Irresistibly Gluten Free Cookbook

One of the most challenging things about being on the gluten-free diet is knowing exactly what is gluten-free and what is not. How many of us have spent literally hours reading food labels? And then still not feeling sure about what we are buying and eating. I know this was very challenging for me in the beginning.

It is amazing to see how labeling has changed in the last few years. I am elated with the number of products that now clearly state they are gluten-free. In fact, many companies in the past had gluten-free product lists on their websites. Now these companies simply label each of their products clearly instead. I feel that is a move in the right direction. It has made shopping so much easier and I feel more confident that I am indeed buying gluten-free products.

But we still hear conflicting opinions about certain ingredients, leaving us uncertain. I have found a couple of websites to be especially helpful to clear up doubts. I thought it might be helpful to share them here.

For a list of Unsafe ingredients (foods that have gluten) go to:

http://www.celiac.com/articles/182/1/Unsafe-Gluten-Free-Food-List-Unsafe-Ingredients/Page1.html

For a concise list of ingredients that explains each one, its origin, and if it is gluten-free or not go to:

http://www.glutenfreeliving.com/ingredient.php

There are still some companies that post lists of gluten-free products. I will share a few here in case it are helpful to you. But please remember, products change regularly. Always read labels, even for products you use regularly.

http://www.hormelfoods.com/brands/glutenfree/default.aspx

http://www.heinz.com/glutenfree/products.html

http://www.gluten-free-diet-help.com/gluten-free-products.html

http://www.glutenfreeinfo.com/Diet/S-FoodList.htm

Although reading labels for gluten-free is time consuming and often confusing, I can assure you that it does get easier. You will soon find that you recognize most of the ingredients and can remember if they are gluten-free or not. So be patient, and don’t give up.

And one piece if advice I can offer… get a baby sitter! Taking kids to the store when new to gluten-free shopping can be one of the biggest nightmare experiences you will ever have. I remember shopping late at night, when my kids were in bed, and the stores were not crowded. I think I spent a good two hours or more the first few times, reading labels and comparing them to my notes. But now it is second nature to me. And with so many products now labeled clearly, you will often here me cheer out loud while shopping! (I know, I’m just another crazy lady in the grocery store who talks to herself!)

Share this article