Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

When Labels Say "may Contain Gluten"

Waitingindreams

Recommended Posts

Waitingindreams Enthusiast
Waitingindreams
Posted

Hi everyone!

 

Generally, when reading a food label that says "may contain traces of wheat and/or gluten", I tend to avoid it. I stick to products that specifically say 'gluten free' on the label, or that I can research easily.

 

I just received chocolate/flowers at work from my office, and though there are no actual gluten containing ingredients in the chocolate, it says 'may contain traces of gluten, tree nuts, etc". I've never heard of this brand before, and I've already tried to research it by googling but I've had no luck. The brand name is "Terravita" and it's plain chocolate.

 

Now, obviously I don't need the chocolate - but I was curious what most people do in these kind of situations. I know the 'may contain gluten, etc etc' is usually just a disclaimer to cover their asses, but am I right to assume this is probably not safe to eat? Although having a chocolate bar at my desk is tempting, I am trying to be good.  -_-

 

 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Waitingindreams Enthusiast
Waitingindreams
Posted
  • Author

I just switched chocolate bars with a co-worker. Hers was "Tiramisu" flavored, and there is no mention of gluten anywhere on the label (same brand)

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I never eat these.  They may be fine but, it is the principle of the thing!  I feel like they are too lazy to clean the machines or something.

Waitingindreams Enthusiast
Waitingindreams
Posted
  • Author

That's what I figured! For the longest time I was trying to find cashews, and every time I found a bag/container of plain cashews they ALL said "May contain traces of wheat".So I just didn't eat cashews. I'd much rather be safe than sorry. For the most part, I'm going to stick to trusted brands that actually have "gluten free" printed on the label! 

 

Thanks for your feedback :)

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

I would never eat anything labeled "may contain gluten". 

 

IMO, saying "may contain gluten" is actually an honest response. I figure it's better than not saying anything and you find out later. ^_^

 

There are ways to eat cashews without worrying about "traces of wheat" hon. Most nut companies use no wheat on their production lines.

You do not have to give them up for life. 

 

here is just one example

 

Open Original Shared Link

kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

I always get Plantars.   Yum....

NoGlutenCooties Contributor
NoGlutenCooties
Posted

I don't touch anything that says "may contain gluten" or "may contain wheat".  They're telling you up front that there is a cross-contamination risk.  I can respect that.  And eat something else.

 

As far as cashews... Planters just warns against traces of tree nuts and peanuts.  I've never had an issue with their cashews or anything else.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


kirstenB Newbie
kirstenB
Posted

Personally, if it was mine, I would try a little and see how I felt. There is a lot of chocolate companies that do not say gluten free but are.

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

I will personally eat from shared facilities, but will not eat from shared equipment unless it is from a trusted company like ghirardelli.  If the label blatantly says "may contain" I will pass.  I think you got a good deal with your chocolate bar trade!  I wouldn't recommend trying a little bit to see how you felt, especially if you are at work and don't want to have bathroom Armageddon there.  All depends on your sensitivity.

RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

I will personally eat from shared facilities, but will not eat from shared equipment unless it is from a trusted company like ghirardelli.  If the label blatantly says "may contain" I will pass.  

Just wondering why you feel Ghirardelli is ok? The label on their cocoa (my favorite) changed recently to "may contain wheat." I contacted them and they said it is now made by a "co-manufacturer" on shared equipment. I stopped using it and have been trying to convince myself that I like Hershey's cocoa.

Waitingindreams Enthusiast
Waitingindreams
Posted
  • Author

Wow, thanks for the responses everyone! I agree that it's just not worth it to risk it. I chose the plain chocolate bar, thinking it'd be the least risky out of all of the flavors - but when I saw 'may contain gluten' it made me wary. I think it's interesting that the tiramisu flavor only said 'may contain traces of peanuts or tree nuts', but it worked out! I got to have chocolate and I didn't get sick. :)

 

Planters is such a well known brand, I don't know why I haven't come across their cashews yet. I was looking at the bags in the produce/organic section (thinking they'd be safer) and those all said they may contain traces of wheat, same with all of the store brands I was looking at (Stop & Shop, IGA, Walgreens, etc) Maybe they just don't sell the Planters cashews where I was looking. I think they mostly had mixes. I could try Walmart. 

 

I used to eat peanut butter like it was my job, and then last June (before my celiac diagnosis) I had a bunch of allergy tests done and I found out I was "allergic" to peanuts. I ate extra chunky peanut butter the day they told me I was allergic to peanuts. Heh. So, I've stayed away from peanuts and started eating almond and/or sunbutter...and I started to look for cashews to have as a  snack other than peanuts, then I couldn't find any that didn't have the "may contain wheat" warning. -_- I am planning on getting re-tested for the peanut allergy soon. My boyfriend has been itching to go to Five Guys (they have gluten free fries, but they use peanut oil) with me, but I played it cautious in case I actually am allergic to peanuts. 

IrishHeart Veteran
IrishHeart
Posted

Then don't eat those! The can states they are made with peanut oil.

 

Allergy tests are notoriously incorrect. Are you sure it's a peanut allergy? 

 

Talk to StephanieL about this. Shoot her a PM . She has extensive knowledge about allergy testing. 

Waitingindreams Enthusiast
Waitingindreams
Posted
  • Author

Nope! Haha. I've had pretty bad allergies all of my life (severe pollen allergies, etc) I never carried an epi pen or had an inhaler or anything, I just took my Allegra and that was just fine. Then last year they were absolutely terrible - my Allegra stopped being effective at all. So, I figured it was finally time to see an allergist. He did the prick test on my arms and they swelled up, it was terrible but nothing but what i expected. I had really bad seb. dermatitis on my scalp/ears, so I assumed (hoped?) it was an allergy. He sent me for some food allergy tests, peanuts being one of them. I tested positive for peanuts, then a few weeks later (after being very sick for a while) my primary care doctor gave me a blood test for celiac disease because I told him that everything I ate was just going right through me. It was like I had constant food poisoning.

 

My doctor told me that false positive are common with celiac disease, so I do plan on getting re-tested for peanuts soon. It certainly would make my life easier if I didn't need to worry about that, too! And so far this season my allergies have calmed down significantly. Last year was brutal, but I think everything was just coming to a head. I feel much better this year. 

 

I might send her a message. I really don't think it's a true peanut allergy, but of course I wasn't going to risk it. 

LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

Just wondering why you feel Ghirardelli is ok? The label on their cocoa (my favorite) changed recently to "may contain wheat." I contacted them and they said it is now made by a "co-manufacturer" on shared equipment. I stopped using it and have been trying to convince myself that I like Hershey's cocoa.

 

I was referring to the OP asking about chocolate bars.  The only product I buy of theirs is the filled squares... cocoa I haven't looked at since it is totally different and I buy the nestle tollhouse cocoa, and I also haven't bought any in a good while since I sparsely use it.  But a recent change in the labeling is a good reason to practice reading every label, every time.  Ever try scharffen berger chocolate or cocoa?  It is pricey but their stuff is sooooo good.  gluten-free and says so on labels to take out guesswork.

RMJ Mentor
RMJ
Posted

I was referring to the OP asking about chocolate bars.  The only product I buy of theirs is the filled squares... cocoa I haven't looked at since it is totally different and I buy the nestle tollhouse cocoa, and I also haven't bought any in a good while since I sparsely use it.  But a recent change in the labeling is a good reason to practice reading every label, every time.  Ever try scharffen berger chocolate or cocoa?  It is pricey but their stuff is sooooo good.  gluten-free and says so on labels to take out guesswork.

In case anyone is interested, I also asked Nestle about their Tollhouse cocoa:

"Nestlé® Toll House® Baking Cocoa - Made in the same facility as products that contain gluten ingredients."

I have tried Scharffen Berger cocoa - good but pricey.

MGR Apprentice
MGR
Posted

I am new to this gluten-free life... And on some occasions I have eaten products with the " May contain traces of" and felt ill afterwards... I have to add I am extremely sensitive... No, I have learned to avoid these foods.

BlessedMommy Rising Star
BlessedMommy
Posted

I always get Plantars.   Yum....

Thanks for the recommendation! I was looking for snacks for a wedding reception that I was going to, and I remembered that, so I picked up a container of Planter's mixed nuts. :)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      @catnapt, Wheat germ has very little gluten in it. Gluten is the carbohydrate storage protein, what the flour is made from, the fluffy part. Just like with beans, there's the baby plant that will germinate ("germ"-inate) if sprouted, and the bean part is the carbohydrate storage protein. Wheat germ is the baby plant inside a kernel of wheat...
    2. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Scott Adams's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      49

      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      Hello, @asaT, I'm curious to know whether you are taking other B vitamins like Thiamine B1 and Niacin B3. Malabsorption in Celiac disease affects all the water soluble B vitamins and Vitamin C. Thiamine and Niacin are required to produce energy for all the homocysteine lowering reactions provided by Folate, Cobalamine and Pyridoxine. Weight...
    3. Florence Lillian
      - Florence Lillian replied to Jane02's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      11

      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free. I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree...
    4. catnapt
      - catnapt replied to catnapt's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      highly unlikely NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean...
    5. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to hjayne19's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      21

      Insomnia help

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep. One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem. Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read,...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,354
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Gracieruizzz
    Newest Member
    Gracieruizzz
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • knitty kitty
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @catnapt, Wheat germ has very little gluten in it.  Gluten is  the carbohydrate storage protein, what the flour is made from, the fluffy part.  Just like with beans, there's the baby plant that will germinate  ("germ"-inate) if sprouted, and the bean part is the carbohydrate storage protein.   Wheat germ is the baby plant inside a kernel of wheat, and bran is the protective covering of the kernel.   Little to no gluten there.   Large amounts of lectins are in wheat germ and can cause digestive upsets, but not enough Gluten to provoke antibody production in the small intestines. Luckily you still have time to do a proper gluten challenge (10 grams of gluten per day for a minimum of two weeks) before your next appointment when you can be retested.  
    • knitty kitty
      Supplements for those Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @asaT, I'm curious to know whether you are taking other B vitamins like Thiamine B1 and Niacin B3.  Malabsorption in Celiac disease affects all the water soluble B vitamins and Vitamin C.  Thiamine and Niacin are required to produce energy for all the homocysteine lowering reactions provided by Folate, Cobalamine and Pyridoxine.   Weight gain with a voracious appetite is something I experienced while malnourished.  It's symptomatic of Thiamine B1 deficiency.   Conversely, some people with thiamine deficiency lose their appetite altogether, and suffer from anorexia.  At different periods on my lifelong journey, I suffered this, too.   When the body doesn't have sufficient thiamine to turn food, especially carbohydrates, into energy (for growth and repair), the body rations what little thiamine it has available, and turns the carbs into fat, and stores it mostly in the abdomen.  Consuming a high carbohydrate diet requires additional thiamine to process the carbs into energy.  Simple carbohydrates (sugar, white rice, etc.) don't contain thiamine, so the body easily depletes its stores of Thiamine processing the carbs into fat.  The digestive system communicates with the brain to keep eating in order to consume more thiamine and other nutrients it's not absorbing.   One can have a subclinical thiamine insufficiency for years.  A twenty percent increase in dietary thiamine causes an eighty percent increase in brain function, so the symptoms can wax and wane mysteriously.  Symptoms of Thiamine insufficiency include stunted growth, chronic fatigue, and Gastrointestinal Beriberi (diarrhea, abdominal pain), heart attack, Alzheimer's, stroke, and cancer.   Thiamine improves bone turnover.  Thiamine insufficiency can also affect the thyroid.  The thyroid is important in bone metabolism.  The thyroid also influences hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, and menopause.  Vitamin D, at optimal levels, can act as a hormone and can influence the thyroid, as well as being important to bone health, and regulating the immune system.  Vitamin A is important to bone health, too, and is necessary for intestinal health, as well.   I don't do dairy because I react to Casein, the protein in dairy that resembles gluten and causes a reaction the same as if I'd been exposed to gluten, including high tTg IgA.  I found adding mineral water containing calcium and other minerals helpful in increasing my calcium intake.   Malabsorption of Celiac affects all the vitamins and minerals.  I do hope you'll talk to your doctor and dietician about supplementing all eight B vitamins and the four fat soluble vitamins because they all work together interconnectedly.  
    • Florence Lillian
      Desperately need a vitamin D supplement. I've reacted to most brands I've tried.

      By Florence Lillian · Posted

      Hi Jane: You may want to try the D3 I now take. I have reactions to fillers and many additives. Sports Research, it is based in the USA and I have had no bad reactions with this brand. The D3 does have coconut oil but it is non GMO, it is Gluten free, Soy free, Soybean free and Safflower oil free.  I have a cupboard full of supplements that did not agree with me -  I just keep trying and have finally settled on Sports Research. I take NAKA Women's Multi full spectrum, and have not felt sick after taking 2 capsules per day -  it is a Canadian company. I buy both from Amazon. I wish you well in your searching, I know how discouraging it all is. Florence.  
    • catnapt
      results from 13 day gluten challenge - does this mean I can't have celiac?

      By catnapt · Posted

      highly unlikely  NOTHING and I mean NOTHING else has ever caused me these kinds of symptoms I have no problem with dates, they are a large part of my diet In fact, I eat a very high fiber, very high vegetable and bean diet and have for many years now. It's considered a whole foods plant based or plant forward diet (I do now eat some lean ground turkey but not much) I was off dairy for years but recently had to add back plain yogurt to meet calcium needs that I am not allowed to get from supplements (I have not had any problem with the yogurt)   I eat almost no processed foods. I don't eat out. almost everything I eat, I cook myself I am going to keep a food diary but to be honest, I already know that it's wheat products and also barley that are the problem, which is why I gradually stopped eating and buying them. When I was eating them, like back in early 2024, when I was in the middle of moving and ate out (always had bread or toast or rolls or a sub or pizza) I felt terrible but at that time was so busy and exhausted that I never stopped to think it was the food. Once I was in my new place, I continued to have bread from time to time and had such horrible joint pain that I was preparing for 2 total knee replacements as well as one hip! The surgery could not go forward as I was (and still am) actively losing calcium from my bones. That problem has yet to be properly diagnosed and treated   anyway over time I realized that I felt better when I stopped eating bread. Back at least 3 yrs ago I noticed that regular pasta made me sick so I switched to brown rice pasta and even though it costs a lot more, I really like it.   so gradually I just stopped buying and eating foods with gluten. I stopped getting raisin bran when I was constipated because it made me bloated and it didn't help the constipation any more (used to be a sure bet that it would in the past)   I made cookies and brownies using beans and rolled oats and dates and tahini and I LOVE them and have zero issues eating those I eat 1 or more cans of beans per day easily can eat a pound of broccoli - no problem! Brussels sprouts the same thing.   so yeh it's bread and related foods that are clearly the problem  there is zero doubt in my mind    
    • cristiana
      Insomnia help

      By cristiana · Posted

      Thank you for your post, @nanny marley It is interesting what you say about 'It's OK not to sleep'. Worrying about sleeping only makes it much harder to sleep.  One of my relatives is an insomniac and I am sure that is part of the problem.  Whereas I once had a neighbour who, if she couldn't sleep, would simply get up again, make a cup of tea, read, do a sudoku or some other small task, and then go back to bed when she felt sleepy again.  I can't think it did her any harm - she lived  well into her nineties. Last week I decided to try a Floradix Magnesium supplement which seems to be helping me to sleep better.  It is a liquid magnesium supplement, so easy to take.  It is gluten free (unlike the Floradix iron supplement).  Might be worth a try.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.