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Yesterday, I was glutened. Today I still feel like crap.
And not only that, I realised I have probably been glutened several times in previous weeks.
The culprit?
Oh yes, my friends, the innocent-looking, gluten-wielding spice mix.
Culprit number one: Schwartz Pilau Rice seasoning.
Mother decided to make me some (regretably, rather yummy) rice dish the other day, but when I woke up the next day with stomach pains, something was amiss.
I quizzed her on what was in it, and there it was, ‘pilau rice seasoning’.
I sighed inwardly – I had already almost been fooled by this mix and as soon as she said it, it all clicked in to place.
Of course, once she found out it had wheat in it she was horrified, and I felt insanely awkward having to tell her she had glutened me.
But the warning of this tale is, check everything! Even something that (really, really) should NOT contain gluten (why!? in a SPICE?) could be hiding some secret evil.
So then, as it turns out, I was making some meatballs today when I found another spice mix, which I know I have had cooked for me recently (several times), that contained gluten.
At least this explains why I have been feeling so rubbish the past few weeks!
The worst thing about that one? This was a ‘spicy Italian mix’, whereas the ‘garlic Italian mix’ by the same brand in the same product line is fine! (Schwartz again, I would like to point out)
So, if you’re new to a gluten free lifestyle, or cooking for a coeliac friend, please, please check your spices – food manufacturers like to put gluten in the stupidest of places.
I mean come on, why do you need to put flour in spice mixes anyway, other than to bulk it out, rip people off and annoy people like me?
Now I have ranted (and drank several mugs of peppermint tea) I think my gut is finally starting to feel a little better.
But it just goes to show, no matter how much of a gluten free veteran you are, make sure you double check everything – and if in doubt, make your own spice mixes without the added crap – I know I will from now on!
Have you ever been caught out by anything? Share your tips on ‘sneaky’ gluten products by commenting below!
I used to go to focus groups, tasting/testing products for McCormick (who produce the Schwartz range) but had to stop doing it when I was diagnosed as Coeliac last year. I offered to continue if they wanted anything testing that was gluten-free but they’ve not taken me up on that!
Maltodextrin is my baddie, although it’s supposed to be OK and found in many GF products. Oh and dextrose. I’ve been eating be Free tasty bites, quite delicious of course, but after three days I know that’s the culprit. Anyone else have reaction to this ingredient?