Why Our Products Are Gluten-Free
By: Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity are on the rise, making it more important than ever to have gluten-free products available in grocery stores. If you suffer from any level of gluten intolerance, you’re probably seeking gluten-free versions of your favorite products.
This article explores the differences between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, the health benefits of gluten-free products, and what to look for on the label to ensure a product is gluten-free.
Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac and gluten sensitivity both involve some level of gluten intolerance, but differ in their level of severity.
Celiac disease is a gastrointestinal disease that leads to an adverse immune system reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Those with celiac disease are advised to follow a completely gluten-free diet for life and be aware of potential cross-contamination risks of foods and beverages, such as foods prepped in the same workspace.
Celiac disease is also considered an autoimmune disorder because of its impact on your immune system, meaning it’s more likely to affect other areas of your health, too.¹
Gluten sensitivity is a milder form of gluten intolerance commonly known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). People with NCGS often experience gastrointestinal symptoms or fatigue after ingesting gluten.²
Generally, patients with gluten sensitivity can be more lenient with their diets, meaning they might not have to avoid cross-contamination. However, this can vary, as some people are more sensitive than others. Overall, NCGS typically doesn’t have the full impact on your health that celiac disease does.
The Rise of Gluten Sensitivity
The rates of both celiac disease and NCGS are rising. Currently, around 1% of the population has celiac disease, while up to 6% have a gluten sensitivity. While increased screening and diagnosis is one factor at play, research suggests it isn’t the main reason for the increase in prevalence.3,4
Overall, three key factors need to be present to trigger celiac disease - a genetic predisposition, gluten consumption, and environmental factors such as viral infections that can cause changes in the small intestine associated with the disease.5
Several other theories exist to explain the rise in gluten intolerance, such as 6,7:
- Pro-inflammatory diets: Diets high in fat, sugar, and gliadin, a class of proteins present in wheat.
- Changes in food preparation technology - A higher amount of wheat proteins present in food and the rise of food additives leading to overconsumption of wheat.
- Intestinal dysbiosis - An imbalance of bacteria in the gut.
- Frequent viral infections, such as gastroenteritis - These infectious diseases disrupt your intestinal barrier and leave your gut more predisposed to inflammation and celiac disease.
Overall, many experts believe a higher amount of gluten ingestion over time is increasing the prevalence of gluten intolerance. This is why gluten-free products like Keto Pint's ice cream bars and pints are essential to provide more gluten-free options for those who are sensitive.
What Happens in the Body With Gluten Intolerance
If you have a gluten allergy or intolerance and consume gluten, various gastrointestinal symptoms may ensue such as:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers widespread inflammation in the body and more specifically in the small intestine.
Risks of Untreated Celiac Disease
With celiac disease, the lining of your small intestine becomes damaged, making it difficult to absorb essential nutrients from your diet properly. Over time, this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and widespread inflammation in the body, which is linked to the risk of other chronic diseases like bone disease, cancer, and neurological disorders.1
Other possible risks of untreated, underlying celiac disease include malnutrition, lactose intolerance, anemia, infertility, and miscarriage. In infants and children, other risks include1:
- Short stature
- Irritability
- Failure to thrive
- Damage to tooth enamel
- Delayed puberty
- Nervous system symptoms such as ADHD, learning disabilities, headaches, loss of muscle coordination, and seizures
Due to these potential risks, early screening for celiac disease is key to preventing damage and maintaining optimal health via a gluten-free lifestyle.
Why Gluten-free Products are Important
Gluten-free products are essential today not only for those with a gluten allergy or intolerance, but also for those who are not sensitive. Many people choose to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons, including the desire to reduce their intake of processed foods that often contain large amounts of gluten.
Either way, there is clearly a need for more gluten-free products that are nutritious and delicious versions of their gluten-containing counterparts.
It’s critical to enjoy your favorite foods without worrying they will trigger a reaction, especially if you are sensitive. Gluten-free options, especially for your most beloved sweet treats, helps provide peace of mind and assurance that they are safe to eat. This allows you to enjoy a wider variety of foods, making adhering to a gluten-free diet easier.
Gluten-free Product Labeling
Gluten-free labeling of food products is imperative for those who must avoid gluten due to celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or personal dietary choices. When seeking gluten-free products, knowing what to look for on the packaging is important.
A prominent “gluten-free” label indicates the product meets the criteria for being free from gluten. Universal standards typically require that a product contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labeled as gluten-free. Therefore, looking for the “gluten-free” label is the first starting point in finding a gluten-free product.
Still, it’s essential to comb through the ingredient list to confirm there are no hidden sources of gluten. Even if a product is labeled gluten-free, some ingredients or additives may still contain gluten. To confirm this, look for the words wheat, barley, rye, and oats. Many times oats can be gluten-free, but the label will designate this if so.
In addition, you’ll want to ensure there is no cross-contamination with gluten during the manufacturing process, especially if you are very sensitive. To do this, look for specific statements on the packaging, such as “processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility,” to ensure product safety.
By carefully scanning the package and ingredient list in this way, you can make educated choices to support your dietary needs and overall health.
Why Keto Pint is a Good Option if You Are Gluten-free
If you’re looking for a gluten-free sweet treat, look no further than Keto Pint for a safe and tasty indulgence. Our Keto Pint ice cream pints and bars are gluten-free and contain no added sugar, another pro-inflammatory ingredient.
While ice cream is naturally gluten-free, many brands contain additives and fillers containing gluten. Our Keto Pint products use only gluten-free ingredients each and every time and still maintain that creamy mouthfeel that ice cream lovers relish.
The next time you’re seeking rich and decadent ice cream without gluten, check out our delicious Keto Pint flavors, such as butter pecan and triple chocolate brownie, as well as our ice cream bars, which have seven yummy flavors to choose from.
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