I Am Bummed! I Just Read The Aunt Jemima Can No Longer Say That Their Syrups Are gluten-free!

[Kara'sMom]

That is Kara's favorite syrup. She's still going through being "depressed" about not gettng to eat Wendy's french fries, etc...now I have to tell her she can't have her "good ole syrup" on her waffles anymore. Any suggestions on other gluten-free syrups that are similar? She hates the "real" stuff.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I'm hoping things calm down now.

Mary

[HAK1031]

Ack, when I was younger I hated the real stuff too. But the fake is really bad for you! Not that the real is health food, but the fake stuff is corn syrup and chemicals at any rate, I understand the importance of comfort food! I'm pretty sure Stop and Shop brand is gluten-free (they clearly label guten- I've even seen them list it on the bottom with other allergy warnings- yes, specifically gluten, not just wheat!) But I would bet if you just bought another brand that is gluten-free, your DD wouldn't question it. Most of them taste pretty much the same. Good luck!

[Darn210]

Log Cabin Country Kitchen (has to be Country Kitchen) and Eggo brand are still good.

Also, in a pinch, I have mixed the real maple syrup with karo corn syrup to make the fake syrup for the kids. (Seems like a crime, huh? but you gotta do what you gotta do.) At some point I may try this again and slowly reduce the amount of corn syrup that I add until we get to the real thing for all of us.

[larry mac]

.....the fake is really bad for you! Not that the real is health food, but the fake stuff is corn syrup and chemicals.....

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and mine is that's an exageration and overgeneralization. Coke, and most soft drinks are just water, corn syrup, and chemicals. Diet soft drinks are just water and chemicals. We drink a whole lot more soft drinks than we eat syrup. If they were "really bad for you", hundreds of millions of us would be dead or sick. I'd be more than happy to be convinced otherwise, but I'd like to see some real proof.

best regards, lm

[JennyC]

I thought Log Cabin was gluten free then for some reason I thought they were not so I switched to Aunt Jemima. After I read that they were not gluten free I switched to pure maple syrup. My son still begs for the fake stuff if he sees it in the store, but he eats the real stuff at home just fine. I'm sure he will get used to it. I figure if there is a product with very few ingredients it's a better choice than the product with a long list of artificial ingredients. I've even started using real butter. It's just easier.

[larry mac]

I'm sure we had a recent discussion on syrups, but I can't find it. I'm curious where it says Aunt Jamima has gluten in it (officially). Their website lists all the ingredients and there is'nt any gluten. Or is it because they don't declare it gluten-free?

I think Janet's idea of mixing corn syrup with real maple syrup may be worth considering for weaning an unhappy child off the fake stuff. The maple syrup is so thin, it just doesn't have the same mouthfeel as the thicker stuff. Because it's so thin, it soaks into pancakes more readily, changing the eating experience. So I use both at the same time (yes, I'm quite anal).

The syrup I use to accompany the real stuff is Griffin's Original Syrup. The only fake stuff without High Fructose Corn Syrup (which taste flat). Sugar syrup, corn syrup, artificial maple flavor, salt, caramel color, and potassium sorbate (a preservative). To me, that's only one chemical. I drink Coke and RC Cola a lot. They have caramel color so I know I'm good there. And artificail flavors aren't made from wheat.

best regards, lm

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Potassium Sorbate - Toxicology (from wickapedia):

This gentle preservative is considered to be safe and mild because of its long term safety record and non-toxic profile. Potassium sorbate is non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Allergic reactions are rare and it is well tolerated when administered internally.

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Artificial Flavors - (from wickapedia):

Most artificial flavors are specific and often complex mixtures of singular naturally occurring flavor compounds combined together to either imitate or enhance a natural flavor. These mixtures are formulated by flavorist to give a food product a unique flavor and to maintain flavor consistency between different product batches or after recipe changes. The list of known flavoring agents includes thousands of molecular compounds, and the flavor chemist (flavorist) can often mix these together to produce many of the common flavors. Many flavorants are esters.

The compounds used to produce artificial flavors are almost identical to those that occur naturally, and a natural origin for a substance does not necessarily imply that it is safe to consume. In fact, artificial flavors are considered somewhat safer to consume than natural flavors due to the standards of purity and mixture consistency that are enforced either by the company or by law. Natural flavors in contrast may contain toxins from their sources while artificial flavors are typically more pure and are required to undergo more testing before being sold for consumption.

[blueeyedmanda]

I was never a fan of the real maple syrup growing up but now I love it. I get it from my Little Leah's family, they actually grow and make their own maple syrup and I always get a jug. When it is not in season I go to wegmans and buy their syrup cause it says its gluten free and it is cheap. I go for the maple syrup anyday!

[Rikki Tikki]

This is my all time favorite:

1 Cup Sugar

1/2 C. light corn syrup

1/4 C. water

1/2-3/4 tsp. cinnamon

..............

1/2 C. evaporated milk

In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, water and cinnamon

Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly, cook and stir for 2 minutes more, remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes, stir in the evaporated milk

Makes 1 2/3 cups

[shayesmom]

Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and mine is that's an exageration and overgeneralization. Coke, and most soft drinks are just water, corn syrup, and chemicals. Diet soft drinks are just water and chemicals. We drink a whole lot more soft drinks than we eat syrup. If they were "really bad for you", hundreds of millions of us would be dead or sick. I'd be more than happy to be convinced otherwise, but I'd like to see some real proof.

best regards, lm

There are plenty of sick people out there. They just don't realize that their degenerating health is linked to the over-processed, nutrient-poor foods that they are willfully consuming.

Colas specifically have been linked to kidney disease. The study in question is recently found on PubMed: Open Original Shared Link

There is also the question of sodium benzoate reacting with ascorbic acid in soft drinks...forming benzene, a known carcinogen. The FDA has known about this for over 15 years and some beverages have been recalled while others have undergone reformulation. Lawsuits have been filed and the major cola companies have opted for settlement....as well as reformulation of their products. Open Original Shared Link Surprisingly, not many in the general public are aware of this.

Soft drinks have also been shown to raise your risk of high blood pressure: Open Original Shared Link and increase your risk for osteoporosis: Open Original Shared Link.

And there's still the question of sugar and it's effects on health to be addressed. How about soda and type II diabetes as a google search? Open Original Shared Link An estimated 80% increase in the risk of developing type II diabetes by drinking one or more soft drinks per day? How about obesity?

It's not just about the potential side effects either. By choosing to drink soda regularly, a person is also choosing to eliminate other potentially more healthful drinks (and foods) from their diet.

I don't know....but according to the nutritionists I've spoken to...as well as the doctors I've seen, there is no benefit to drinking soda. They're just "empty calories".

As for pure maple syrup and the store-bought imitations....real maple syrup does have health benefits where the others don't. Pure maple syrup is composed of balanced sugars, minerals, vitamins and amino acids which makes it unique from other sweetners. It is also an antioxidant.

The majority of the minerals making up pure maple syrup are potassium, calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Maple syrup is considered to be one of the world's healthiest foods Open Original Shared Link.

High fructose corn syrup has none of these health benefits. It and other refined sugars actually can suppress immune function leading to many diseases....the main one coming to mind....cancer. Cancer needs sugar in order to metastasize. Metastatic cancer kills.

No offense to the poster that I've quoted at the beginning of this. I just found it odd that the assumption was that the chemicals in soda were totally safe. Usually, when I think of chemicals in food...I assume that they aren't necessary to health, but rather to prolong shelf-life and profit. For a quick list of food additives that are safe and those that should be avoided, you can go here: Open Original Shared Link

It wasn't that long ago that Coke actually contained cocaine. In hindsight, where was the wisdom in assuming that was a safe thing to drink? And are we really that much more enlightened these days?

[larry mac]

No offense to the poster that I've quoted at the beginning of this. I just found it odd that the assumption was that the chemicals in soda were totally safe....

No offense taken at all. But in no way was I making the assumption that the chemicals were totally safe. I know that colas are not healthy. I was responding to a posters statement that fake syrups are "really bad for you". Poor comparison perhaps.

I read all the links. Interesting stuff. Still, ain't no way I'm giving up my coke!

best regards, lm

[shayesmom]

No offense taken at all. But in no way was I making the assumption that the chemicals were totally safe. I know that colas are not healthy. I was responding to a posters statement that fake syrups are "really bad for you". Poor comparison perhaps.

I read all the links. Interesting stuff. Still, ain't no way I'm giving up my coke!

best regards, lm

LOL! Believe me...I can relate to not wanting to give up the soft drinks. After 30 years of drinking 1 or 2 per day, I finally was able to give them up about a year ago. Thankfully, the reformulation of the soft drinks were of help. For some odd reason, I now get a horrendous psoriatic rash each and every time I drink any of them. I've called several companies to ask what they've changed in their recipe. All have stated that they have changed nothing. Yeah, right. I'm also fortunate in that I actually enjoy the Kombucha teas and that really fills the void left by soft drinks...and has very good health benefits. With Kombucha, I get the fizzy carbonation with an oddly sweet/sour taste. Plus, it really has helped with digestion and I feel great for a couple of days after having it. And no sugar crash. Kombucha also clears up the psoriasis. But it is definitely an acquired taste.

As for the fake syrups being really bad...I have to agree. There is nothing in them to merit a compliment for better health. But I agree also with the fact that they aren't a major staple for most, therefore the individual risk is negligable. What's unhealthy is the combination of all the highly sugared, nutrient-poor foods that are consumed daily...most of which are eaten in the name of convenience and apparent inexpensive cost. We take better care of our cars than of ourselves at times. It really is a wonder that more of us aren't sick considering the choices we make daily. Which just goes to show how resilient the human body is....for a time.

We each have a different threshold when it comes to sensitivities to food and chemicals. Being a celiac should teach us that "healthy" foods are not always what they seem. I would think it would encourage us to make healthier choices all the way around....not just to minimally keep to being gluten-free. My wish for everyone that comes to this site is better health....no....I wish optimal health for all.

And having gone gluten-free and having adjusted to the different tastes and textures that come with it....well, I guess that switching to real maple syrup is yet another small hurdle to overcome. Yes, it does stink having to give up all of your old favorites and with that, a lot of the convenience that makes life seem more "normal". But "normal" is often part a matter of perspective. The choices we make today will affect how we feel a decade or two from now. Why wait until we're horrendously sick to begin making healthier choices? We humans really are a stubborn lot!

[larry mac]

Vicky,

Thank you for being so gracious. I wish I could write as eloquently as you. Often, my post replys are so poorly composed I end up opening a whole new can of worms instead of getting my point/opinion across.

best regards, lm

[crittermom]

My DD doesn't like the real stuff either. Mrs. Butterworths is now using barley in their natural flavoring so they are not gluten-free, we got caught there. Be careful of the Eggo brand as well. We called tring to find a new one after Mrs B's, they assured us it was gluten-free and she got a rash on her bottom and pale stools followed later that day, she ate nothing else new that day. We used it again a few days later, same thing happened.

We have switched to Karo Pancake and Waffle syrup. They use maple syrup as their natural flavoring. They have only been making corn syrup and corn starch in their factories since being founded... I can't remember when. It is not as sweet as the "fake" brands but Katharine adjusted to it fairly quickly. She has not had glutening since.

Another natural option is Agave. It is nectar from the core of the Agave plant typically found in Mexico. It is sweeter than honey but is lower on the glycemic index than most other sweetners. It can also be used in baking instead of sugar. I am beginning to explore that option. Good luck.

[Nic]

I just received an e mail back from the company responding to my question, "is the Aunt Jemima Original Syrup still gluten free?". The bascially responded that with ingredients occassionally changing they cannot give an accurate list of what is gluten free but to continue reading the ingredients to determine what is gluten free and what is not. I read my bottle of Aunt Jemima and to me it appears gluten free.

Nicole

[larry mac]

.....Another natural option is Agave. It is nectar from the core of the Agave plant typically found in Mexico. It is sweeter than honey but is lower on the glycemic index than most other sweetners. It can also be used in baking instead of sugar. I am beginning to explore that option. Good luck.

Agave nectar is quite delicious. Get it while you can. Mexico is currently experiencing an agave glut, but in 2-3 years there will be an agave shortage.

Agave is a succulent, definitely not a cactus. The genus Agave belongs to the agave family of the flowering plant order Liliales. The blue agave normally takes from eight to twelve years to mature. Because of fluctuations for the price of agave, smaller plantings have been made the last several years.

best regards, lm

[shayesmom]

Agave nectar is quite delicious. Get it while you can. Mexico is currently experiencing an agave glut, but in 2-3 years there will be an agave shortage.

Agave is a succulent, definitely not a cactus. The genus Agave belongs to the agave family of the flowering plant order Liliales. The blue agave normally takes from eight to twelve years to mature. Because of fluctuations for the price of agave, smaller plantings have been made the last several years.

best regards, lm

I have to agree on that one as well. Agave is wonderful and we use it quite often as a sweetener. It's a bit tougher to use in baking as you will need to change the quantity used....it doesn't substitute cup for cup with refined white sugar. I would imagine that you could also experiment with making flavored syrups. Perhaps boiling in fruits like strawberries or blueberries into the agave or maple syrup. Some days, dd and I opt out of the syrups completely and use elderberry or raspberry jam on our pancakes. It breaks things up nicely. Plus, elderberry helps keep the flu away.

[mamaloca2]

That is Kara's favorite syrup. She's still going through being "depressed" about not gettng to eat Wendy's french fries, etc...now I have to tell her she can't have her "good ole syrup" on her waffles anymore. Any suggestions on other gluten-free syrups that are similar? She hates the "real" stuff.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! I'm hoping things calm down now.

Mary

This was the problem with my kids too. They now it it w/out complaint. The trick: I mixed it with sugar syrup, putting just a little of the real stuff into the sugary stuff. Gradually I dilluted it more and more, until they were eating pure maple syrup-and loving it! I used to hate the stuff, but it worked on me too. We buy the Costo pure maple syrup and it is very good.

good luck!