Katie Nelson
I was diagnosed with Celiac disease on November 1, 2006. Funny how easily I remember the exact day I went gluten-free. The date is as easy to remember as Christmas or my birthday. At first, I assumed I would be consuming nothing but grass and nuts for the rest of my life. But through trial and error, and with the love and support of my family and friends, I have been living gluten-free for nearly two years. I couldn't be happier or healthier. I am gladly gluten-free!
Read Your Labels!
- By Katie Nelson
- Published 06/10/2008
The word is out my friends, and gluten-free is slowly but surely oozing its way into everyday conversations, literary articles, and food labels.
But beware! Not all labels are up-to-date. Why, just last night at a baseball game, I happened to glance at a bag of Doritos chips. I had even been told by the company a year ago that the item was gluten free. They looked delicious, but something in my gut (literally) told me to read the ingredient label over once more just to make sure everything was ok. And low and behold! Right there, WHEAT FLOUR. Ah! Well, I cannot say how fortunate I was to read the label. I gave myself a little pat on the back for my wise choice. But while I was disappointed that I could not eat Doritos again, I am pleased to note that I have found many other mainstream items that label themselves officially gluten-free.
Here are just some of what can be found in your local grocery store:
Yoplait 99% Fat Free Yogurt
French's mustard
Best Foods Mayonnaise
Babybel cheese
Rice Chex
...these were the only things I bought at the store the other day, but there are more items to come!
But beware! Not all labels are up-to-date. Why, just last night at a baseball game, I happened to glance at a bag of Doritos chips. I had even been told by the company a year ago that the item was gluten free. They looked delicious, but something in my gut (literally) told me to read the ingredient label over once more just to make sure everything was ok. And low and behold! Right there, WHEAT FLOUR. Ah! Well, I cannot say how fortunate I was to read the label. I gave myself a little pat on the back for my wise choice. But while I was disappointed that I could not eat Doritos again, I am pleased to note that I have found many other mainstream items that label themselves officially gluten-free.
Here are just some of what can be found in your local grocery store:
Yoplait 99% Fat Free Yogurt
French's mustard
Best Foods Mayonnaise
Babybel cheese
Rice Chex
...these were the only things I bought at the store the other day, but there are more items to come!
Spread The Word
9 Responses to "Read Your Labels!" 
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11 Jun 2008 6:20:33 PM PDT I am under the impression that Cool Ranch Doritos are okay, is that the flavor you had? I knew that the Nacho Cheese had Gluten in the cheese powder. Please clarify... thanks!
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16 Jun 2008 11:00:58 AM PDT Hello Tina. Thank you for alerting me as to which Doritos to verify are NOT gluten free. The Nacho Cheese Doritos recipe has been changed so that they are not longer available for Celiacs to have. Hope that clears up your question.
Thanks so much. |
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21 Jun 2008 8:54:26 PM PDT Hi Nancy. Wheat free soy sauce is fine for Celiacs. Restaurants such as PF Chang's even offer gluten-free soy sauce for those with gluten intolerance. As far as soy products go, there are those who are both Celiacs and have soy intolerance. However, you can have one and not have the other. Generally, soy products are perfectly acceptable for Celiacs. But be careful!
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21 Jun 2008 8:57:03 PM PDT Generally speaking, Yoplait is gluten free. However, if the name of the yogurt appears to have 'cookie' or 'crust' or 'cake' in it, then you know that it will most likely bother Celiacs. Always remember, that no matter how many times you have eaten a certain product, always read your labels. Product recipes are constantly changing, and it is up to the Celiac consumer to stay safe and gluten-free.
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01 Jul 2008 5:13:02 PM PDT I always hear that PF Chang's is accommodating, but when I was still starting an avoidance diet to figure it out, they had no idea what gluten was and I wound up bent over with cramps after eating it! I would have thought in Stanford they would be pretty aware!!!
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02 Jul 2008 8:23:56 AM PDT Hi Kristen. That is very odd that Stanford's PF Chang's would not be aware of gluten, considering that the college has its own Celiac disease department!
I was there back in January '08, and I had no problem whatsoever with ordering gluten free. I am wondering if you had a new server or someone in training. When were you at their establishment? More importantly, have you called to tell them your experience? They are very concerned about customer relations, and I am hopeful that they can get you sorted out. |
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08 Jul 2008 5:47:11 AM PDT I'm concerned about flavor extracts - I've been told any that contain alcohol are unsafe, as alcohol contains gluten. McCormick's says all their extracts, including Pure Vanilla are gluten-free. Would you take the chance?
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11 Jul 2008 5:28:45 PM PDT Sandy, anything that says 'pure' literally means that that extract is simply extract. Avoid anything with the word 'imitation' in it. However, pure vanilla, almond, peppermint, strawberry, etc. extract should be acceptable. The alcohol is distilled, so there are no traces of gluten left. The alcohol helps to preserve the flavor of the extract. Overall, it should be safe. If you are still unsure, I suggest you contact McCormick's directly, as they should be able to help you with your concern. May I say, though, that I have used McCormick in the past, and I have been fine!
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13 Sep 2008 2:05:12 PM PDT On the Dorritos topic, you CAN have the 'spicy nacho' flavor of Dorritos as well as the cool ranch! Spicy nacho actually tastes a lot better than original too.
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