Manufacturers of Gluten-free Oats

Unfortunately, traditional oats are not considered gluten-free due to the way they are grown, transported and stored. Back in 2006 when I started following the gluten-free diet, I was thrilled to find out that there was such a thing as gluten-free oats. In fact, the Gluten-Free Oats brand hit the market not long after my celiac diagnosis. I’ve been eating oatmeal all of my life and it’s one of the healthiest grains around. After doing some research, I decided not to introduce gluten-free oats to my diet until six months after my diagnosis and I’ve been enjoying them routinely ever since. That is not to say others should do the same. Please consult with a knowledgeable doctor or dietitian to find out what’s best for you.

Fortunately, these days several companies now produce safe gluten-free oats. Unfortunately, there is still find plenty of outdated information about oats on the internet. Remember, once it’s out in cyberspace it’s there forever. Until just a few years ago, there were not any oats that were considered safe for people who can not tolerate gluten. Oats are full of fiber and really can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Therefore, it’s worth investigating whether or not gluten-free oats are for you.

We often get reader questions about oats. Many people aren’t aware that safe gluten-free oats exist. As always, I referred to Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide by Shelley Case for answers. Shelley’s ‘must have’ book explains the ins-and-outs of gluten-free oats. The product reference in the back of the book also lists several companies that manufacture safe gluten-free oats. Additionally, Shelley’s website includes this very helpful information about oats.

There is evidence that some people with celiac can not tolerate pure, uncontaminated oats. The following quote from page 198 of Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic (by Peter H. Green, MD and Rory Jones) sums it up fairly well. Please note that when referring to oats, the authors are speaking of pure, uncontaminated oats.

“It is believed that oats – as a grain – are safe for most individuals with celiac disease, but may cause a reaction in some. Studies have found that patients ingesting oats sometimes have more symptoms due to the increase of dietary fiber, but very few have any type of immune reaction. Therefore, we advise using oats because (1) the scientific evidence support this approach and (2) oats add both fiber and variety to the gluten-free diet – elements that are frequently lacking”.

Below is a list of companies that produce and sell (tested and confirmed) gluten-free oats in the U.S and Canada.

• Bob’s Red Mill (make sure to purchase version labeled gluten-free from this manufacturer).
• Cream Hill Estates
• Gifts of Nature
• Gluten-Free Oats
• Glutenfreeda (offers single serving oatmeal pouches)
• Only Oats

As always, people have to make up their own minds about what is safe for them to consume. Luckily, it’s a free country and we’re all free to eat or avoid whatever foods we want to. It would be a good idea for us to remember that as we share information and try to help others with celiac or gluten intolerance. No one should run out and try gluten-free oats just because I (and many others) eat them without issue. However, people should absolutely know that gluten-free oats exist so that they can make the choice about what is best for them personally.

For those of you who enjoy gluten-free oats and like oatmeal raisin cookies, check out this great recipe. Don’t worry – I didn’t create it myself – just modified it to be gluten-free!