Products that are dairy-free don’t have milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, whey, casein, ghee, or lactose in them.
Rip Esselstyn started the Engine 2 Plant-Strong Diet. He is a best-selling author and Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Partner who used to be a world-class professional triathlete and Texas firefighter. The Engine 2 way of life is based on eating whole, healthy plant-based foods and staying away from all animal products, processed foods, and refined foods.
Foods that are good for you on a plant-strong diet include whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains (whole and intact), legumes, nuts, seeds, and simple drinks like water or tea. The plan is naturally low in sodium, low in saturated fat, and has no trans fats.
Products marked “gluten-free” are either packaged in a way that follows FDA rules or are single-ingredient foods that don’t contain any gluten ingredients and don’t say that they were made in a facility that also processes gluten ingredients. Packaged 365 Everyday Value products that are labeled gluten-free are third-party certified.
There isn’t a single, regulated, or agreed upon definition of paleo when it comes to diets, but we use the term “paleo-friendly” to refer to foods that are low in fat and high in protein, like fruits and vegetables (but not too many starchy ones), nuts, and seeds. Paleo-friendly products typically do not include grains, legumes, refined sugar, certain oils, dairy and non-paleo additives.
Vegetarian foods are those that exclude meat, poultry and seafood. Dairy and eggs can be included.
The Whole Foods Diet is a food-based, plant-based plan that was made by John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, and Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman. The diets follows two simple guiding principles: 1. Choose real foods over highly processed foods and 2. Eat mostly plant foods (90 to 100% of your daily calories). Some of the foods that are important to their diets are oatmeal, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
There isn’t a single, regulated definition of the keto diet, but when we talk about foods that are “keto-friendly,” we usually mean meat and seafood that doesn’t have any added sugar, fats or cooking oils, full-fat dairy products that don’t have any added sugars, and vegetables and fruits that are low in starch, like kale, spinach, mushrooms, green beans, and green bell peppers. Some fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, can also be eaten in small amounts.
Some foods that aren’t keto-friendly are grain-based foods like bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and cookies; starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and yams; beans and legumes (including peanuts); fruit juice; dried fruit; and some higher-carb fruits like oranges, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Offers are specific to store listed above and limited to in-store. Promotions, discounts, and offers available in stores may not be available for online orders. The details on this website, like special diets and nutrition facts, are just for your reference. They are not meant to be medical or health-related information or advice. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than shown on our website. You shouldn’t just trust the information here; before using or eating something, you should always read the label, any warnings, and the directions. The information provided on this website should not be relied upon to make health-related decisions.
Is Vanilla Bean Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide for the Gluten-Free Diet
Vanilla is a ubiquitous ingredient found in everything from ice cream to perfume. Its sweet, aromatic flavor is beloved worldwide. But is natural vanilla bean gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?
The good news is that yes, vanilla beans and vanilla bean products like extract and paste are naturally gluten-free ingredients! Vanilla comes from an orchid plant, totally unrelated to gluten-containing grains
Below is a helpful guide to understanding where vanilla comes from, how it’s made, and how to enjoy vanilla worry-free on a gluten-free diet.
What is Vanilla?
Vanilla is derived from the seed pods of a tropical orchid plant scientifically known as Vanilla planifolia These climbing orchids are native to Central America and produce vining green vines and fragrant white flowers.
The vanilla orchid produces long green pods full of tiny black vanilla beans. These beans are harvested, cured, dried, and processed to produce vanilla products.
Pure vanilla extract and paste are made by soaking dried vanilla beans in a solution of water and ethanol. This solution absorbs the over 200 aromatic compounds that give vanilla its unique flavor and aroma.
Imitation vanilla contains synthetic vanillin rather than natural vanilla bean extract. Pure vanilla has a more complex, nuanced flavor than artificial vanilla.
Is Vanilla Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, vanilla beans and pure vanilla extracts and flavorings are naturally gluten-free.
Gluten is a protein found in cereal grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It helps give dough elasticity and baked goods their chewy texture.
Vanilla beans come from an orchid, not a grain. So they do not contain any gluten proteins inherently.
Pure vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in a water and alcohol solution. The alcohol is usually cane alcohol, not grain alcohol derived from gluten-containing grains.
Therefore, pure vanilla bean products are safe for gluten-free diets when no other questionable ingredients are added. Always check the label to be sure.
Why the Confusion Over Vanilla and Gluten?
For many years, it was thought that vanilla might not be gluten-free. Early gluten-free resources often recommended only using vanilla extracts labeled as “gluten-free.”
This confusion arose because vanilla was not one of the first ingredients tested for gluten content when the gluten-free diet began gaining prominence.
Better testing methods and more extensive research have now confirmed that pure vanilla from vanilla beans does not contain gluten. Major brands have updated their information and labels accordingly.
You may still see “gluten-free” on vanilla extract labels today. But this is primarily for marketing purposes, not because standard vanilla extracts ever contained gluten.
What Vanilla Bean Products Are Gluten-Free?
Here are some common vanilla bean products that are gluten-free:
- Pure vanilla extract – Made by soaking beans in water and alcohol
- Vanilla bean paste – Ground vanilla beans in a paste, like extract but with flecks
- Whole vanilla beans – The dried bean pods
- Vanilla powder – Finely ground dried vanilla beans
- Vanilla sugar – Vanilla beans cured with sugar
When buying vanilla extract or paste, check that it is “pure” and not imitation, which would contain synthetic vanillin. Also verify there are no other suspicious ingredients on the label.
Vanilla syrups may contain gluten depending on what type of sugar and thickener are used. Homemade vanilla simple syrup is a gluten-free option.
Avoid any vanilla flavorings simply labeled “natural or artificial flavors” as the source is unclear. Stick to pure vanilla extract for gluten-free safety.
Cross-Contamination Questions
Pure vanilla extract is naturally gluten-free. But some wonder about potential cross-contamination risks from processing facilities.
Major vanilla brands like McCormick & Co, Nielsen-Massey, and Rodelle are aware of gluten-free needs. They follow FDA gluten-free labeling rules, testing extract to below 20ppm gluten.
Smaller brands may carry more risk of cross-contamination. If extremely sensitive, look for dedicated gluten-free brands or vanilla labeled certified gluten-free.
In general, highly refined extracts like vanilla present low cross-contamination risks compared to grain-based products. But it’s smart to check with the company if you have concerns.
Cooking and Baking with Vanilla Beans
Here are some tips for incorporating vanilla beans and extract into your gluten-free recipes:
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Add vanilla bean paste or extract to gluten-free baked goods like cakes, cookies, muffins and breads. Start with 1-2 tsp per recipe.
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Infuse vanilla beans into liquids like non-dairy milks or poaching syrup. Heat gently; do not boil beans.
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Make vanilla sugar by storing beans in a jar of sugar. Use to sweeten coffee, oatmeal or fruit.
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Scrape seeds from beans into frostings, ice creams and custards for flecks of real vanilla.
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Add chopped beans when simmering sauces, compotes and syrups for extra vanilla flavor.
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Blend beans into smoothies or shakes for a natural sweetness and tiny seeds.
When doubling recipes, only increase vanilla by 1.5x. Too much vanilla can cause overly sweet or bitter flavors.
What About Vanilla Flavored Products?
When it comes to processed foods flavored with vanilla, always check the full ingredients list. Examples include:
- Vanilla yogurt – Dairy ingredients are common allergens
- Vanilla protein powder – May contain milk, soy or other ingredients
- Vanilla cereal – Often contains barley malt extract
- Vanilla almond milk – Check for additives and sweeteners
Many vanilla-flavored products contain additional ingredients that may not be gluten-free. Don’t assume flavored means gluten-free without carefully reading labels.
Should People with Gluten Issues Avoid Vanilla?
There is no reason those with celiac disease or on a gluten-free diet for other reasons should have to avoid pure vanilla extract or beans.
In fact, vanilla is a very useful staple ingredient. Vanilla enhances the flavor of gluten-free baked goods, which often need extra flavors due to a lack of gluten.
Vanilla can be used to add sweetness without extra sugar. It also pairs well with many gluten-free flours like almond, coconut and cassava.
With its anti-inflammatory compounds, using real vanilla may even be beneficial for those with autoimmune issues related to gluten.
Vanilla Allergy and Sensitivities
Pure vanilla is free of gluten concerns. But some people may have sensitivities or allergies to vanilla itself, separate from gluten issues.
Vanilla flavoring contains catechins and phenolic compounds. These may cause mild stomach or headache irritation in those sensitive.
True vanilla allergies are very rare but have been documented in a small number of cases. Reactions are usually mild.
Those with perfume sensitivities may also react to the fragrance compounds in vanilla. Start with small amounts of vanilla to check for tolerance.
In Conclusion
Vanilla beans grow on tropical orchids totally unrelated to gluten-containing grains. When processed into vanilla extract, beans are soaked in a water and alcohol solution.
Therefore, pure vanilla bean extract and paste are naturally gluten-free ingredients. They can be enjoyed without concern by those adhering to a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or other health conditions.
Vanilla beans infuse baked goods, sauces, beverages and more with their signature sweet, aromatic flavor and aroma. Add vanilla to enhance nearly any gluten-free recipe.
When purchasing vanilla products, simply check the label for any additives. Look for “pure” vanilla extract, and avoid more processed “vanilla flavored” foods which may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Both your taste buds and your health will benefit from including tasty, gluten-free vanilla in your gluten-free cooking and baking.
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- Organic Vanilla Bean, 2 count
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Ingredients: Organic Vanilla Beans
Products that are dairy-free don’t have milk, butter, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, whey, casein, ghee, or lactose in them.
Rip Esselstyn started the Engine 2 Plant-Strong Diet. He is a best-selling author and Whole Foods Market Healthy Eating Partner who used to be a world-class professional triathlete and Texas firefighter. The Engine 2 way of life is based on eating whole, healthy plant-based foods and staying away from all animal products, processed foods, and refined foods.
Foods that are good for you on a plant-strong diet include whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains (whole and intact), legumes, nuts, seeds, and simple drinks like water or tea. The plan is naturally low in sodium, low in saturated fat, and has no trans fats.
Products marked “gluten-free” are either packaged in a way that follows FDA rules or are single-ingredient foods that don’t contain any gluten ingredients and don’t say that they were made in a facility that also processes gluten ingredients. Packaged 365 Everyday Value products that are labeled gluten-free are third-party certified.
Kosher products have been certified by accredited Kosher-certifying agencies.
There isn’t a single, regulated, or agreed upon definition of paleo when it comes to diets, but we use the term “paleo-friendly” to refer to foods that are low in fat and high in protein, like fruits and vegetables (but not too many starchy ones), nuts, and seeds. Paleo-friendly products typically do not include grains, legumes, refined sugar, certain oils, dairy and non-paleo additives.
Vegan foods are those without animal products, including meat, poultry, seafood, dairy, eggs and honey.
Vegetarian foods are those that exclude meat, poultry and seafood. Dairy and eggs can be included.
The Whole Foods Diet is a food-based, plant-based plan that was made by John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, and Dr. Alona Pulde and Dr. Matthew Lederman. The diets follows two simple guiding principles: 1. Choose real foods over highly processed foods and 2. Eat mostly plant foods (90 to 100% of your daily calories). Some of the foods that are important to their diets are oatmeal, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
There isn’t a single, regulated definition of the keto diet, but when we talk about foods that are “keto-friendly,” we usually mean meat and seafood that doesn’t have any added sugar, fats or cooking oils, full-fat dairy products that don’t have any added sugars, and vegetables and fruits that are low in starch, like kale, spinach, mushrooms, green beans, and green bell peppers. Some fruits, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries, can also be eaten in small amounts.
Some foods that aren’t keto-friendly are grain-based foods like bread, pasta, rice, crackers, and cookies; starchy vegetables like potatoes, corn, and yams; beans and legumes (including peanuts); fruit juice; dried fruit; and some higher-carb fruits like oranges, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and bananas.
Organic products have been certified by accredited Organic-certifying agencies.
* Certified Kosher (n/a) by Orthodox Union (OU)
Prices and availability are subject to change without notice. Offers are specific to store listed above and limited to in-store. Promotions, discounts, and offers available in stores may not be available for online orders. The details on this website, like special diets and nutrition facts, are just for your reference. They are not meant to be medical or health-related information or advice. Actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than shown on our website. You shouldn’t just trust the information here; before using or eating something, you should always read the label, any warnings, and the directions. The information provided on this website should not be relied upon to make health-related decisions.
RAW VANILLA BEAN CHEESECAKE | No Gluten, Dairy, or Refined Sugar
FAQ
How do I know if my vanilla extract is gluten-free?
Are vanilla bean Frappuccino from Starbucks gluten-free?
Is tillamook vanilla bean ice cream gluten-free?
Are vanilla beans gluten-free?
Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by the Celiac-Disease.com Staff Both vanilla extract and natural vanilla flavor are safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Even though to make each product, vanilla beans are soaked in water and alcohol, it is considered gluten-free. However, this was not known until just a few short years ago.
Are beans gluten free?
Beans should be gluten free, since they do not contain any wheat gluten. However, it is important to read labels, especially for canned beans because there might be additives that add gluten. Some of the additives to look out for are wheat starch, wheat flour, or any other wheat additives that could contain gluten. Your best bet is to look for canned beans labelled gluten free. Dry beans can also become contaminated with gluten if there is any cross-contamination with wheat during processing. The best bet is to wash beans before use, this should get rid of any potential gluten on dry beans.
Does vanilla extract contain gluten?
The only source of gluten in pure vanilla extract is the alcohol content in it. If the alcohol used by the brand is distilled, it will not contain gluten. However, since alcohol is mostly made from gluten, and the brand uses non-distilled alcohol in the vanilla extract, gluten may be present in this flavoring.
Is Heilala Vanilla gluten free?
Heilala: All Heilala Vanilla products are gluten free. Watkins: Pure extracts, gourmet extracts and flavorings, and original gourmet baking vanilla are gluten-free. McCormick: Labels for all sources of gluten and encourages consumers to read labels for the most up-to-date information regarding their products, including vanilla.