GLUTEN FREE CRUNCHY SNACKS: DC FANCY FOOD SHOW 2011

Apart from all the cheese cubes and chocolate truffles I tasted at this year's Summer Fancy Food Show, I did my share of what I hoped would be healthier snacking. Here are some samples of the crunchy snacks, made without gluten-containing ingredients.

You're probably familiar with the widely distributed Pirate Brands snacks. They're cheezdoodlish without the orange mess. Gluten-free and trans fat free as well. The Pirate's Booty is somewhat lighter (lower in fat and sodium) than the Smart Puffs snack,but both have a pleasant cheese flavor and crunch.

These snacks were the lowest (Popchips) and highest (Banana Chips) fat snacks I tried. Both were sinfully (with all their salt and crunch)delicious, but, sadly, although both contain no gluten ingredients, neither is labeled gluten-free. This is especially disappointing in the case of widely available Popchips, who, at the Fancy Food Show two years ago, told me they were "this close" to gluten-free certification.

What can I say? Chickpeas are my favorite beans. Naturally sweet.Versatile. Falafel, socca and now, chickpea chips for your hummus--double the fun! The roasted red pepper is the spicier of the two, and although both are delicious, I prefer the pure chickpea flavor of the plain variety. Made in a plant that processes wheat, but tested (ELISA Assay) and gluten-free.

I'm assuming the beautiful nuttiness of these

crackers is derived from the combination of

quinoa, flax, sesame and amaranth seeds, but

whatever is the source, it's great!

Gluten-free.

The sweet and salty combo is something you

don't often find in a cracker, but here it is.

So interesting on their own, I've never found the

need to decorate them. Gluten-free.