Why We Recommend Gluten Free Oatmeal
How to Choose Gluten-Free Oatmeal
If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it’s important to avoid gluten in your diet to maintain your health and prevent potential complications. Oatmeal is a nutritious and tasty breakfast option, but many commercial brands contain gluten. Here’s how to choose gluten-free oatmeal.
Check the Label
The first step in choosing gluten-free oatmeal is to check the label. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all foods labeled as “gluten-free” contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is considered to be a safe level for people with celiac disease.
When you’re checking the label, look for the “gluten-free” designation, as well as the absence of any gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, and rye. If the label doesn’t specify that the product is gluten-free, you may want to contact the manufacturer to ask about the product’s gluten content.
Choose Whole-Grain Oats
In addition to being gluten-free, oatmeal made from whole-grain oats is more nutritious than oatmeal made from processed oats. Whole-grain oats are high in fiber and other nutrients, while processed oats have been stripped of some of their nutrients during processing.
To make sure you’re getting whole-grain oats, look for the word “whole” on the label. For example, you might see “whole-grain rolled oats” or “whole-grain steel-cut oats.” Avoid products that say “quick oats” or “instant oats,” as these are more processed and may not be as nutritious.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Even if a product is labeled as gluten-free, it may have been processed in a facility that also processes wheat, barley, and rye. This can lead to cross-contamination, which can be a problem for people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
To avoid cross-contamination, look for oatmeal that is specifically labeled as “certified gluten-free.” This means that the product has been tested to ensure that it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Try Different Varieties
While most commercial oatmeal brands are made from oats, there are many other tasty and gluten-free options out there. For example, you can try making oatmeal from quinoa, millet, or amaranth. These grains are naturally gluten-free and offer a variety of flavors and textures.
You can also mix different grains together to create your own unique oatmeal blend. Experiment with different combinations and see what you like best.
Conclusion
Choosing gluten-free oatmeal doesn’t have to be difficult. By checking the label, choosing whole-grain oats, avoiding cross-contamination, and trying different varieties, you can easily find a tasty and nutritious oatmeal option that fits into your gluten-free diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are regular Quaker Oats gluten-free?
No, regular Quaker oats are not gluten-free. To get gluten-free oats, look for products with a gluten-free label. These oats are processed and packaged in a gluten-free facility and meet FDA standards for gluten-free.
2. Is gluten-free oatmeal good for you?
Yes, gluten-free oatmeal offers many health benefits. It aids in weight loss, helps lower blood sugar levels, and reduces the risk of heart disease. Oats are a gluten-free whole grain that provides essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
3. Is gluten-free oatmeal as healthy as regular oatmeal?
The primary difference between regular oatmeal and gluten-free oatmeal is the processing method. In terms of micronutrients, the difference is usually insignificant.
4. Are all old fashioned oats gluten-free?
Oats do not naturally contain gluten. However, cross-contamination may occur during growth, processing, and packaging, which makes regular old fashioned oats unsafe for people with celiac disease.
5. Does old fashioned oatmeal have gluten?
Oats do not naturally contain gluten, but they can become cross-contaminated during growth, processing, and packaging. This cross-contamination makes regular old fashioned oatmeal unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.
6. Is oatmeal OK for celiac disease?
Recent evidence suggests that most individuals with celiac disease can safely consume oats. However, oats should be certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional before including oats in a gluten-free diet.
7. Are oats inflammatory or anti-inflammatory?
Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties due to its phenolic compounds, particularly avenanthramides. These compounds help reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease.
8. Why can't I tolerate gluten-free oats?
There can be several reasons for gastrointestinal symptoms when consuming gluten-free oats. Some individuals with celiac disease may react to the protein called avenin in oats. Additionally, the high levels of soluble fiber in oats can cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
9. Is gluten-free oatmeal anti-inflammatory?
Yes, gluten-free oatmeal contains avenanthramides, which are polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching properties. Oats also have a balanced amino acid profile, making them beneficial for reducing inflammation.
Editor's Notes
During our gluten free oatmeal research, we found 24 gluten free oatmeal products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 123,716 customer reviews through our big data system to write the gluten free oatmeal list. We found that most customers choose gluten free oatmeal with an average price of $15.52.
The gluten free oatmeal are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of gluten free oatmeal, including Bob's Red Mill, King Arthur, Quaker, Nature's Path, Oatsome. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!
