Where to Find Gluten Free/Allergy Info from The World's Biggest Food Brands
As a way to manage conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD, ADHD) and Autism, people have turned to a gluten-free diet. The logic is that people with these conditions may have a higher sensitivity to foods with gluten. This can cause them to act out, feel sick, or have other complications.
Finding Gluten Free options is not always easy. It seems as though the larger food brands are jumping on the gluten-free train. Though some only have limited options, it seems that the gluten-free market is expanding and these large brands will not be left behind. Here is a list of some large food and beverage brands that provides a bit of insight into their gluten-free options. Of course, it is always best to check the labels of any product before purchase! Happy gluten-free eating!
This information provides tips for reading labels to identify foods made with gluten-containing ingredients. The primary source for gluten information is the ingredient statement on all food labels. In addition, certain products might voluntarily display a “gluten-free” statement on the front of pack. Thanks to GFoverflow, here are some additional Kraft products that are gluten free.
General Mills has been a great resource for finding gluten-free options. They founded a site called glutenfreely.com which has since been dissolved because "Retailers are becoming more aware of the needs of those who need to live gluten free. Therefore, there is less of a need for a specific gluten-free store. General Mills remains committed to the gluten-free community by offering more than 300 gluten-free products and will continue to invest in future innovations."
After two workers at Betty Crocker (a General Mills brand) found themselves thrown into the Gluten Free world, Betty Crocker decided to provide many more gluten free options, along with some great recipes so no family has to miss out on birthday cakes, tasty treats, and all of the celebration that goes along with delicious desserts.
Frito-Lay (a Pepsi brand) has validated through analytical testing that the products listed on their website contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, the level put forward in the FDA’s Gluten Free Food Labeling Final Rule. Please note: The information provided pertains only to products distributed in the U.S. Products sold in other countries under similar brands may be made using slightly different recipes and ingredients to accommodate local needs and preferences.
For people who follow a gluten-free diet, Heinz is making it easier to make the right choices. They clearly label all ingredients in their products. They have designated “Gluten-Free” products as such, for your information and for your peace of mind.
Life without chocolate seems too terrible to contemplate! Luckily, Hershey's has a added an extensive list of gluten-free products and lists them clearly on their website.
According to their FAQ, currently, the following products are gluten-free: Fruity Pebbles, Cocoa Pebbles, Marshmallow Pebbles and Fruity Pebbles Treats.
Kellogg's has recently launched Kellogg's® Rice Krispies® Gluten Free cereal, which they address in the FAQ section on their website. They also provide a small list of recipes which include their gluten free cereal.
While Pepsi does not specify on their website, both the Gluten Free Traveller and CSA Celiacs confirmed with Pepsi that these US drinks are gluten-free: Pepsi , Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Diet Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist Natural, Diet Sierra Mist, Mug Root Beer & Mug Cream, Diet Mug Root Beer & Diet Mug Cream, Citrus Blast Diet & Regular, Manzanita Sol, Mirinda, AMP Energy Drinks. However in the UK these products are NOT gluten-free: Robinsons Fruit & Barley, Robinsons Barley Water, Britvic Tomato Juice Cocktail, Shandy Bass.
Like Pepsi, the US Coca-Cola website gave little insight into their beverages gluten-free status. However, many organizations including the Gluten Free Traveller have reached out to Coke and can confirm that their products are gluten free. In the UK and Ireland, the Coke website does address this question.
In order to learn about Nestle's gluten-free products, they advice you contact your country's customer service department. GF Overflow displays a wide variety of gluten free products from Nestle. Nestle's UK website provides a great, just updated as of November 2013, list.