Does caramel color have gluten?

Nancy in VA · #1 03-09-2010, 12:07 PM

Someone mentioned it to me today and that was the first I'd heard it, so I wanted to check.

aklap · #2 03-09-2010, 12:26 PM

http://glutenfreeliving.com/ingredient.php#caramel

Here's what GF Living has to say about Caramel Color...

Quote:

Caramel color
Corn is used to make caramel color in the U.S. The FDA does permit use of barley malt but all major caramel color producers say corn makes a better product.

The sticky wicket in all of this is..if it's made from barley...they don't have to tell you that. You can A) call and confirm with the manufacturer B) purchase an item from those companies that will disclose all forms of gluten. As you'll see down below in Tricia's comment, it's felt that this product is so highly processed that it's a non-issue.

More info...

http://www.childrenshospital.org/cli...0Flevel83.html

Quote:

Previous questionable ingredients that are now rendered to be gluten-free are the following:

Maltodextrin
Glucose Syrup
Carmel Coloring
Citric Acid
Distilled Vinegars.

Tricia Thompson (aka the GF Dietitian) - caramel color

Quote:

Bottom Line

It is exceedingly rare to come across food products in the US that contain caramel color derived from wheat. In my opinion, caramel color even if it is derived from wheat is not an ingredient that individuals on a gluten-free diet should worry about--including me!

Flutterby · #3 03-09-2010, 12:53 PM

thanks for the quotes and links.. we often worry about caramel color and distilled vinegar..

lisamustac · #4 03-10-2010, 07:50 PM

Any product with caramel coloring I just call the company. I think it's time we add detective to our resumes.

Caldercup · #5 03-11-2010, 10:06 AM

I try the "rule" of, if it's a product made in America, it's probably okay -- but I check with the company.

I made the mistake of trying something with caramel coloring from Mexico -- well, it was something someone added to some potato salad and I didn't realize it was in there until I had a baaaaad reaction -- and, boy, was that an experience I don't want to repeat.

aklap · #6 03-11-2010, 10:30 AM

Sorry to hear about that Eileen.

Imported food must follow the same rules as food produced here in the states. If the caramel color was made from wheat, it must be declared. If it was made from barley, we'd not know it.

Caldercup · #7 03-11-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklap

Sorry to hear about that Eileen.

Imported food must follow the same rules as food produced here in the states. If the caramel color was made from wheat, it must be declared. If it was made from barley, we'd not know it.

It was on older bottle that had been in my step-mom's cabinet for a while, so it may have pre-dated some of the newer regulations. Or it was from barley.

Either way, I know to stay away from it now and to ask my step-mom if she put any of this stuff in the food she's made.

One thing that I'm curious about is the oyster sauce they sell at the local Asian market -- the only questionable item is "caramel coloring," but I haven't had a chance to try and contact the distributer to ask. (The certified-GF oyster sauce is waaaaay too expensive for me.)