Is this Gluten-Free?



How to Know if a Product is Gluten-Free


1.  Locate the Nutritional Label on the product. (For more information check out Understanding Labeling Laws)              



2.  Read the ingredient list on product label and locate any questionable ingredients.  Know which ingredients to look for!  Learn which ingredients are derived from gluten and which are not.   (See What is Gluten? for an ingredient list)

3.    Locate any Allergen Information and also note voluntary Allergen Warnings such as "Produced in a facility that uses wheat" or "Products are randomly tested to ensure that there is no contamination of gluten from other sources."

INGREDIENTS: Organic whole grain corn meal, organic evaporated cane juice, organic brown rice flour, organic yellow corn flour, organic inulin, organic quinoa puffs, organic flax seeds, natural vanilla flavor, organic buckwheat flour, organic quinoa, sea salt, organic amaranth, organic molasses, tocopherols (natural vitamin E). Produced in a facility that uses peanuts, tree nuts and soy.

4.  Call the manufacturer and know what questions to ask.  A toll free/customer service phone number is usually found on the product.  The following may be helpful:

"I have Celiac Disease/Gluten Allergy and must follow a strict gluten-free diet.  Therefore, I will become very ill if I consume gluten.  I would like to know if your product is safe for me to enjoy."

Questions to ask:
Is your product gluten-free?
Is your product produced in a factory with gluten?
Is your product packaged without the use of gluten?
What measures do you take to prevent cross contamination of allergens?
Could you send me a letter or e-mail with a list of your company's gluten-free products?

*Note:  A phone call does not guarantee the product is safe.  Always make sure that the representative is familiar with what gluten is and how it could have been used in manufacturing.  If they sound uncertain or confused ask for someone who may have more information for you or ask for a manager.  If in doubt, find another product brand.  Most companies are familiar with these questions and will have a response prepared for you.

Quick ways to find GF foods

Look for a "Gluten-Free" statement on the packaging.

Purchase products from gluten-free companies such as Glutino.

Stick with foods that are naturally gluten-free like fresh fruits and vegetables.