A Gluten Free Mistake! By now I should know better…

You would think after being Gluten Free for 7 years I would have my diet totally under control and
NEVER get contaminated!

Well, in fact it is the opposite. I was more ‘Gluten Free’ in my first few years than I am today!

You see as I learn to live with my Gluten Free diet and rarely have any symptoms, I begin to get relaxed and comfortable with my regular brands and products. A perfect example is yesterday. I was buying some groceries for my work lunches this week at my regular grocery store, when I noticed that Rice Cakes were on special. My usual choice of butter popcorn was already sold out, so not being able to decide between White Cheddar or Tomato and Basil; I decided I would just get both.

Today I opened the packet of Tomato and Basil and was delighted how tasty they were. I was already planning the toppings I would add for lunch when I started to take notice at how much flavouring they were coated in and I began to wonder… hhmm maybe these are not Gluten Free? I was so tempted to just take another bite and claim ignorance, but I seam to be doing this a lot lately so decided to take my own advice and do some research.

This is what I found on the Quakers Canada Website in the FAQ -

13. Do you have any gluten-free products?
• Although The Quaker Oats Company of Canada primarily produces products that are grain-based, we do have a few gluten-free products. Most flavours of Quaker® Rice and Corn Cakes and Quaker® Crispy Minis Rice Chips are gluten free. However, our newest flavour of Quaker® Rice Cakes, Savoury Tomato & Basil, is not gluten free. Gatorade® Thirst Quencher, Aunt Jemima® Syrups and Quaker® Corn Meal are all gluten free. Quaker® Puffed Rice is also considered gluten free; however, as is produced on the same production line as Puffed Wheat, there is a minute chance of cross contamination. Due to changes which might occur to the product formula, it is important to check our ingredient listing regularly.

Doh! I was so upset with them for making a rice product and then adding yeast to it!!! Why I ask why!!! But on top of that I was angry and frustrated with myself. I know better than not to read the label on a product, especially a new flavour.

So Suzi’s new rule is:

“Always check the ingredients labels on new flavours and products, but to also check the products I eat regularly, because you never know then they change the ingredients and what is gluten free one day, may not be the next!”