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

Glutened By Gluten-Free Tostitos?


Kias4

Recommended Posts

Kias4 Apprentice

I have been glutened the last three days, and the only common item I can think of is the chips I've been eating. They are Tostitos brand, and the bag says gluten-free.  I've ready elsewhere that other celiacs claim to have been glutened by Tostitos even thought they're marked gluten-free.  Has anyone else experienced this?  And any other tortilla chip recommendations?  I prefer thin and crispy.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



skullgrl Rookie

They may be gluten free but if I remember correctly the Tostitos are made on a shared line (at least they are in Canada). The whole new law for gluten free labeling in the U.S. (I'm not sure where you are located) is not in effect until August 2nd, meaning the term gluten free on foods don't really carry much weight.

kareng Grand Master

US list.  As you can see, any that are marked gluten-free are tested for gluten.  

 

 

Open Original Shared Link

GF Lover Rising Star

Also you said "glutened the last three days".  It may have been something else you ate on Day one since gluten reactions can last for up to a month.  Of course, this is only if you have Celiac.  I am not sure of length of reactions due to NCGI.

 

Colleen

user001 Contributor

Maybe it is what you are dipping it in? Maybe its the soybean oil or whatever other ingredients there are in the chips. Maybe you had a problem with corn?

IrishHeart Veteran

I have eaten them without issues.  Could be something else causing this reaction perhaps?

Kias4 Apprentice

Thanks everyone.  I've been dipping them in homemade salsa that is for sure gluten free.  I do have celiac disease.  And typically my acute symptoms from a glutening (severe GI distress) only last a day (other symptoms may last longer), but this has been three days long.  Good to know others don't get sick from them.  I'll have to look into what else could be causing it.


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



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Kias4 Apprentice

Or, perhaps I'm just more sensitive to gluten than the 20ppm required for the gluten-free label.  (Frito-Lay does say they follow the 20ppm rule for their gluten-free chips, to which Tostitos belongs.)  I'm still figuring out my sensitivity level.  I got diagnosed with celiac disease by blood test after being on a somewhat diligent gluten-free diet for three years, so apparently my body just really hates gluten.  I'll have to try to stick to certified gluten-free chips.

IrishHeart Veteran

Or, perhaps I'm just more sensitive to gluten than the 20ppm required for the gluten-free label.  (Frito-Lay does say they follow the 20ppm rule for their gluten-free chips, to which Tostitos belongs.)  I'm still figuring out my sensitivity level.  I got diagnosed with celiac disease by blood test after being on a somewhat diligent gluten-free diet for three years, so apparently my body just really hates gluten.  I'll have to try to stick to certified gluten-free chips.

 

I subscribe to Gluten Free watchdog testing reports

.

I can't post the entire report about the chips because it is breaking all kinds of user agreement rules but I think i  can tell you this part: 

 

TCC3 BB 21 MAY 13 < 5 ppm gluten < 5 ppm gluten < 5 ppm gluten 
 
It's highly unlikely it is the chips. but, then again, who knows?
user001 Contributor

Everything that is in salsa is stuff that can cause a person with celiac to have a problem. You may have developed an allergy to tomatoes or onions or spicy food. I know it might sound crazy, but I drank coffee for years without a problem but then recently started having a problem with it.

kareng Grand Master

Salsa ingredients can be harsh for a lot of people - has nothing to do with Celiac. I eat salsa most days fine. Coffee is acidic to the stomach, too. A little dairy in it helps a lot of people with that acid in the stomach. I bet that dairy cheese with salsa probably helps that, too.

A little explanation about testing for gluten - a test for less than 20 ppm does not mean a product has 19 ppm. It could have 0 or 6. It does not mean a company then adds gluten to get it up to 19 1/2 ppm. That's another odd misconception I have seen. :)

The labelling law is " official" in August - that's a couple of weeks away. A big company like Frito Lay is not going to label things gluten-free and have to take them off the shelves in 2 weeks because they made up a corporate definition of gluten-free that doesn't meet the new laws. That is the reason for the year to come into compliance.

Maybe try the salsa on celery or salad and skip corn chips for a few days. See if that takes care of it. Or maybe skip both chips and salsa for a couple of days until,you get your gut under control?

IrishHeart Veteran

I have an intolerance for tomatoes, but it really isn't a problem for the vast majority of celiacs.

 

I always suggest to people before they start thinking "it's gluten" to just remove the food item in question for a few weeks, then add it back in.

 

I can't tell you how many times people think it's trace gluten but then find out it was the acid in tomatoes or coffee or vinegar.or, or, or (sorry, I know that sounds dire, but it's really not!) we all manage to figure out what else may be at play. (I have a list of no-no's myself)  <_<

 

This really can occur in anyone's GI tract, not just celiacs. My hubs cannot eat melon or cukes, for example....nothing to do with celiac. My friend can't have lemons. etc. 

 

It's hard sometimes at the beginning because your gut is still wonky and you really do start to think everything is a gluten CC thing.

 

Honestly, it isn't.  :)

CajunChic Explorer

I thought gluten was getting me, all the time. I found it was corn. It didnt make sense to me because I'd have it one day and be fine. On the second day I'd be in bed with an upset stomach. I can tolerate very small amounts of corn at one time, then I have to wait at least a week before eating it again. Same with tomatoes and bellpeppers for me.

Chips and salsa was a fav for me, unfortunately I have to have it sparingly now. I like to switch it up with a bean dip or hummus with gluten-free crackers or occasionally a potato chip. I can't tolerate much oil, neither.

Hope you find what works for you!

notme Experienced

if you really want to have a better idea of what is bothering you, try food journaling and elimination :)  

IrishHeart Veteran

or occasionally a potato chip. 

 

^_^

I can't have those darn things in the house. Absolutely zero self-control with those. Seriously, what IS IT with potato chips?? 

Pegleg84 Collaborator

We need a whole chip cupboard at my place. What would I do without Kettle Chips.

 

I've never had a problem with Tostitos' plain ol corn chips here in Canadaland either. I don't buy them because of GMO corn (on principle, not health issues), but if they're at a party or something I'll have a few.

 

It could definitely be something acidic in the salsa instead, especially if you're still early in your healing. Try either eating the chips on their own, or having salsa on something else instead.

Possibly it could be a corn problem, but it's probably too early to say that. Corn can be hard to digest too, if your gut is still healing.

CajunChic Explorer

^_^

I can't have those darn things in the house. Absolutely zero self-control with those. Seriously, what IS IT with potato chips??

If its kettle cooked, I'll even ignore the stomachache! There's something about that crunch...

user001 Contributor

If its kettle cooked, I'll even ignore the stomachache! There's something about that crunch...

OMG the kettle cooked ones... I can't even have them in the house. When I go out I look for the little dollar bags or i just get out of control.

mamaw Community Regular

Here's  another  take on these...  Could  you  be  reacting  to  Corn?   Many  people  are  having  problems  with  corn  products..  ANd  yes,  even  the  nightshade  family   such  as  tomatoes>>>>>>and  ten  it  could  be  just  the  spicy  salsa  spices  that  don't  agree  with you...  Remember  we  do  have  sensitive  tummies!  I  used  to be  able  to  eat  ghost  peppers  &  hot hot  stuff  but  no more....

LauraTX Rising Star

And typically my acute symptoms from a glutening (severe GI distress) only last a day (other symptoms may last longer), but this has been three days long.  Good to know others don't get sick from them.  I'll have to look into what else could be causing it.

 

I am really surprised no one has mentioned this, but especially if you are not having your typical onset of symptoms, it is possible you just caught some kind of bug and it has nothing to do with gluten or what you ate.  Of course, it could be another intolerance or just something in the salsa disagreeing with your tummy, if you want to look into that more, the previously recommended food journaling is a great tool for that.

BlessedMommy Rising Star

Or, perhaps I'm just more sensitive to gluten than the 20ppm required for the gluten-free label.  (Frito-Lay does say they follow the 20ppm rule for their gluten-free chips, to which Tostitos belongs.)  I'm still figuring out my sensitivity level.  I got diagnosed with celiac disease by blood test after being on a somewhat diligent gluten-free diet for three years, so apparently my body just really hates gluten.  I'll have to try to stick to certified gluten-free chips.

Wow, that is pretty amazing to actually get DX'ed after 3 years gluten free. It makes me almost wonder if I should take a celiac antibody test. I have been gluten free for over 4 years, but made a number of rookie mistakes before I cracked down on the CC issues.

skullgrl Rookie

^_^

I can't have those darn things in the house. Absolutely zero self-control with those. Seriously, what IS IT with potato chips?? 

 

I'll paint a picture for you; it's 11 PM, I'm craving something salty, something crunchy and I know there are potatoes in my fridge. I needed a quick fix, and I found it. Marvel in the glory that is the microwaved potato chip (and you don't have to buy that silly contraption).

Open Original Shared Link

Takes a little trial and error to figure out whats best for your microwave but it's worth it and for people who have issues with frying/oil, well, it doesn't use any. They don't stay crisp for a long time but I'm seriously considering making a bunch and tossing them in my dehydrator.

user001 Contributor

omg all those snacks look amazing.

IrishHeart Veteran

I'll paint a picture for you; it's 11 PM, I'm craving something salty, something crunchy and I know there are potatoes in my fridge. I needed a quick fix, and I found it. Marvel in the glory that is the microwaved potato chip (and you don't have to buy that silly contraption).

Open Original Shared Link

Takes a little trial and error to figure out whats best for your microwave but it's worth it and for people who have issues with frying/oil, well, it doesn't use any. They don't stay crisp for a long time but I'm seriously considering making a bunch and tossing them in my dehydrator.

 

 

I've done the kale chips and roasted chickpeas, and they are good, yes....but if I'm going to have potato chips, I'm not making them too. 

 

I eat Cape Cod chips if I have a hankering.

 

But thanks for the link!! :)

skullgrl Rookie

I've done the kale chips and roasted chickpeas, and they are good, yes....but if I'm going to have potato chips, I'm not making them too. 

 

I eat Cape Cod chips if I have a hankering.

 

But thanks for the link!! :)

 

I love my kale chips too. Daw, I looked up the Cape Cod ones and now I'm drooling all over the computer.

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,548
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Lunaluv
    Newest Member
    Lunaluv
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • 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.