Esther Sparhawk
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Here's what Kroger said about their imitation extracts and food colorings:
"Thank you for your patience with the response for your inquiry. None of the extracts contain gluten ingredients. The food colorings need to be further researched."
I haven't had a chance to call about the star-shaped sprinkles. Hopefully I'll have time tomorrow.
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Why use imitation at all? Use the real thing. Add coconut and sub the water with coconut milk. Add nuts to any batter. Add orange juice and some fresh ground peel (grate just the orange part) for orange cupcakes and add the juice into the frosting it stead of water or milk
One of my kids is allergic to orange juice (and oranges) and grape juice. The other is allergic to nuts and chocolate. Imitation is the only option.
I am guessing that ingredient is just a type of alcohol, and until you heard from the manufacturer there is no definite answer.Yep, that's my problem in a nutshell.
There isn't anything they sell imitation that isn't available as an actual extract. If you have a cooking or baking store locally, check there or order it online.I live in a very small farm town in Idaho. And I'm out of time to order it online.
Just go during business hours during the day into the store and call from your phone or write all relevant information down if you can't and call on a lunch break.I work from 7AM to 5PM Mountain time, Monday through Friday. I suppose I could have called on my lunch break, but I didn't think of that. Today's her birthday. It's Saturday, so it's impossible to call Kroger now. I guess we'll just have plain ol' Pamela's vanilla cake again.
I liked the idea of the pudding, but our small town grocery store doesn't usually carry any other puddings besides vanilla and chocolate. They carry quite a few jell-os, but I don't think that will be the same. I have to drive 100 miles to get to a larger grocery store.
One year we tried to add fresh raspberries and put jam between layers. It turned out awful! (I'm a working mom, and not a very good cook.) This year I bought two vanilla cake mixes, just in case I ruin one of them. That's our usual routine.
Of course candy sprinkles are nice. We use those every year. We were hoping to use the candy stars this year, but it looks like that's out too. I can't find any confirmation on that product either. We've had gluten-free birthdays for ten years. That's a lot of vanilla cakes. Candy sprinkles are nice, but as she is entering her teen years, we were really hoping to try a new flavor. We did pumpkin cake last year.
I'll take the Kroger extracts to work with me on Monday, call Kroger on my lunch break, and post the answer myself. That way the next person to search these forums will have an answer to the question.
Furthermore, I'd really appreciate it if the three of you who commented would give me a positive rating. Over a year ago, I posted a statement that some handi-wipes contain gluten (a statement which I believed to be true, having called the company). Someone had discovered contrary information and a bunch of people slammed me with negative ratings.
I would really like my ratings to come back up, if possible.
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Hi everyone,
Kroger has some new imitation flavorings on the market. (I had never seen them in my supermarket before today.) They are imitation almond flavor, imitation coconut flavor, and imitation vanilla butter & nut flavor. I'd like to try these on my daughter's gluten-free cupcakes, so we're not stuck with plain old vanilla for her birthday again. (She has a chocolate allergy, so we're usually stuck in Vanillaville.) However the label on these flavorings says "propylene glycol," which is likely a form of alcohol. If it's a corn-based alcohol, we should be fine.
I've googled the products, and I guess they're so new there's no info on them yet. But I've been told Kroger is a "trusted" company. Still, I'm not sure I should trust them for this upcoming birthday party. My daughter hasn't had a gluten accident in about three years, and we really want to keep her on a winning streak. New products make me nervous.
So I'm hoping another celiac has heard news about these imitation flavoring products. Anyone?
Another product we'd like to use are the Betty Crocker Decors "Stars," but the label says, "mono- and diglycerides," which can mean gluten (or at least, it used to be a read flag). Does anyone have news about the Betty Crocker Decors "Stars"? Are those gluten-free? I've seen some lists in the forums with the Betty Crocker sprinkles and frostings, but I haven't seen the "Stars" appearing on any of those posts. However the posts are older. Maybe things have changed.
We'll probably do our baking on Oct. 10. No point in posting responses after that date.
Thanks.
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People with DH get a skin rash, and it often occurs on the lower back/buttocks and knees. DH stands for Dermititis Herpetiformis, and it's a form of celiac disease that manifests as a skin rash. The rash can be very unpredictable. I was recently diagnosed with DH, and I find that the rash sometimes happens after eating wheat, but sometimes it just doesn't. You can't predict it.
But you can prevent it. That's the good news. Now that I'm gluten-free, the rash never comes back. It's gone for good!
But as people often remind folks on celiac.com, don't take your child off of wheat until you've had the tests. Otherwise, you'll get a false negative test result.
BTW: there's a forum for people with DH here on celiac.com.
Another thing to remember about the dairy thing is this: many celiacs are lactose intolerant until they get on the gluten-free diet. Once on the diet, a lot of people find their lactose intolerance disappears.
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We use Yummy Bears vitamins. They have a multivitamin and other supplements.
Vitafusion says it's gluten-free, but my daughter is super-sensitive. She got sick one day right after we started her on Vitafusion, so we haven't used them since. It could've been something non-vitamin-related that made her sick, but there's no way to know.
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Did you know PlayDough is made from wheat? And a kid can't help but get that gunk under their fingernails. Once it's under their fingernails, it's going in their mouth, sure as shootin'!
Tonight I visited with a lady whose child had recently been diagnosed with celiac. Like most of us when we first start out, she wasn't aware that PlayDough could be a problem. I mean, who eats PlayDough, right? But the problem isn't usually one of intentional ingestion, it's about little kids whose fingers go from their nose, to their mouth, to God-knows-where. Kids can be pretty messy.
So I thought maybe it was time, once again, to post the non-food items we parents need to be careful about. Feel free to add to my list, but here's a starter:
- school glue (we use Elmers, but we also wash hands after use)
- nail polish remover (none are safe, so we wash with a nail scrubber after use)
- lotion (contact the company--Vaseline is a no-no)
- Chapstick and other lip balms (we use Kiss My Face)
- sunscreen (last summer Coppertone was fine)
- PlayDough (Colorations makes one that's gluten-free)
- finger paints (I haven't been able to find any that are safe)
- other kinds of paints (we wash hands after use)
- crayons (Crayola are safe--or were last Sept.)
- wet wipes (we avoid them)
- hand sanitizer (I haven't found any that are safe)
- topical medicines (we avoid stuff like Cortizone)
- lick-ables (like the glue on an envelope--we use self-sealing envelopes)
- shampoo (Suave for Kids is safe)
- soap (we use Ivory or Dove, but I haven't called the companies in a while)
- laundry detergent (ALL is safe)
- dish soap (we use Dawn, but I haven't called the company for more than a year)
- cat food/dog food (we don't let Annie feed the pets... EVER)
- toothpaste (we use Crest, but some others are safe too--call the company to make sure)
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I know as far as equipment goes that must all be fine, the office requires people to sanitize their hands before entering they are so on top of that, but I am worried about the antibacterial rinse/pain meds, the painkiller is Percocet, never used it before, honestly terrified of taking any meds the last med I took was that anti anexity/depressant that caused the whole destroy my stomach thing in the first place -.-
anywhoo
Do I need to fear gluten or anything like that from anything to do with the operation or stuff they do or give me?
see I don't know all what will be done and used so I don't know what to expect or question lol
Contact your oral surgeon and ask him/her to check to make sure all medications are gluten-free. Also remind him/her that some toothpastes are not gluten-free and the alcohol that is sometimes used to cleanse equipment can be harmful. Give your oral surgeon plenty of time to prepare. He/she is responsible to take care of you, but it's a good idea to put everything in writing for your own legal protection. Write a formal letter to his/her office. Keep a copy for yourself as well.
That's what I'd do.
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With my daughter, I've found it's helpful to make gluten-free food look pretty. For a lunch snack, try making an "appetizer" platter with a ring of gluten-free rice crackers around the outside, lunch meat cut into squares (Hormel has a number of gluten-free choices) lined up next to that ring, and cheese slices in the middle. You can do the same with apple slices, cheese, and a pretty bowl of raisins. When kids are young, appearance is everything.
Another trick is to cut peanut-butter-and-jelly gluten-free sandwiches into shapes with cookie cutters.
Baked potatoes look yummier if mommy makes it fluffy inside (like those fancy pictures you see in ads on TV). Then let him add his favorite toppings: grated cheese, sour cream, gluten-free Hormel ham diced up, etc...
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I was just thinking about common medications for kids (Tylenol, Advil, antibiotics...). Does anybody know if these brands have gluten in them (in Canada). What about antibiotics? Should I be telling our pharmacist about our daughter's diagnosis?
I always mention my daughter's diagnosis with our pharmacist. And I'm adamant that we not purchase drugs/medicines until gluten-free status can be verified. It's funny, too, because we always have to remind medical doctors as well. They've sometimes prescribed meds that had gluten--then we reminded them, and they went, "Oh yeah. Right. I guess I need to call and see if that's gluten-free first."
It's funny how easily people forget what they're dealing with, even in the medical community. So be vocal about your child's diagnosis. Remind, reiterate, and refuse to walk away until people call to confirm the gluten-free status of prescriptions.
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Very few meds actually have gluten but, as others have said, the pharmacist should know.
richard
As I understand it, meds that contain alcohol (like Niquil) frequently have gluten. In the US, they're really hard labels to understand as well.
Two summers ago, I spent several days calling companies of all the stuff I had in my medicine cabinet. Now keep in mind, that was TWO YEARS AGO, so it's time to call again. But here's what I found for my youngster...
gluten-free:
- Liquid Tylenol and Children's Tylenol Meltaways Bubble-gum Flavored or Grape
- Triaminic Daytime and Nightime Liquid Formulas
- Tums Chewable
- Children's Liquid Claratin
- GAS-X
- Burt's Bees Lip Balm
- Kiss My Face Lip Balm
- Badger Balm
Not gluten-free or could not verify gluten-free:
- Vicks Formula 44
- Niquil
- Benadril
- Bean-o
- Dramamine (but we have used it with no ill effects--it may be one of those companies that's afraid to say yea or nay for fear of law suits)
- Chapstick
Remember, though, my news is two years old. Things may have changed for some of those companies. I plan to do another call-around this summer, when I have some time off. If anybody knows of a change in any of these products, please post a comment and correct me! Thanks!
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Nature's Path has some very nice cereals. Their 'cheerios' taste good..but, of course, not like wheat.. more like toasted rice. Open Original Shared Link
Envirokids makes some gluten-free cereals. My daughter likes the Leaping Lemurs, but it's shaped more like Kix.
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Just today, I discovered two new items to put in my little one's lunchbox:
- Post Fruity Pebble Treats
- Betty Crocker Fruit Gushers
They're both labeled with "gluten free" on the front of the box. I'm glad more and more companies are starting to label products as gluten-free! I do worry, though about cross-contamination in the assembly lines.
I'm going to try these out w/ my kiddo this week and see how things go.
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When you mention Lunchable, are you talking about the product called Lunchables or something else? I thought that these contained meat, cheese and crackers. Are there some gluten free ones? Are they labeled as such?
Thx!
Yeah, I probably should've put quotation marks around "LUNCHABLES" because they're our own, home-made "Lunchables". I pack them in a Hello Kitty divider lunchbox, so they look fun, like the real thing.
Sorry for the confusion.
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I saw someone post that they packed Granola for the child's lunch. Can you tell me what brand of Granola you use?
We buy "Nutty Cranberry Maple Granola" from Bakery on Main, but it's not cheap. It's fantastically yummy though. As a fair substitute, you can make your own (as other users noted) and Chex cereals are now labeling some of their products gluten-free. They are, of course, a handy grain product to easily mix with raisins, nuts (if you're not allergic), and other dried fruits.
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Wow. That's all great news! Now I'm as excited as the kids about going to Disneyland...
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Honey Nut Chex contain almond, but not peanut ingredients. Both of my girls (even the one that's not gluten-free) took a big bag of those to school yesterday to snack on. Chex cereals are now labeling gluten-free on their boxes (YAY)!
Betty Crocker's Spongebob Squarepants fruit snacks are individually wrapped and they say gluten-free on the box.
You'll want to read the labels, but pudding snacks are often gluten-free, and I believe Jell-o brand is a trusted company. They have a pretty long shelf life and do not need to be refrigerated.
Old Wisconsin labels their pepperoni sticks gluten-free and they also last for a pretty long time without refrigeration. I'm not sure if they're nut free, but they are gluten-free.
My daughter eats Cheetos without having a reaction. They are not officially gluten-free, and I believe they contain sunflower oil (if that's a problem).
Don't forget about trusty old raisins. Sometimes you can even find chocolate covered or yogurt covered raisins gluten-free.
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This question gets posted periodically, and since I've been the mom of a celiac kid for 6 yrs, every now and again, I like to re-start the topic, because I always get great ideas to add to my school lunch repertoire. Everybody submit your ideas please! What do you like to put in your child's lunchbox?
Here are my child's two favorites:
STICK DAY:
- 3 Old Wisconsin pepperoni sticks
- 3 mazzerella cheese sticks
- 8-10 Glutino Bread Sticks
- 6 carrot sticks
- 6 peanut butter or cream-cheese filled celery sticks
- juice
gluten-free LUNCHABLES:
- gluten-free lunchmeat cut into cubes (ham or turkey or a little of both)-- Buddig lunchmeats have been labeling their meats with a gluten-free label lately.
- Swiss cheese squares
- cheddar cheese squares
- rice crackers
- apple slices
- raisins
- juice
You can also do PB&J lunchables or cream cheese lunchables. They're fun to make at school. Just send a plastic knife along with the ingredients. With PB&J or cream cheese lunchables, the raisins and apple slices are yummy on the crackers too.
YOUR TURN! What do you put in your kids' lunchboxes?
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My daughter, age 8, has celiac disease. We're taking the whole family to Disneyland for spring break this year. I know I can call Disneyland 24 hours ahead of time and order a gluten-free meal for Annie, according to the Disneyland website, but which restaurants inside Disneyland's amusement park offer something she'll like?
Has anyone else visited the Disneyland in Anaheim, CA lately? Which restaurants were your favorites? Which meals appealed to you?
As we moms know, children can be finicky. Salad is NOT an option for a rambunctious 8-yr.-old. She's got to have protein to maintain the amount of energy needed to walk all around the park and enjoy the rides.
So when you were at Disneyland, where did you eat? What did you order? Before I make my phone call, I'd like to know the names of the restaurants within the amusement park and be able to request specific meals that will appeal to her.
Thanks for helping!
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I just wanted to make sure you note that the altoids mints are gluten free, but the gum is not safe.
Sorry I cant be of much help:)
Yeah, that's exactly why I posted this, Maceroni. I send this list to family, friends, school, etc... I want to make sure it is easy for anyone to follow, even if they know nothing about celiac disease. Thanks for pointing out that discrepancy. I'll fix that on my master copy.
Anyone else see something that needs altered?
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Don't you hate it when Halloween rolls around and you're wondering which candies your gluten-free kid can eat? Well, I've decided to post my list and ask for everyone out there in cyberland to help me verify. Which of these candies have you called lately? Which ones need to be removed or added? Isn't this what a celiac forum is all about? Helping each other out?
So here's my gluten-free candy list from last Halloween (Meaning these candies and gums were all gluten-free as of last fall, to the best of my knowledge):
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Some pepperoni sticks and beef jerky is gluten-free. When we travel in the car, I usually bring along Oberto original beef jerky for my daughter. Just in case the fruits and veggies you're planning aren't filling enough and you need a little protein. These store easily too.
For breakfast, go w/ the banana nut bread or something similar. Zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, etc.. Seems like Pamela's has a gingerbread mix that can be used for a zucchini bread (recipe adaptation might even be on the side of the package, if I remember right). Boiled eggs last forever too. Dole's pre-packaged fruits are easy to cart around with you, but their yogurt-mixed fruit cups were not gluten-free last I heard. Just the plain fruit is gluten-free.
Open Original Shared Link--It's a safe teen advice column. Remind kids to use pseudonyms whenever they blog, for their own internet safety.
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Our Celiac Support Group recently had its annual summer potluck and I brought this chicken casserole dish. I was pleasantly surprised by the group's positive response to my mother-in-law's simple casserole dish. So I thought I'd share the recipe w/ everyone in cyberspace. Here you go...
gluten-free Curry Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
2 frozen chicken breasts
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For a healthy snack or light lunch, my kids love a plate of "Lunchables". Just like the packet you can buy at the grocery store, it's just a plate with cold cut meats (Hormel is a trusted company--meaning they list all gluten ingredients clearly on their labels) and various types of cheeses (swiss, pepper jack, cheddar, etcetera). Stick some crackers in a bowl and make little cracker sandwiches. Olives can be safe as well, to top them off. Some cream-cheese spreads are safe too. Just read labels. Like Hormel, Kraft is a trusted company. They clearly label gluten ingredients.
For crackers, I recommend: Diamond brand makes some very tasty rice crackers; Glutino crackers taste & feel sort of like Ritz; Mary's Gone Crackers makes some nutty, crunchy crackers.
I'm not just a parent of a kid with celiac disease. I'm also a teacher and author. I write novels for young adults. Feel free to visit my teen advice column online. Open Original Shared Link
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Ashley,
When my daughter was first diagnosed w/ celiac disease, I bought a book called, "Kids with Celiac Disease" by Danna Korn. It was a life-saver! It helps you plan ahead for any teen events that deal with food: pizza night, birthday parties, church youth group, summer camp, school lunches, etc...
I tried to attach a link to Amazon, where you could buy the book online (with a parent's approval/help), but the link wouldn't work for some reason. Health food stores sometimes carry "Kids with Celiac Disease" as well. It's a must-have.
FYI, I'm not just a parent of a kid with celiac disease, I'm also a public school teacher and author. My web site is found at Open Original Shared Link
Share Your Salsa Recipe!
in Gluten-Free Recipes & Cooking Tips
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As the end of October approaches, my garden is finally full of those long-awaited tomatoes. Time to make salsa! Let's share our salsa recipes, shall we?