Caramel Coloring

[lbsteenwyk]

I was recently given a copy of Gluten Free Living Magazine. In the back is a table titled "Is it Gluten-Free?" which columns for YES, NO and MAYBE. Caramel Coloring is listed in the Yes column. I was surprised by this, because I thought this ingredient could possibly contain wheat and should be verified by the manufacturer.

What do you all think of this? And what do you think of this publication in terms of containing reliable information?

[cdford]

I would have put this one in the maybe category. From everything I have read, it is the source of the caramel coloring that makes the determination. I have also found that to be true when I have contacted manufacturers.

[celiac3270]

I would have put this one in the maybe category. From everything I have read, it  is the source of the caramel coloring that makes the determination. I have also found that to be true when I have contacted manufacturers.

I agree with Donna. It's a maybe. It's very unlikely that the caramel color contains gluten, nonetheless, it CAN.

[lbsteenwyk]

Donna: Have you actually found products with caramel color that DO contain gluten? I'm just curious because the magazine said they had not found any.

[lovegrov]

I've been gluten-free for clsoing in on four years and cannot remember ever finding a product with hidden gluten in the caramel coloring. If anybody knows of specific products please tell us.

richard

[celiac3270]

I don't know of any specific ones...I just go by the books, rather than personal experience, on this one. From the celiac.com forbidden list:

The following items may or may not contain gluten depending on where and how they are made, and it is sometimes necessary to check with the manufacturer to find out:

Artificial Color4

Artificial Flavoring6

Caramel Color1, 3

Coloring4

Dextrins1,7

Flavoring6

Food Starch1, 4

Gravy Cubes4

Ground Spices4

Maltodextrin1, 8  Miso4

Modified Food Starch1, 4

Modified Starch1, 4

Mono and Diglycerides1

Monosodium Glutimate (MSG)1, 4

Mustard Powder 4

Natural Flavoring6

Starch1, 4

Stock Cubes4

Wheat Starch5 

1) If this ingredient is made in North America it is likely to be gluten-free.

3) The problem with caramel color is it may or may not contain gluten depending on how it is manufactured. In the USA caramel color must conform with the FDA standard of identity from 21CFR CH.1. This statute says: "the color additive caramel is the dark-brown liquid or solid material resulting from the carefully controlled heat treatment of the following food-grade carbohydrates: Dextrose (corn sugar), invert sugar, lactose (milk sugar), malt syrup (usually from barley malt), molasses (from cane), starch hydrolysates and fractions thereof (can include wheat), sucrose (cane or beet)." Also, acids, alkalis and salts are listed as additives which may be employed to assist the caramelization process.

....

[kvogt]

The only time I worry about carmel color is when the product comes from outside the US or Canada; otherwise, I pronounce it safe.

[cdford]

I have come across it a time or two, but since I don't keep records of items that do contain gluten I cannot remember what they were.

[KaitiUSA]

I have run into things in the US made in the US with gluten in the caramel color. I'll ask my mom to see if she remembers exactly what it was...she is the one who called about it.

For the most part it will be ok but it can contain barley malt so it is something to watch.