Gluten-free processed foods

Processed foods are those that have been modified in some way to extend their shelf life, improve their flavor or texture, or to make them more convenient for the consumer. To this end, additives are added during processing, packaging, storage and sometimes transport.

They are substances approved for human consumption and will always be present in some form in the vast majority of processed foods. Additives have no nutritional value. Depending on their function, they can be used for flavoring, coloring, preserving, sweetening, thickening, and so on. They can come from plants, animals, minerals or be made in laboratories.

They are very useful to preserve food safety, to preserve them from contamination, and also to make the product more attractive to people.

Some of these additives are made from gluten protein or use it as a carrier for other additives. People with celiac disease should familiarize themselves with these components to ensure that they do not unintentionally consume gluten. This is a common occurrence.

Additives beginning with the letter E and followed by 3 digits do not contain gluten. Those that may contain gluten are modified starches. These begin with the letter E, but are followed by 4 digits, from E-1404 to E-1450.

Some modified starches are gluten-free or can be classified as gluten-free by processing in which they are purified to make them safe for consumption by celiacs. If this is the case, it should be indicated on the label. When in doubt, it is best not to consume them.

Although many processed foods contain these additives, there are many options available for those following a gluten-free diet. Gluten-free processed foods can be found in specialty stores and most supermarkets.

The following are some of the common processed foods that are gluten-free, or can be found in gluten-free versions:

• Breakfast cereals: there are many gluten-free cereal options available on the market. These include gluten-free rice, corn, quinoa and oat-based options.

• Bakery products: there are a wide variety of gluten-free bakery products available, such as bread, cookies, cookies and cakes.

• Processed meats: Gluten-free processed meats include ham, bacon, bacon, bacon, pork shoulder, salted meats and brines. It is important to always read labels on processed meat foods to make sure they are gluten-free.

• Dairy products: Most dairy products are gluten-free. Enriched, whole or skim milk. Fresh, soft, fermented, cured or semi-cured cheese. Natural yogurt.

• Eggs: fresh, powdered, dehydrated or liquid.

• Soups and broths: processed soups and broths may contain gluten, but gluten-free options are also available. They can be found canned, dehydrated and refrigerated.

• Sauces and dressings: sauces and dressings may contain gluten due to thickeners and added ingredients. However, there are many gluten-free sauce and dressing options available on the market such as whole and crushed tomato or dehydrated soups.

• Prepared meals: there are many gluten-free prepared meal options available. These include frozen meals, take-out and fast food options.

• Snacks: processed snacks may contain gluten, but gluten-free options are also available. These include potato chips, pretzels, crackers and popcorn.

• Canned: cooked or precooked legumes, plain (lentils are not recommended). Fish and seafood in oil, lemon or garlic. Canned fruits in syrup and compote.

• Vegetables and greens: dehydrated, frozen, cooked or pre-cooked.

• Desserts: neutral gelatin, jams and jellies, dried, candied or glazed fruits. Always check labels for safety.

• Yeast: impellers and raising agents such as sodium bicarbonate, tartaric acid, seltzer salt, fruit salt). Also fresh yeast tablets.