Caramel Color

[Sinenox]

I've been told that there are two kinds of caramel color - some contains gluten and some doesn't.

How can I tell the difference? I've been avoiding dark sodas since I've heard but frequently my other options are worse for me if, for example, root beer doesn't contain gluten. Does anyone know? Suggestions?

Also, are there any guides to eliminating soy? I've found lots of ingredient lists for gluten but soy seems to be in everything. Ideas? Suggestions?

I'd appreciate the help!

[psawyer]

Caramel color is safe in Canada and the US. The soft drinks made by the Coca Cola Company and the Pepsi Cola Company are all gluten-free.

[mackytack]

Caramel color is safe in Canada and the US. The soft drinks made by the Coca Cola Company and the Pepsi Cola Company are all gluten-free.

hey there! i was wondering how you know all caramel color in the US, and Canada are safe?? I have been reading there is a lot of controversy on that...thanks for any and all info!

[psawyer]

From Gluten-Free Diet , 2006 ed, by Shelley Case, BSc, RD:

Although gluten-containing ingredients (barley malt syrup and starch hyrdosylates) can be used in the production of caramel color, North American companies use corn syrup as it has a longer shelf life and makes a superior product. European companies use glucose syrup derived from wheat starch, however caramel color is highly processed and contains no gluten.

Shelley Case is widely accepted as an expert in this area, and is recognized as such by the Canadian Celiac Association. I trust what she says without question.

[lovegrov]

I've been gluten-free for more than 5 years (U.S.) and have never ever found caramel color with gluten. Several folks who have been involved in this for many years (Ann Whelan is one) have looked and looked and can't find caramel color with gluten. This is one of those things that certainly CAN be made with wheat, but it isn't. And in the U.S. now, the wheat HAS to be clearly listed if it's there. It would not be made from barley or rye.

Caramel color simply is not something to worry about any more (and it probably never was).

richard

[Sinenox]

Thanks for your help! I really appreciate the input. I'm glad to know I can go back to drinking what I like.

[mackytack]

From Gluten-Free Diet , 2006 ed, by Shelley Case, BSc, RD:

Shelley Case is widely accepted as an expert in this area, and is recognized as such by the Canadian Celiac Association. I trust what she says without question.

Hey there!

Thank you for the info...I am new to this, as my son has recently been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance. It has been quite overwhelming! I was looking at the book from Shelley Case...The Gluten Free Diet...A Comprehensive Resource Guide. It looks like a wealth of information...can you tell me more about it?

thanks

[psawyer]

The book is excellent. It covers labelling and ingredient suitability in practical terms, and covers both the United States and Canada. I had been on the gluten-free diet for several years before I got the book, and still it has been very useful to me. It is well worth the money.

[mackytack]

The book is excellent. It covers labelling and ingredient suitability in practical terms, and covers both the United States and Canada. I had been on the gluten-free diet for several years before I got the book, and still it has been very useful to me. It is well worth the money.

Thanks again psawyer!!! i am going to order the book tonight! i have also been reading The Gluten Free Bible, and have found it to be very helpful/informative. Through trial and error, I am finding things that my son likes/dislikes...I think it's so much to deal with as a child. Anyway, I am open to any information you have...what foods are good, what's a waste etc. Do you subscribe to Living Without? I've also heard that is a great magazine for people with food allergies/intolerances etc.

[Gommble73]

You should only consider caramel colouring to be gluten free if it's a U.S. product and states GLUTEN FREE on the packaging...

Open Original Shared Link

[cyclinglady]

3 hours ago, Gommble73 said:

You should only consider caramel colouring to be gluten free if it's a U.S. product and states GLUTEN FREE on the packaging...

Open Original Shared Link

Welcome to the forum, Gommble73! ? Your link is to a blog.  Anyone can blog.  We even have a blog section for our members.  But blogs are not very scientific.  You should use caution when obtaining information from an older blog.   Carmel color is safe to consume in the US.  Always read the label and when in doubt, call the manufacturer directly as websites are not always current.  

If you are new to celiac disease, read our Newbie 101 section.  It has lots of tips and ideas because it is tough to navigate in the gluten free world!  And we are here to help one another!