Believe or not gluten free doesn't automatically mean that the product is also wheat free. Gluten is just the elastic substance in food that helps combine foods & ingredients such as wheat and dairy. Wheat is the grain!
Tesco are realising that they need people to realise there is a difference and a difference within products. That products being labelled 'gluten' free doesn't mean they don't contain other allergens. I have seen in their bigger stores that they have now begun stocking shelves with the different products with what they contain on different aisles to stop confusion.
A perfect example is Nak'd. You all know how I enjoy many Nak'd products but not all of their range is wheat free. There have been times my Mum has bought Nak'd bars for me believing she has bought the perfect snack. Bless her. Not realising that the bar wasn't in the wheat free range.
After last week's disaster / learning curb of trying to educate a chef that quinoa is a grain and 'wheat' although it's gluten free it is still wheat. Mama was shocked when even beetroot was coated in barley ( another grain ) people need to realise that wheat isn't just your commercial flour, it is grains such as barley, buckewheat, cous cous and quinoa. These grains are not just used in many dishes they are also added to sauces and marinades so we have to be extra careful and more aware.
So please, please keep reading and checking the labels.
As I know the chef tried hard to understand but he still walked away not understanding my argument that the pasta contained 10% quinoa. As he served me a dessert that evening with a pastry base.
Yes I am SO lucky I won't drop dead from the food groups I am intolerant too. However it doesn't mean I shouldn't be taken seriously.
Education, Education, Education is needed!
Nak'd do amazing bars and unfortunately one of the best flavours banana bread isn't wheat free as of course it contains flavour to get that 'bread' constituency however they do offer a banana crunch bar with more seeds still 18 % protein and all the goodness so you aren't missing out on any vitamins.
If you are in doubt look for the 'crunch' range - they have flavours like chocolate & banana.
Also the cashew, ginger bread, pecan, Bakewell tart, carrot cake, Christmas pudding and chocolate crunch are all wheat, dairy and gluten free.
Also a must try is Nak'd's new range of flavoured raisins. I provided them in my goodie bags. They have cherry, cola and lime ( my fave ) flavours.
They are SO yummy and great to add with nuts, add to your cinema pick and mix bag or simply a snack on the go!!
Definetly worth a try.
I just wanted to post this blog with the weekend coming up and half term you may all want and be eating out abit more this week so just be a little more aware and stress your allergens. I really don't want anyone to be suffering through restaurants ignorance or lack of knowledge.
Keep safe and live life.
Love and peace.
Xoxo
