Each year our review staff samples hundreds of new dairy-free products. We are constantly scouring the shelves for the latest natural goodies to challenge the myth that dairy-free living is anything less than delicious. This year we had so many new innovations to choose from that it was mind-boggling, but we finally narrowed it down to ten wonderful foods. Oh yes, and our selections are completely unbiased, unsponsored, and personally sampled, so you can bet these are foods we happily spend our own hard-earned money on …

Number 7: Applegate Farms Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

I know what some of you are thinking, “Chicken nuggets? Seriously?” Yes, but these aren’t your ordinary Mickey-D’s nuggets. In fact, my skeptical husband proclaimed with surprise how delicious they were and how they actually tasted like (and I quote) “real chicken.”

What’s more, this frozen convenience food is gluten-free, casein-free, egg-free, and soy-free (don’t worry, no one will every guess), and thus suitable for various special diets. I also like the fact that all Applegate Farms products are all natural and that even their non-organic meat (including the chicken in these tenders) is free from antibiotics and hormones.

But I think what really accelerated this product into our top ten was its ability to offer that feel-good quality of overly processed junk in a completely wholesome package. Though they taste nothing like pressed or formed chicken (fortunately), these bite-sized delights are still tender and flavorful, unlike the typically tough and stringy all-breast tenders that we often equate with healthier options. Kids and husbands alike will not be disappointed, and moms … don’t be surprised to find yourself fighting for that last nugget.

For more information:

• Read our full Applegate Farms Chicken Nuggets Review
• Visit the Applegate Farms website

Article and photos by Alisa Fleming, founder of GoDairyFree.org and author of Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook.