelnut Latte from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Dirty Chai from A Girl Worth Saving
- Quick and Easy Homemade Chai Tea from Keeper of the Home
- Chai Tea Concentrate from Nourishing Joy
- Real Food Hot Cocoa from GNOWFGLINS
- Paleo Hot Chocolate from My Heart Beets
- Cinnamon Vanilla Herbal “Coffee” (for those who need to go caffeine free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Peppermint White Hot Chocolate from Delicious Obsessions
Fast Food, Take-Out, Dine Out (Burgers, Fries, Wings, Pizza, etc.)
- Chick-fil-A Rival Chicken Strips (gluten and grain free) from A Life Made Full
- Crispy Chicken Fingers / Nuggets (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Better Than Take Out Homemade Orange Chicken (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Better-Than-Panda Homemade Orange Chicken (gluten and grain free) from Brown Thumb Mama
- Cheddar Stuffed Burgers (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Garlic Herb Lime Cauliflower “Rice” (inspired by Chipotle)(gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Grain-Free Pizza (5 Ways!) (gluten and grain free) from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- NY Style Pizza Crust (Paleo-style) (gluten and grain free) from ZenBelly Catering
- Cauliflower Pizza Crust (gluten and grain free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Paleo Pizza Crust (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Asian Chicken Salad (gluten and grain free) from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Thai Noodle Salad (gluten, grain, and dairy free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Chicken Curry (tastes like takeout) from Delicious Obsessions
- Tempura Broccoli (you could use this to tempura other things too!) (gluten and grain free) from Hollywood Homestead
- Coconut Oil Roasted Carrot Fries (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Salt N’ Pepper Sweet Potato Fries (gluten and grain free) from Hollywood Homestead
- Butternut Squash Fries (gluten and grain free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Zucchini Fries (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
Store Bought Breads, Rolls, Doughnuts, Pastries, Cereals, etc.
Note: I do not personally advocate eating wheat, as I follow a grain-free diet, but if you do eat wheat, I recommend checking out the Einkorn grains, as they will be as close to traditional wheat as we have access to today.
- Homemade Paleo Pop Tarts (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Homemade Doughnuts (not gluten or grain free) from Cultured Palate
- Chocolate Covered Cake Doughnuts (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Chocolate Covered Cake Donuts (gluten and grain free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Chocolate Cupcakes (gluten free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Fudge Brownies (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Paleo Cinnamon Rolls (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Pumpkin Spice Bread, version 1 (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Pumpkin Spice Bread, version 2 (gluten, grain, dairy, sugar free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Blueberry Muffins (gluten, grain, dairy, sugar free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Sourdough Bread (not gluten or grain free) from Cultured Palate
- Homemade Crusty Bakery Bread (not gluten or grain free) from Live Simply
- Paleo Cornbread (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Soaked Whole Wheat Biscuits (not gluten or grain free) from Live Simply
- Homemade Bagels (not gluten or grain free) from Nourishing Joy
- Sourdough English Muffins (not gluten or grain free) from Nourishing Joy
- Sourdough English Muffins (gluten free option) from GNOWFGLINS
- Homemade Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns (not gluten or grain free) from Nourishing Joy
- Paleo Hamburger Buns Recipe (gluten and grain free) from A Girl With Saving
- Grain-Free “Tortillas” (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Flour Tortillas (not gluten or grain free) from Nourishing Joy
- Paleo Chocolate Puff Cereal (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Cinnamon Square Crunch Cereal (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Fruit and Nut Coconut Granola (gluten free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Healthy Fruit-Based Birthday Cake (gluten and grain free) from Untrained Housewife
Sweet and Salty Snacks (Potato Chips, Snack Mixes, Cookies, Jello, etc.)
Note: I do not personally advocate eating wheat, as I follow a grain-free diet, but if you do eat wheat, I recommend checking out the Einkorn grains, as they will be as close to traditional wheat as we have access to today.
- Homemade BBQ Potato Chips from Attainable Sustainable
- Beet Chips from Live Simply
- Crunchy Veggie Chips from Kitchen Stewardship
- Baked Kale Chips from Delicious Obsessions
- Spicy Kale Chips from Rejuvenating Recipes
- “Goldfish” and “Cheese-It” Crackers (gluten, egg, corn, and nut free) from Mary Voogt
- Homemade Bunny Crackers (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- “Dorito” Flavored Popcorn (you could use this seasoning on homemade chips too!) from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Pretzels (gluten and grain free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Homemade Soft Pretzels (gluten and grain free) from A Girl With Saving
- Homemade Chocolate Covered Popcorn from Untrained Housewife
- Vanilla Wafers (gluten free) from Mary Voogt
- Basic Sugar Cookies (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Oreo Cookies (gluten and grain free) from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Homemade Oreo Cookies (gluten, egg, dairy, nut, and corn free) by Mary Voogt
- Dark Chocolate Peppermint Whoopee Pies (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Chocolate Coconut Flour Cookies (gluten and grain free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Vanilla Maple Cinnamon Nut Crunch Trail Mix (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Fruit and Nut Trail Mix (gluten and grain free) from Cultured Palate
- Cinnamon Coconut Roasted Pumpkin Seeds from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Granola Bars from Kitchen Stewardship
- Almond Butter Protein Snacks (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade “LaraBars” (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade “Cookie Dough” Energy Bars from An Untrained Housewife
- Homemade “Jello” from Whole New Mom
- Homemade NOT “Jell-O” from The Curious Coconut
- Watermelon Jello from A Girl Worth Saving
- Homemade Chocolate Pudding from Whole New Mom
- Nut Butter Fruit Dip from Whole New Mom
Candy
- Homemade Rolo Candies from Real Food Outlaws
- Healthy Homemade Nut Butter Cups from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups from Red and Honey
- Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups from Divine Health from the Inside Out
- Healthy “Reese’s” Candy from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups from Eat.Play.Love…More
- Homemade Butterfinger Bites from The Nerdy Farm Wife
- Homemade Mounds or Almond Joy Bars from Common Sense Homesteading
- Homemade “Almond Joy” Candy Bars from Whole New Mom
- Easy Homemade Chocolate Candies from Economies of Kale
- Candy Coated Macadamia (or Other ) Nuts from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries from A Girl Worth Saving
- Vanilla Bean Truffles from Delicious Obsessions
- Coconut Cream Truffles from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Fudge from An Organic Wife
- Homemade Tootsie Rolls from The Nerdy Farm Wife
- Chewy Pumpkin Spice Candy from Delicious Obsessions
- Lemon Lime Coconut Candies from Delicious Obsessions
- Apple Pie Bite Candies from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Gummy Snacks from Live Simply
- Yummy Gummy Candy (sugar free) from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Orange Gummy Snacks from Hollywood Homestead
- Healthy Sour Kiwi Gummy Snacks from A Happy Health Nut
- Summer Squash Gummy Candies from Common Sense Homesteading
- Homemade Gummy Worms from Rethink Simple
- Homemade Fruit Snacks from An Organic Wife
- Homemade Fruit Snacks from An Untrained Housewife
- Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups from Brown Thumb Mama
- Homemade Fruit Leather from Rejuvenating Recipes
- Healthy Non-Chocolate Fudge with Hidden Veggie from My Heart Beets
Ice Cream and Dairy Products
- Homemade Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping from Delicious Obsessions
- Classic Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream from Delicious Obsessions
- Dairy Free Vanilla Ice Cream from Delicious Obsessions
- Soft Serve Ice Cream (dairy free) from Lisa’s Counter Culture
- Vanilla or Chocolate Kefir Ice Cream from Delicious Obsessions
- Strawberry Ice Cream from Nourishing Joy
- Chocolate Almond Chip Coconut Milk Ice Cream from Whole New Mom
- Greek Style Frozen Yogurt from Divine Health from the Inside Out
- Orange Creamsicles from A Girl Worth Saving
- Banana Fudgesicles from Divine Health from the Inside Out
- Chocolate Fudge Sauce from Recipes to Nourish
Condiments, Dressings, and Spice Mixes
- Homemade Ketchup from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- DIY Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, and Sweet Relish from Nourishing Joy
- Easy Homemade Ketchup (sugar free) from Whole New Mom
- Super Simple and Delicious Homemade Mayonnaise from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Mayo & Avocado Dip from Healing Cuisine by Elise
- Homemade Mayonnaise from Healthy Homemakers
- Condensed Cream Soup Recipe (sub gluten-free flour for wheat flour) from Pantry Paratus
- Cream of Mushroom Soup from Delicious Obsessions
- Mom’s Famous Barbecue Sauce from Intentionally Domestic
- Better Than Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing from Delicious Obsessions
- Dairy-Free Ranch Dressing from Intentionally Domestic
- Ranch Dressing Mix from Untrained Housewife
- Homemade Vegetable Broth / All-Purpose Seasoning Mix from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Curry Powder from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Blackening (Cajun) Seasoning Mix from Delicious Obsessions
- Taco Seasoning Mix from Intentionally Domestic
- Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix from Whole New Mom
Packaged Dinners and Canned Goods Substitutes
- Quick Crock-Pot Spaghetti Sauce from Intentionally Domestic
- Homemade Cornbread Stuffing Mix (gluten free) from Untrained Housewife
- Homemade Stuffing Recipe (gluten and grain free) from A Girl Worth Saving
- Homemade Hamburger Helper (gluten free option) from Kitchen Stewardship
- Homemade Hamburger Helper (gluten free option) from The Humbled Homemaker
- Real Food Mac and Cheese (gluten free option) from GNOWFGLINS
- Homemade Beef Stew from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Beef Chili from Delicious Obsessions
- Real Food Sloppy Joes from The Simple Moms
- How to Make Homemade Broth / Stock from Delicious Obsessions
Cooking and Baking Ingredients
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice from Delicious Obsessions
- Corn Syrup Replacement from Intentionally Domestic
- Homemade Vanilla Extract from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Coconut Milk from Delicious Obsessions
- All-Natural Food Coloring from Eat.Play.Love…More
- Homemade Almond Paste from Nourishing Joy
- Dairy-Free Sweetened Condensed Milk from Intentionally Domestic
- Coconut Flour Pie Crust (gluten and grain free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Coconut Nut Pie Crust (gluten, grain, and dairy free) from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Chocolate or Carob Chips from Whole New Mom
- Homemade White Chocolate Chips from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Marshmallows from Whole New Mom
- Homemade Marshmallows from An Organic Wife
- Homemade Marshmallow Fluff from An Organic Wife
- Coconut Pecan Frosting from GAPS Diet Journey
- Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from GNOWFGLINS
- Chocolate Whipped Cream (dairy free) from GAPS Diet Journey
- Whipped Honey Butter from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Cream Cheese from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Sour Cream from Delicious Obsessions
- Homemade Butter from Delicious Obsessions
- Chocolate Syrup from Pickle Me Too
- Chocolate Syrup from Pantry Paratus
- Chocolate Syrup from Rethink Simple
- Homemade Apricot Brandy from Real Food Whole Health
So, what are your favorite junk food substitutes? Are there any recipes you’d like to share? Leave a comment below and let’s all eat less junk! 🙂
For even more great real food recipes that are delicious and easy, check out my full recipe gallery here.
If you’re looking for real food resources, check out the products I love here.
Sometimes You Just Need a Good Snack!
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you’ve embarked on your gluten-free journey, but are missing your favorite snack foods. You’re bored with all of the gluten-free options out there (which, let’s face it, aren’t all that healthy). Let me ask you a few questions:
- Are you new to a real foods diet or just bored with eating the same thing every day?
- Are you in need of healthy snack ideas for your whole family?
- Would you like recipes that are easy, delicious, and healthy?
If you answered yes to any of these, then my eBook, Gluten-Free Snacks, is for YOU! This book features delicious real food snack recipes from an established community of real food bloggers. All of the recipes featured in this ebook are tried and true recipes that have been put to the test of both preparation and taste.
Long before blogging and social networks, trading recipes has been a way to connect and transfer culture, nourishment, and love from the heart of the home (the kitchen) to others. So, in the spirit of old-fashioned cookbooks produced by schools and churches, each cook featured in this book has provided her BEST recipe, so it winds up a collection of the best of the best!
You will love all the new ideas and new flavors in this book. Clear, easy to follow instructions, beautiful photographs, and accessible ingredients will make this book a favorite resource.
Feed your family healthy and nourishing gluten-free snacks every day without sacrificing taste! These snacks are a great way to add variety to your family’s diet. Healthy snacks are what keep us going between meal times, giving us the energy and sustainable blood sugar that we need to power through our to-do list.
It’s time to ditch the food boredom and embrace deliciousness once again! The Gluten-Free Snacks eBook is your ticket to healthy, delicious, well-balanced snacks to keep you energized and focused no matter the time of day or activities you’re enjoying! Learn more about this eBook and how to download your copy of Gluten-Free Snacks here (or click on the image below).
Delicious Obsessions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Read our full terms and conditions here.

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