[DuckyDiva]

Went on my first gluten-free shopping trip.. I tried a brand of gluten-free pretzels before and they were really bland... but today, I bought VitaSpelt original Pretzels and they taste like normal pretzels! Even though they were in the gluten-free aisle, they didn't specifically state gluten-free, so I had my mom and the store owner look over the short ingredient list..and sure enough.. gluten-free.

I'm so excited, pretzels are my favorite snack .. and these taste JUST like the real thing!

Maybe this gluten-free diet won't be so bad, after all... Has anyone else tried this brand of pretzels?

[KaitiUSA]

Spelt is a form of wheat and is NOT gluten free. If spelt is in it then that person misinformed you(which is common)
Ener-G pretzels which are covered in sesame seeds are soo good.

[Coulter]

No, many health food store employees incorrectly think that spelt is gluten-free...it is a form of wheat, which is why they tasted so normal--they...well, basically, are!

I've tried the Ener-G pretzels also...very good, quite normal tasting, but certainly gluten-free.

[DuckyDiva]

I emailed the company, and this was the response I received ...

Spelt does contain gluten. After all, it is the gluten that provides elasticity to dough, allowing bread to rise. Spelt bread has few air pockets, is well formed and tastes great.

The gluten found in cereal grains is not all alike. Gluten is made up of glutenin and gliadin molecules, and the of composition of each changes with the grain.

If you have a gluten allergy, we recommend that you consult your doctor regarding which cereal grains you should avoid. Most gluten testing is done with wheat gluten; therefore all you know for sure is that you are allergic to wheat. General testing for allergic reactions to food groups can identify problem areas; more specific tests may allow you to enjoy foods that you otherwise might rule out.

If you have a gluten intolerance such as Celiac and have heard of other confirmed and diagnosed Celiac sufferers who are able to eat spelt, then what you have heard is true. We have talked to a number of Celiacs who have had confirmed biopsies of the small intestine, who have been able to eat spelt. We caution you that there are differing degrees of severity and each individual must be responsible to weigh the risk against the possible reward. Whether you, as a Celiac, decide to try spelt should be a decision that you reach only after consulting your physician.



I think I have an angry phone call to make to the health food store.. after all, the guy working there said he had celiac also, and he eats the pretzels all the time!

[KaitiUSA]

Well if that guy had celiac then Lord help him because he needs major help with all the damage he is probably doing to himself.
That kind of thing can really damage us and I would definitely complain about that.

[DuckyDiva]

KaitiUSA, on Sep 3 2005, 08:31 PM, said:

Well if that guy had celiac then Lord help him because he needs major help with all the damage he is probably doing to himself.
That kind of thing can really damage us and I would definitely complain about that.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I plan on calling tomorrow.

I never would have even thought about looking up spelt.. but I started getting a nasty stomachache and so I came here to check responses to see if anyone said "wait - spelt is bad!" and sure 'nuff...

[frenchiemama]

Ugh, too bad about that idiot store guy.

Anyway, I really like the Ener-g pretzels (sesame and regular) but they come in such small bags. The Glutino ones are pretty good and I usually get them because they come in a normal size bag.

[Rachel--24]

I recommend never trusting a store employee when it comes to the diet. Get the Delphi list and find "safe" brands...that way there is no question. That guy is in big trouble if he's Celiac and eating SPELT pretzels everyday. Kamut is another form of wheat to watch out for.

[DuckyDiva]

Thanks all.. I'm so glad I posted something (and I guess glad that I had a bad stomaxh reaction to them early) .. I was going to order a case of these because they were so good!

I am not a sesame person.. but I will look into pretzels that are SPECIFICALLY STATED gluten free.

Like I said.. I'm a newbie celiac, so it'll take some time for me to get down all that I can't eat. I was at Jewel yesterday and must have called my mom/sister about 5 times "can I have this?" "malt flavoring is bad, right?" "i'll read these ingredients to you, tell me if it's okay.."