Sodium Caseniate

[eternity]

I saw this on the list of ingredients that are not safe. In paranthesis it says (contains MSG), but then on the safe list is MSG so are products with sodium caseinate gluten-free or not?

Also I am having a hard time making the decision on products with maltodextrin and dextrin in them and mono & diglycerides. I read that maltodextrin containing products made in the US are gluten-free, is this true and what about dextrin?

I have had a few companies tell me that because wheat is a top allergen it is listed if it is anywhere in their product. So if I see the above in the list and it is not declared can I consider it safe?

Any help regarding making decisions on these items would be helpful. I have not found it feasible to call about every single product- also I sometimes have to make a decision at the store whether or not to buy the product.

[lovegrov]

Sodium caseinate is gluten-free.

Despite its name, maltodextrin has neither malt nor dextrin. In three years I have yet to find anything that wasn't gluten-free solely because of maltodextrin. Supposedly it's always gluten-free in food products in the U.S.

Mono and diglycerides and dextrin are also supposedly safe in the U.S. Supposedly the mono and diglycerides could have a wheat carrier and maybe the same with dextrin. Once again, I don't think I've ever found a food that wasn't gluten-free because of these ingredients.

If a company tells you that they clearly list all gluten in the ingredients, then if it doesn't say very plainly wheat, rye or barley, it's gluten-free, even if it's chock full of those suspect ingredients. If a company says they list the top 8 allergens, then there's still a very slight chance barley could be hidden (I've never heard of rye being a hidden ingredient). It's unlikely but possible. You have to get clear whether they list all gluten or just the top allergens, which includes wheat.

richard