What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, oats, rye or any ingredients made from these.
Who needs a gluten free diet?
For most of us gluten poses no problem at all. However, for sufferers of coeliac disease and dermatitis hepetiformis a lifelong gluten-free diet is required. Gluten free diets have been found to be lacking in fibre, calcium, iron and B vitamins so a gluten free diet is not recommended unless medically required.
What is coeliac disease?
Coeliac disease is a permanent, autoimmune disorder caused by an intolerance to gluten and it affects around one in 100 people in New Zealand. This intolerance causes damage to the lining of the small bowel and makes it difficult for the body to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
How do I know if I have coeliac disease?
If you have gastrointestinal upsets, are feeling generally tired and unwell you should see your doctor. A diagnosis cannot be made simply by trialling a gluten free diet and feeling better/symptom free.
OK, so I have just been diagnosed with coeliac disease...
What foods are gluten free?
Naturally gluten free foods include; fruit, vegetables, rice, potato, corn/maize, plain meat (not sausages), fish, eggs, cheese, milk, most yoghurts, and pulses (peas, beans and lentils). There are also many gluten free manufactured foods available now.
What Wattie’s foods are gluten free?
Many of our foods are gluten free. All of our gluten free products can be found on the gluten free list on the manufactured food database (www.mfd.co.nz ). The manufactured food database lists manufactured foods available in New Zealand that are suitable for a variety of allergies. However, be sure to always check food labels as recipes can change at any time. Ingredients containing gluten are always listed.
What foods are NOT gluten free?
Unless specified as gluten free these types of foods contain gluten; bread, burger buns, cakes, biscuits, sausages/saveloys, beer, bagels, wraps, donuts, spaghetti, pasta, most cereals, dried packet soup, pizza, pastry, pies, crackers, and gravy.
What sort of recipes are gluten free?
Check out our Food in a Minute gluten free section for recipe ideas. In general, rice based meals, salads, soups and stir fries are a good place to start.
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