Tips for Gluten-Free Living
Download a list of gluten-free products
All products on this list are gluten-free as communicated to us by our suppliers. We make every effort to work with our suppliers to ensure the accuracy of this list and recommend that you always read the product's ingredient listing and disclaimers before consumption.
The benefits of gluten-free diets are on the rise — and as a result, you'll find more gluten-free choices than ever in Giant Eagle® stores.
Common reasons to adopt a gluten-free lifestyle:
- Celiac disease — this autoimmune disease causes the lining of the small intestine to destroy itself when gluten-containing products are consumed. Failure to avoid these foods can result in an inability to absorb nutrients, which causes illnesses like anemia, osteoporosis and further complications. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, up to one percent of Americans may suffer from celiac disease.
- Wheat allergy — those affected must seek dietary carbohydrates from other foods.
- Diabetes — often requires a reduction in total carbohydrates consumed. Many gluten-free recipes feature low-carbohydrate ingredients such as meats, eggs and fresh vegetables.
- Low-carbohydrate diets — some gluten-free recipes and products are also lower in carbohydrates.
Gluten-free Do's and Don'ts
Gluten-free living requires a diet makeover; reading labels carefully will help you tremendously. Consult your doctor and follow these guidelines:
- Know your grains — the FDA defines "gluten" as products containing or derived from wheat. In addition, individuals on gluten-free diets cannot eat products containing rye, barley, spelt and certain kinds of oats that have been produced alongside wheat in factories.
- Be careful with cereals — avoid products containing wheat, malt, barley and rye. Giant Eagle® carries gluten-free cereals that you can safely consume. Those made from corn or rice make great choices, too — as long as they do not contain wheat or wheat derivatives. Ask your doctor or dietician for a complete list of "safe" cereals.
- Say "no" to baked goods — most are made from wheat. Visit your Giant Eagle® Bakery for sweet, gluten-free alternatives to your favorite baked goods.
- Pass on the pasta — most are made with enriched wheat. However, you can still enjoy rice noodles (available in the Asian Foods aisle of your local Giant Eagle®) — as well as delicious rice dishes like risotto.
- Choose naturally gluten-free foods — examples include potatoes, quinoa, fresh produce, beans, and sunflower seeds.
- Avoid malted beverages — beer, malted milk mix and even certain types of flavored milk contain gluten.
- Ban the breading — check labels for food preparation ingredients containing gluten. If an item is breaded (such as breaded frozen shrimp or fried chicken), or the ingredient panel contains words like "starch," "emulsifier" or "flour," you should not consume it.
Adhere to your diet with ease
- Supplement your diet with a complete multivitamin — make sure you are getting a full day's supply of nutrients. Check with your Giant Eagle® pharmacist to make sure that all vitamins, supplements and any other medications you need contain gluten-free casings.
- Keep a segregated food prep area — designate specific cookware, utensils, towels, serving-ware, toasters, cutting boards and other items exclusively for gluten-free cooking. Dishwashing items, including sponges and scrubbers, must also be used only on gluten-free cookware to prevent cross-contamination. (Editor's note: These rules are vital to individuals with celiac disease and wheat allergies, but may not apply to individuals following gluten-free diets for other reasons. Always consult your physician.)
Download a list of gluten-free products
All products on this list are gluten-free as communicated to us by our suppliers. We make every effort to work with our suppliers to ensure the accuracy of this list and recommend that you always read the product's ingredient listing and disclaimers before consumption.
To learn more about gluten-free living, and determine which products are right for you, book an appointment with a Giant Eagle® registered dietitian or contact us at nutrition@gianteagle.com.
As always, consult your doctor for guidelines on gluten-free living that are right for your medical needs.
For more information on gluten-free diets and foods and celiac disease,
visit the following Web sites:
Additional Gluten-Free Resources:
Important Physician Advice Disclaimer: The content provided by Giant Eagle, including but not limited to, Web site, recipe and health information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician for professional guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health: National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse — Celiac Disease (http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac)
U. S. Department of Agriculture: National Agricultural Library (http://www.nal.usda.gov/)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (http://www.fda.gov)