Look for certified gluten-free labels
It can be hard to know what’s gluten-free and what isn’t when transitioning to a gluten-free diet. Products can be misleading or fail to list their ingredients correctly, leading to hazardous situations. So how do you know a product is gluten-free?
The most reliable way is to look for certified gluten-free labels from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), which provides third-party verification of gluten-free products.
To earn certifications like these and others, a product must meet many standards. Usually, this includes containing fewer than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, an even stricter requirement than the FDA’s of under 20 ppm.
Another label to look for is the National Celiac Association (NCA). We have more information about labeling in our blog.
Learn about gluten-free food safety and regulation
In the U.S., the FDA mandates that products labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. This level is considered safe for most people with celiac disease. However, this doesn’t mean that a product is certified; it just meets the FDA labeling guidelines.
International regulations vary. For example, the European Union and Canada have similar limits, while some countries require even stricter testing.
It’s also important to note that some people with celiac are prone to symptoms and sickness with even lower amounts of ppm and should consult their doctor.
Look for specific ingredients
If a product doesn’t have a certification, it may still be gluten-free. Reading the ingredient label will help you find certain clues. Some ingredients to look out for are:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Brewers yeast
Some ingredients, such as “natural flavor” or “modified food starch”, may also contain gluten, so be wary of those. If you are ever in doubt, you can also contact the food manufacturer. Their contact info will be on the back label as required by law.
Look for potential cross-contamination
Phrases like “made in a facility that also processes wheat” or “may contain traces of gluten” signal potential cross-contamination. While these products may not contain gluten ingredients, they may not be safe for people with celiac disease.
Cross-contamination occurs when gluten comes into contact with gluten-free foods during manufacturing, packaging, or preparation. This can happen in various ways, such as when the same equipment is used to process both wheat-containing and gluten-free foods. If machines aren’t thoroughly cleaned between production runs, trace amounts of gluten may contaminate otherwise gluten-free products.
If these statements are paired with a GFCO logo or certified gluten-free icon, then it’s going to be safer than without the statement because GFCO requires testing criteria for every finished product.
Brands that we know are gluten-free
Eating Gluten Free
There are many brands that we know and trust that are certified gluten-free, including our own. We have many easy-to-make gluten-free recipes at Eating Gluten Free, and with our gluten-free mixes, easy to trust that what you’re eating is gluten-free.
Bob’s Red Mill
Bob’s Red Mill is a gluten-free company specializing in mixes, including cakes, brownies, flours, and oats. They are SQF-certified and want to make it easy to gather everyone together for a good meal.
Schär
Schär is a gluten-free company that makes bread, crackers, and other gluten-free snacks. They believe that no matter how much things can change, food will always have the power to bring us together.
Auntie M’s Gluten Free
Auntie M’s Gluten Free offers certified gluten-free mixes, flour, and recipes. They also operate a GFFS-Validated Safe Spot food truck in Minnesota.
The Vegan Knife
The Vegan Knife specializes in easy-to-bake mixes produced in a facility free of the top 8 allergens. All of their products are gluten-free, wheat-free, egg-free, soy-free, nut-free, dairy-free, and vegan. They believe that a great dessert can be made with clean, healthy, and high-quality ingredients without compromising flavor.
Sweet Laurel
Every Sweet Laurel treat is grain-free, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and dairy-free. They offer baked goods and mixes in their online shop.
Snacktivist
Snacktivist offers gluten-free plant-based flours and baking mixes that are free of the top 9 allergens, including gluten!
Absolute Aloha
Absolute Aloha specializes in gluten-free meat rubs and seasonings, but they also offer limited supply products like an ube mochi pancake mix.
Look for brands that are open about their ingredients and processes
Finding gluten-free products shouldn’t be hard, but it can be. When in doubt, choose transparency. Trust brands that are open about their ingredients and manufacturing processes. We’ve been helping our gluten-free community since 2006, and we hope these tips will help you find your next gluten-free product. You can find our gluten-free ingredients and quick mixes at Eating Gluten Free, with free shipping on orders of $45 or more.
