Are Oats Gluten-Free?

Are oats gluten-free? In a word – yes! However, most doctors suggest that people with celiac disease wait until they heal before introducing certified gluten-free oats. Even the companies that make oats suggest waiting a while before introducing them. One of the reasons is that oats are extremely high in fiber, so when they are introduced to someone on a gluten-free diet, they might induce symptoms similar to gluten containing foods.

Even though certified gluten-free oats are completely free of gluten, between 3%-5% of people with celiac disease simply can’t tolerate them. The exact reason for this seems unclear but one thing is for sure. Certified gluten-free oats have been proven to be gluten-free, period. Each company that sells them in the U.S. tests their products to ensure their safety. Please note that Quaker oats and other mainstream brand oats are not considered safe for people who can’t eat gluten. This is due to the growing, transport and storage methods used for traditional oats.

If someone has problems with certified gluten-free oats, they might want to avoid consuming them. For the rest of us, oats can be an incredibly valuable part of the gluten-free diet. In addition to oatmeal, we can make fabulous oatmeal raisin cookies and other treats. For cookies, I use the gluten-free Naturals Cookie Blend flour and safe oats to make my disappearing oatmeal raisin cookies. For this recipe, just sub out the flour and oats to create cookies that are so fabulous you’ll want to hide them from gluten eaters!

Oats are super healthy so people in general are encouraged to eat them. Because of the lack of fiber and nutrients in many of our gluten-free replacement foods, gluten-free oats can be even more beneficial for us than they are for the average gluten eater. Oats have the same effect on our cholesterol levels as on the non celiac population – a positive one. People should consult their doctor regarding when to introduce oats in their gluten-free diet. Some doctors suggest waiting six months and others suggest waiting a year or two, depending on how sick the person was upon their celiac diagnosis.

Now that cooler weather is here, I love having oatmeal for breakfast. I usually make plain oatmeal from Gluten-Free Oats or Cream Hill Estates. If you don’t have time for that, Glutenfreeda also makes terrific microwavable gluten-free oatmeal pouches. There are four flavors to choose from and a variety pack. These pouces are handy when traveling since most hotel breakfast areas have microwaves. If you’re visiting out of town friends and family, you can quickly whip up a safe breakfast for yourself when others are noshing on gluten bagels or toast.

Personally, I am so appreciative of the companies that put forth the effort  to produce safe oats for those of us that can’t eat mainstream oats. You can order safe oats online and find them at most health food stores. Here are the companies that sell them in the U.S.

• Gluten-Free Oats
• Gifts of Nature
• FarmPure Foods
• Cream Hill Estates (also offers oat flour)
• Bob’s Red Mill (look for gluten-free on package)

Beth Armour, Co-President of Cream Hill Estates (located in Quebec) explains how that company came into being –

“Cream Hill Estates was founded in October 2004 when my business partner, Tracy Perry, a retired medical genetics researcher, was asked by the president of the Quebec Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association to solve the problem of commercializing pure oats with no cross-contamination that would be safe for the majority of people with celiac disease (CD). Tracy was interested in finding a safe product for his daughter Lara, who had recently been diagnosed with CD. He asked me, a registered dietitian who knew his wife and had recently left the health care system, if I wanted to help him solve the problem and as they say … the rest is history. We realized that if pure oats could be produced in consumer quantities for the CD community, there would be significant nutritional and palatability benefits for their diet. We began selling gluten-free oats in the US in January 2006.”

Special thanks to Beth, Tracy and all the gluten-free oat companies. You make our gluten-free lives healthier and more tasty. For that I am truly grateful!

References:

• Health Canada
• Gluten-Free Diet
• Celiac Disease : A Hidden Epidemic

Have a question about the gluten-free diet which we haven’t covered yet?  You can now submit your questions here! (Note: All medical questions should be directed to your physician)