The gluten-free diet is becoming more popular all the time, especially with people suffering from celiac disease or gluten allergies. While many foods that might seem safe on the surface actually contain hidden gluten ingredients. Many gluten-free consumers won’t admit to you that they are avoiding gluten. Many of them will tell you it’s because they want to live a healthy, more nutritious lifestyle. But when asked why they went so strict with their diets, soon enough you’ll learn the truth.
Corn flakes are not Gluten Free. But there are some types of corn flakes that are gluten free.
Corn flakes are naturally gluten free but cross contamination is a problem
Yes, corn flakes are naturally gluten free but cross contamination is a problem. Corn Flakes are made from corn, so they’re naturally gluten free. The problem with most corn flake brands is that they are not produced in a completely gluten-free facility. This means that there’s always the possibility of cross contamination between products.
Cross-contamination can happen during manufacturing or packaging. It can also occur when companies use shared equipment or production lines with ingredients like oats or wheat flour, which contain gluten.
Corn Flakes and Gluten Free Diets
People who follow a gluten-free diet must avoid eating foods with wheat, barley, rye or any other type of grain that contains gluten. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), exposure to even small amounts of these grains can cause serious health problems including damage to their intestines and malnutrition over time.
Some studies suggest that NCGS may affect as many as 6% of Americans. That’s why many people try to avoid all grains just in case they have an adverse reaction to them.
Most brands of corn flakes and corn flake-like cereals contain gluten
Some individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity react to these products, while others do not. If you have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity and want to try eating these cereals, start with one that contains only one ingredient: whole grain corn (not corn flour).
If you’re unsure whether a brand is safe for you to eat, look at the ingredients list. If it contains more than one ingredient, check the label carefully to make sure that no wheat, barley or rye are listed in any position before or after the whole grain corn on the list of ingredients.
Some brands of corn flakes are made in gluten-free facilities
The Kellogg Company offers several varieties of corn flakes that are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These include:
- Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with Crunchy Nuggets
- Kellogg’s Corn Flakes Original Flavor
- Kellogg’s Corn Pops Cereal
- Kellogg’s Crispix Cereal
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini-Wheats Bite Size Shredded Wheat Bite Size Shredded Wheat Bitesize Shredded Wheat Golden Nuggets The Gluten Free Watchdog also lists some other brands of corn flakes as being manufactured in a gluten-free facility, including Post Selects and Count Chocula.
Corn flakes are produced by Kellogg’s and Post Cereals, among other brands
The main ingredients in cornflakes are cornmeal and sugar. Cornmeal is made from corn that has been dried, with the germ and bran removed. The germ is the part of the corn kernel that contains protein and fat.
The bran contains fiber and minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium. Cornflakes may also include salt, baking soda, caramel colorings and potassium sorbate (a food preservative), according to the Kellogg’s website. Kellogg’s also produces Rice Krispies cereal and several other brands of cornflakes including Crunchy Nut Corn Flakes (a British cereal), Frosted Flakes, Corn Pops and Choco Krispies.
Gluten-free corn flake brands include Freedom Foods, Lundberg Family Farms, and Erewhon
Many gluten-free corn flake brands are made from corn that is naturally gluten-free. If you don’t see a “gluten-free” label or symbol on the package, it’s best to check with the manufacturer directly before purchasing. Note that some brands of organic, whole grain corn flakes may include other grains like wheat or barley in their ingredient list. These should be avoided if possible.
Gluten-Free Corn Flake Brands
- Freedom Foods Gluten Free Organic Corn Flakes
- Lundberg Family Farms Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Organic Popcorn Flakes
- Erewhon Organic Corn Flakes
Corn flakes are made of corn, sugar and salt
The main ingredient in corn flakes is corn. Corn is a cereal grain that is an excellent source of fiber, folate, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients. Corn is also used as an ingredient in many other foods such as cereals, soups and snacks. The second ingredient in corn flakes is sugar. Sugar is a type of carbohydrate known as sucrose, which provides calories to our diet.
Conclusion
The flaked corn used in Kellogg’s Corn Flakes is not necessarily gluten-free. Unfortunately, as soon as grains are processed they are likely to be contaminated by gluten. My advice is to check the label and make sure that there is no wheat, rye, or barley included in the ingredients. If the product is well made, it should be free of gluten and contain only minor or accidental traces.