Caramel Coloring?

[bartfull]

BUT! There are several supersensitives here on this forum and not one of them has ever claimed to have a gluten reaction to Coke or Pepsi. That indicates that whatever you are reacting to gives you a reaction that is SIMILAR to a glutening, but it is not a true glutening.

[Lisa]

Coke is FULL of chemicals, non of which contain gluten.  Perhaps it's a chemical reaction that is bothering you.

 

http://productnutrition.thecoca-colacompany.com/

[Rhotitar]

Hello I know this is an old topic, but I felt inclined to post about my experience; I don't have a problem with caramel color although I don't consume it anymore due to the fact that the process that companies use uses chemicals rather than a natural process and now I eat whole foods only. Anyways a little while back at work I had bought several bags of candy that were on sale one of the chocolate in it were Mounds, for some strange reason in certain bags the Mounds had caramel color as an ingredient and in other bags they did not. I had researched caramel color and found out that in America they use corn instead of wheat as a source so thought it was safe, but found out I reacted to the Mounds with the caramel color. I am very sensitive and the one symptom I get every time without fail is extreme twisting stabbing pain on right side below my rib. To further prove my gluten suspicion the candy said gluten free on the wrapper that didn't have the caramel color, but it didn't on the ones that included the caramel color and these were sold right here in America. Therefore it may be very well be possible to find out there something made with caramel color that may be contaminated with wheat. Either way it's best to stay away from this nasty ingredient since companies use sulfites and/or ammonia compounds to prepare it.  

[GFree5]

I know that this topic is a decade old but after several experiences I have decided to create an account and chime in. I am currently reacting in the same manner as I do when I consume gluten from now drinking a diet cola. I cannot completely rule out whether or not it is from the caramel coloring or from aspartame. I do feel the caramel coloring is more responsible but overall I feel bad when having a diet soda even without caramel coloring. The reason I am drawing a conclusion between caramel coloring and gluten is because the caramel coloring seems to be identical to getting glutened for me. The most obvious and debilitating is the muscle aches. My entire body is achy the following day for 24 hours after consuming gluten. It seems important to note that if I only consume 1 can of diet soda with caramel coloring I seem to be ok. If I have 2 cans or more I have every single symptom similar to eating gluten. Muscle aches ( the most painful) ; lethargy;  brain fog; constipation. Although, after consuming diet soda without caramel coloring I often do not feel great but it does not mimmick a gluten response in the same way as it does with caramel coloring. Someone posted their experience with mound bars and certain bags labeled gluten free while the other bag did not. They consumed both and had a reaction. I think this is important to note that our favorite sodas and diet sodas are not labeled gluten free. I think this speaks to the ongoing investigation of food products and their respective labeling. In 2022 if something highly processed does not say gluten free then in my opinion it is best to set it aside. 

[Scott Adams]

It is very unlikely it contains gluten, and in the USA caramel coloring is gluten-free, but aspartame is well known to cause IBS-like issues in many people. I suspect that aspartame is the culprit.