Ground, canned coffee causing gluten symptoms

[Dandk]

I've recently purchased some ground espresso in a 10 oz can that I've purchased several times over the past five years (it's a treat because it's a bit pricey), but this time the coffee has a slightly different taste and it causes a gluten reaction in me within minutes. I'm extremely disappointed because not only do I now have to stick to buying beans and grinding them myself because, as I tend to do, I trusted my experience with this brand and did not take heed of the fact they never claimed their product was gluten free, but it's going to take a couple of weeks or more for my body to fix this damage. Lesson learned, again.

I hate that sinking feeling that I get the moment I realize I've messed up and eaten gluten and now have to wait out the problems I'm going to experience as my body tries to survive it. No take backs!

 

[trents]

Since this problem has manifested itself, have you tried other brands of ground coffee to confirm it is gluten causing the problem and not some other property of coffee that you have developed an intolerance to such as histamine intolerance? Coffee can be problematic for some for several reasons.

Edited May 5, 2023 by trents

[Wheatwacked]

3 hours ago, Dandk said:

but this time the coffee has a slightly different taste and it causes a gluten reaction in me within minutes.

That is concerning.  Sounds like some kind of contamination in production.  Take it back to the store or contact the company.  Or just throw it away and never buy again. 🤑  Let your wallet do the talking.

[Scott Adams]

I'd recommend saving the can and contacting the company directly about this. Without actually testing it for gluten there is no way to be 100% sure, but the company may want to test it.

[Dandk]

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. I drink other brands of coffee without any problems. I used to have no problems with this one either. I took a good look at it compared to my other usual brand, and this bad one has a lighter color than it used to compared to my good brand.  Also, it looks like there is an occasional lighter piece of something in this coffee. I am taking a sample to work to check it under a microscope.

I contacted the company a few days ago by phone and website message, but they haven't gotten back to me yet.

Thanks again for all of your comments.

[Scott Adams]

Please let us know what you find out.

[Dandk]

Update: the microscope images show plant material that looks like ground husk-like material.  Based on my physical response to the coffee, I believe it's wheat. I can't tell from the picture. 

If anyone is interested, I'll upload an image obtained on the microscope.

[trents]

2 hours ago, Dandk said:

Update: the microscope images show plant material that looks like ground husk-like material.  Based on my physical response to the coffee, I believe it's wheat. I can't tell from the picture. 

If anyone is interested, I'll upload an image obtained on the microscope.

So, it looks like they may be using wheat bran to stretch their coffee supply and save a few bucks in production.

[Dandk]

It seems like they are. Interestingly, I was surprised when I bought it this time and the price hadn't gone up since I purchased it last year. I should have realized there was something going on. It seems like everything has gone up in price. I expect that to be true for coffee also.

[Dandk]

I wanted to add one more thing about this. I tried to post a review of my latest experience with my coffee on the website of the large online shopping company from which I was able to purchase this coffee, but they rejected my review. I said nothing inflammatory, in my opinion, but just wanted to let folks know to be careful. I even said this was a coffee that I'd always loved, but that this time I had this experience. I'm bothered by their rejection of this review, though I understand that they need some level of protection against people that just want to say bad things about a company. However, I'm sorry for anyone else that is going to have a bad experience (assuming mine isn't the only can that's adulterated) when they drink this coffee.

[trents]

1 hour ago, Dandk said:

I wanted to add one more thing about this. I tried to post a review of my latest experience with my coffee on the website of the large online shopping company from which I was able to purchase this coffee, but they rejected my review. I said nothing inflammatory, in my opinion, but just wanted to let folks know to be careful. I even said this was a coffee that I'd always loved, but that this time I had this experience. I'm bothered by their rejection of this review, though I understand that they need some level of protection against people that just want to say bad things about a company. However, I'm sorry for anyone else that is going to have a bad experience (assuming mine isn't the only can that's adulterated) when they drink this coffee.

 I  think it would be appropriate to share the brand name of the coffee you are referring to on this website.

[Dandk]

@trents The coffee is Gavina extra fine grind espresso, 100% Arabica coffee, 10 oz can. I looked back on my order history and my first purchase was three cans for $25 in 2018. My latest purchase was the same three cans (they come in a pack of three) for $17.  I thought it was cheaper when I ordered it, but didn't realize how much until today. In the past, it was the smoothest, best canned coffee I had ever had. I treated myself once or twice a year. This latest may be a fluke, but without the company getting back to me I just can't take the risk of buying it again.

[Scott Adams]

In defense of the company I just want to add that it's important to mention here again that no testing has shown that there is any gluten in it, and it is too bad you don't have a Nima device to test for it. Is it possible they got a batch that was contaminated somehow--yes, but this would not mean that there is someone intentionally lacing their coffee with wheat to save money. Issues can arise from time to time with almost any naturally gluten-free packaged food, as we have seen over and over, even with items marked "gluten-free" or certified gluten-free can have issues. 

Perhaps you could contact Gluten-Free Watchdog about this, and they could test your remaining can, and ideally if you still had an unopened can?

[Dandk]

Thanks for adding this Scott.  I agree with everything you're saying. I do have a unopened can. I'll contact the watchdog folks.

[Scott Adams]

It's also possible that the company is a victim in this, and their suppliers are doing something shady, so in the end you could be helping other celiacs avoid contamination, and help the company clean up their supply, but thanks for doing that, and let us know how it goes.

[Yvonne Ayers Albers]

I kept trying to find a coffee also, that didn't cause problems, since I have Celiac!!  Finally tried Carabou Coffee!!  It is gluten free, and they only use water when making their decaf.  Which other companies use chemicals that they also use in paint thinner.  So far its been great for me, hope it helps someone else.  Also, I can find the regular Carbou in the stores, but have to order the decaf on line!!