Gluten-Free Protein Bars: frequently asked questions
What does gluten-free mean on a food label?
In the US, the FDA allows a food to be labeled gluten-free only if it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. It also cannot include wheat, barley, rye or their crossbreeds unless the ingredient has been processed to remove gluten to below that level.
Are oats gluten-free?
Oats do not naturally contain gluten, but they are often grown and processed alongside wheat and barley, so regular oats can pick up gluten. Look for oats labeled gluten-free. A small number of people with celiac disease also react to oats themselves.
Does a Contains: Wheat statement cover all gluten?
No. US allergen labeling law requires wheat to be declared, but barley and rye are not major allergens and do not have to appear in a Contains statement. Malt is usually made from barley, so check the full ingredient list.
Are gluten-free protein bars healthier?
Not automatically. If you do not have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, gluten-free is not healthier on its own, and some gluten-free bars use extra sugar or refined starch. Compare protein, fiber and added sugar on the label.