As More Brands Offer Gluten-Free Options, Not All Gluten-Free Is Created Equal

VERNON, Calif., April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Now that nearly a third of all Americans report avoiding gluten in their diets, according to a survey from leading consumer research firm NPD Group, more food companies are introducing gluten-free versions of their products. But many registered dietitians caution people with celiac disease and others avoiding gluten that gluten-free products are not all created equal, and consumers should be reading ingredient and nutrition labels carefully.

"Consumers can't just grab a product that says 'gluten-free' and assume they're getting something that's good for them," said Kelly Toups, MLA, RD, LDN and program manager for the Whole Grains Council. "Whole grains are important for everyone, and the best gluten-free products are made primarily from naturally gluten-free whole grains such as brown rice, millet or teff."

For nearly half a century, Van's International Foods, Inc. has been a trusted source for delicious, nutritious gluten-free breakfast foods, most notably its frozen waffles, that the whole family can enjoy. With its commitment to simple, high-quality, wholesome ingredients across all its product lines, gluten-free or not, the Van's brand team suggests consumers look for the following when choosing among the many gluten-free offerings throughout the grocery store:

• Gluten-free certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. This program of the Gluten Intolerance Group requires a higher standard for gluten-free products than the guidelines recently set by the Food and Drug Administration. The GFCO combines the process of stringent supplier and ingredient audits with regular on-site monitoring and inspections to ensure standards are met and to provide consumers added assurance about manufacturer compliance.
• Whole Grain Stamp. People following a gluten-free diet can still enjoy the recommended 48 grams or more per day of healthy whole grains such as quinoa, amaranth, teff, millet, brown rice and gluten-free oats. The Whole Grains Council educates consumers and provides ease at the shelf for consumers who are looking for good whole-grain options with its official stamp that clearly shows how many grams of whole grains a product contains.
• Simple ingredients. Gluten-free foods should be tasty and nutritious in their own right, without artificial flavors or ingredients often used to make up for lack of gluten. Look for simple, wholesome ingredients like flavorful whole grains and fruit juice for sweetness.
• Other dietary callouts. Some people with gluten sensitivities may have other special dietary needs as well. Look for symbols that indicate if a product is dairy-free, egg-free or corn-free. Other callouts may include kosher or vegan.

"Gluten-free living is much more than a trend for people with celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities, and for decades the Van's brand has been a trusted source of simple, smart food choices for everyone, including those who are avoiding gluten in their diets," said Van's Vice President Tim Smith. "We understand that just offering a gluten-free product isn't enough – consumers still need better ingredients, nutrition, great taste and variety for the whole family."

All gluten-free Van's breakfast items are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, are Non-GMO Project Verified and carry the Whole Grain Stamp. Gluten-free waffles in the Van's product line are Ancient Grains, Totally Original, Blueberry, Apple Cinnamon, Flax, and Buckwheat with Berries. The Van's line has options for a wide range of dietary needs, including egg-free, soy-free and dairy-free.

In addition to its frozen waffles, the growing Van's line of certified gluten-free foods includes soft baked granola, cereal, snack bars, whole-grain crackers, and whole-grain baked chips and pasta.

About Van's International Foods, Inc.

Van's International Foods, Inc., based in Southern California, offers delicious, nutrient-dense foods that meet the growing need for expanding dietary options, including gluten-free, allergy-friendly, non-GMO, kosher, whole grain and more. Simply delicious products include frozen breakfasts, snack foods and pastas available at grocery stores, mass merchandise stores and natural food retailers nationwide. For more information, please visit www.vansfoods.com or www.facebook.com/vansfoods or follow the Van's brand on Twitter @Vansfoods.

Contact: Mary Kate Jeffries, SPM Communications, +1.817.329.3257
[email protected]

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SOURCE Van’s International Foods, Inc.

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