Gluten Free Labeling - Does It Influence You?

[EmiPark210]

This past weekend at the grocery store I realized my brand selection depended a lot on if something was listed specifically as gluten free versus another product that had the same/similar ingredients list that was also gluten free based on that. Even in things that should be inherently gluten free such as plain yogurt or deli ham. 

So my question is how much do y'all find your purchases influenced by something stating that a product is gluten free? Those products are sometimes a bit more expensive than others but it just feels like a security blanket almost. 

[Adalaide]

When it comes to "safe" companies I know what to look for and there is almost never a gluten free label. I tend to stick to these companies frequently. When shopping for things outside those companies products, the labeling still doesn't influence my buying habits because there is no legal definition of gluten free in the US or a legal standard for when they can slap that label on. The exception to this is if I find a new product and I notice it is certified by one of the organizations that does that, it eases my mind and saves me a phone call where I would otherwise be calling the company before purchasing.

[shadowicewolf]

When it comes to "safe" companies I know what to look for and there is almost never a gluten free label. I tend to stick to these companies frequently. When shopping for things outside those companies products, the labeling still doesn't influence my buying habits because there is no legal definition of gluten free in the US or a legal standard for when they can slap that label on. The exception to this is if I find a new product and I notice it is certified by one of the organizations that does that, it eases my mind and saves me a phone call where I would otherwise be calling the company before purchasing.

Same here.

[bartfull]

Yeah, unless it is CERTIFIED gluten-free, I tend to DIStrust it. There are a lot of companies trying to jump on the gluten-free bandwagon and labelling things gluten-free even when they are most likely cross-contaminated. (Think Domino's Pizza.) So I read the ingredients on every package, every time. I know that I can trust certain brands (like Kraft) to always tell us the truth. I know Udi's and Pamela's are safe because they don't process any gluten foods at all.

 

But mostly I just eat whole foods - meat, veggies, and an occasional piece of fruit.

[cahill]

Nope.

 

As bartfull said, I eat mostly whole foods. If I can not look at it and tell you it is or  exactly what is in it , I do not eat it.  There are exceptions to that ( of course ) canned tuna, mustard, tea bags ,ground coffee ,but   I do not eat pre made breads , pasta ect..

[pianoland]

It definitely influences me. I always check the ingredient list before making the final decision. But I mostly eat whole foods because it's cheaper and most of the processed treats/bread/pasta I get are certified gluten-free.

[Psyche]

No. I lean towards eating organic and non-GMO as much as possible and prefer to buy straight from the farmer or pick it from my garden. I do appreciate that there are processed options out there but I am a fairly distrusting.

[cavernio]

Yes it does. I don't find many things labelled gluten free without some sort of accreditation to them. Only thing I can think of that comes to mind are chips. I will contact companies regarding products I want to use if they don't label it gluten free. I avoid brands that make everything, like no name or compliments. If a product doesn't sit right with me despite the label, I'll just stop buying it.

[Auntie-Manda]

Yes. I do a lot of product research, and only buy what I know is safe. So if I haven't looked it up, and it says gluten free on the package, it's possible I'll buy it. Otherwise, without looking it up & not knowing for sure, I'm not going to get it.

 

If there are 2 similar products, and one is labeled gluten-free, I'll most likely get the one labeled gluten-free. But I'm pretty new at this. Hopefully as I learn more, I will know what to trust & what is probably better left on the store shelf.