are bush%ca%bcs beans gluten free

Are Bush’s Baked Beans Really Gluten-Free? Let’s Take a Closer Look

Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people cutting gluten out of their diets For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, avoiding gluten is essential But even those without medical conditions often report feeling better when they go gluten-free.

Whatever your reasons for eating gluten-free, sticking to your diet can be challenging. Gluten tends to sneak its way into many unexpected foods and products. When scanning ingredient labels, you need to look out for not only obvious sources of gluten like wheat, barley and rye, but also less obvious ingredients like malt extracts, starch and natural flavors. It requires some real detective work!

One gluten-free staple in many kitchens is Bush’s Baked Beans. Bush’s Original Baked Beans are naturally gluten-free, according to the company They’re made with beans, water, brown sugar and spices But can you trust that Bush’s beans are 100% gluten-free and safe to eat on a gluten-free diet? Let’s take a closer look.

The Gluten-Free Status of Bush’s Baked Beans

While Bush’s claims their original variety baked beans are gluten-free, they also state that cross-contamination could occur during production. This means trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the beans.

The beans themselves do not contain any overt gluten ingredients. But shared equipment and facilities increase the risk of cross-contamination. Bush’s doesn’t claim their products are certified gluten-free or processed in a gluten-free facility. Without certification, there’s no guarantee the beans are completely gluten-free.

What Celiac Experts Say About Bush’s Baked Beans

Celiac disease experts seem to agree that Bush’s Baked Beans are generally considered safe in a gluten-free diet. But they also agree there’s some risk of cross-contamination.

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), Bush’s told them that a dedicated bean cooker is used to prepare their Original Baked Beans. But GIG still considers cross-contamination possible. They recommend calling the company if you have concerns.

Celiac expert Jules Shepard says Bush’s Baked Beans are fine in moderation, “though there’s always a risk of cross-contamination in a shared facility.” She says it’s up to each person to determine their own tolerance.

Registered dietitian Tricia Thompson, founder of Gluten Free Watchdog, says some people with celiac disease react to gluten below 20 parts per million, which is the threshold to label a food gluten-free. She advises those who are highly sensitive choose another brand of beans.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

While the beans themselves are gluten-free, cross-contamination during production, as well as in your own kitchen, is possible. Here are a few ways it could occur:

• Shared equipment: If equipment at the Bush’s production facility is used for multiple products, including some with gluten, residue could get into the beans.

• Shared facility: Even if the bean cooker is dedicated, airborne particles could contaminate the beans where gluten ingredients are used nearby.

• Ingredients: Ingredients like spices and brown sugar could have trace gluten if sourced from shared facilities.

• Home contamination: If you prepare the beans on surfaces or with utensils that touched gluten, or add gluten-containing ingredients like wheat bread crumbs, the beans could be contaminated.

Precautions You Can Take

If you choose to eat Bush’s Baked Beans on a gluten-free diet, here are some useful precautions to take:

• Carefully check labels and choose only Bush’s Original Baked Beans, not varieties that list wheat ingredients.

• Look for bean allergen warnings on the label in case dedicated facilities are not used.

• Call Bush’s customer service for updated information on how they handle allergens.

• Consume beans in moderation until you know how you react.

• Avoid if you are highly sensitive – choose another brand instead.

• Prevent cross-contamination at home by washing hands/surfaces after preparing beans.

Should You Consume Bush’s Baked Beans on a Gluten-Free Diet?

At the end of the day, whether or not to eat Bush’s Baked Beans is a personal choice that depends on your comfort level with cross-contamination risk and gluten sensitivity.

Here are some final thoughts:

• Bush’s Baked Beans don’t contain gluten ingredients, so they are a relatively low-risk food.

• There’s still a chance of gluten exposure through manufacturing.

• How much risk you’re comfortable with is a personal decision based on sensitivity.

• If consumed, stick to the original variety and take precautions.

• Consider choosing a certified gluten-free brand if you are highly sensitive or have celiac.

While not certified gluten-free, Bush’s Baked Beans are a beloved pantry staple enjoyed gluten-free by many. But it’s smart to be aware of the potential for cross-contamination. Check labels carefully, call the company with any questions and take precautions in your own kitchen. Listen to your body and determine your personal comfort level when making gluten-free food choices.