Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Hot Cocoa Causing Stomach Problems?

megansmommy

By megansmommy
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

megansmommy Newbie
megansmommy
Posted

Can anyone give me any insight to hot cocoa causing a celiac reaction?

My daughter has celiac disease, diagnosed 2 years ago. We follow a very strict gluten free diet.

For the last week she has been having a lot of stomach problems, even though we are certain everything

she is eating is gluten free. Twice this weekend she had a bad reaction immediately after drinking hot cocoa,

which the label says is gluten free. She has drank this brand in the past and not had any problems.

Could it be the milk used to make the cocoa? She drinks milk all the time with no issues.

Its so frustrating to see her get sick, and not know the cause. Is there anything anyone can suggest

we can do to try to figure out what is making her sick?

Thanks for the help.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


txgal748 Apprentice
txgal748
Posted

It could be the cocoa was manufactured in a facility that processes wheat. I was looking at the popular hot cocoa products at the grocery store and none of them are gluten-free. I figure I will have to make hot cocoa from scratch. Hope you find a solution.

shadowicewolf Proficient
shadowicewolf
Posted

I agree with the idea that the cocoa being cc'd by the factory. If she has hand no issues prior to this with milk, then i believe she's fine with it.

megansmommy Newbie
megansmommy
Posted
  • Author

The cocoa mix was Swiss Miss, it says gluten free on the package. She has drank this brand for the last 2 years with no problems.

She drank it 3 times over the last 3 days, twice she got sick within 30 minutes of drinking it, the other time she was fine?

Lisa Mentor
Lisa
Posted

Sometimes we have to remind ourselves to think outside of the box. :) Chocolate and High Frutose Corn Syrup give me terrible reflux within 15-20 minutes, with chocolate being the worst as far as symptoms.

It's not gluten related, yet bad enough that I try to avoid it as much as possible.

I'm not sure if this is your situation, but....

OH WOW...And a great welcome to you! :rolleyes:

  • 6 years later...
Ballerina-1020 Newbie
Ballerina-1020
Posted

Having a reaction after drinking Swiss Miss hot cocoa that I made with milk. I was diagnosed with celiac disease this Summer. This is the first time that I've had hot cocoa since being diagnosed. It doesn't contain wheat. Why am I reacting? 

ch88 Collaborator
ch88
Posted

Can you drink milk fine?

Milk tolerance can change with time or after a gluten exposure. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Ennis-TX Grand Master
Ennis-TX
Posted
7 hours ago, Ballerina_1020 said:

Having a reaction after drinking Swiss Miss hot cocoa that I made with milk. I was diagnosed with celiac disease this Summer. This is the first time that I've had hot cocoa since being diagnosed. It doesn't contain wheat. Why am I reacting? 

Many Celiac have milk issues at least at first, your villi produce the enzymes to break down milk. Celiac damages and flattens them thus limiting enzyme production and often causing forms of lactose intolerance. There is also the sugars in it to consider, and that chocolate can be harsh sometimes.

Suggestion to find out, get some Hershey Cocoa and Sweetener of choice (like swerve for no sugar, or real plain cane sugar) and some almond milk like almondbreeeze. Make it using the almond milk (heat 1 cup 1:30 in the microwave) stir in 2-3tsp cocoa, 2table spoons sugar, pinch of salt, and 1 cup milk, They say to add 1/4tsp vanilla but try without first to be sure.

Ballerina-1020 Newbie
Ballerina-1020
Posted

Ennis_TX, 

Thank you so much for all of the info & the hot cocoa recipe. I will definitely try it. I really like it & am not willing to try the Swiss Miss again. I had cereal with milk a few days ago & it didn't seem to bother me. Does heating milk change it? 

 

  • 2 weeks later...
selectivefocus Enthusiast
selectivefocus
Posted

I react to Swiss MIss. It has whey in it I believe, and also corn, but this is not a gluten reaction, even though it can seem that way. Has she been tested for the top 8 allergens since going gluten free? She likely has other intolerances. Cocoa also gives me migraines. 

 

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      127,079
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Lynn94
    Newest Member
    Lynn94
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121k
    • Total Posts
      69.9k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Rice, corn, and other gluten-free grains.

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Your approach is spot-on—trusting reliable sources like Mayo Clinic and sticking to a gluten-free diet that works for you is the best way to navigate all the noise out there. The claim that rice and corn contain forms of gluten harmful to celiacs is indeed a misconception. While these grains do contain proteins that may technically be referred to as "glutens" in a broader scientific sense, they are structurally and functionally different from the gliadin found in wheat, which is the specific protein harmful to those with celiac disease. Scientific research overwhelmingly supports the safety of non-contaminated rice and corn for celiacs unless there’s a separate sensitivity or allergy involved. Some opinion pieces or alternative health sources may blur the lines by conflating these proteins, which can cause unnecessary worry. You're absolutely correct to focus on the distinction between scientifically validated information and anecdotal claims. It's also important to note that some people with celiac disease may develop sensitivities to other grains over time, but this is individual and not a universal rule. If you’re asymptomatic and thriving on a diet that includes certified gluten-free products with rice and corn, there’s no reason to change what’s clearly working for you. The internet is a breeding ground for well-meaning but misguided advice, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Your instinct to validate claims through reliable research is exactly the right way to go. Keep enjoying your gluten-free meals, stick with trusted certifications, and don’t feel pressured to adopt restrictive diets that aren’t backed by science or tailored to your specific needs. Happy New Year to you too!
    • Scott Adams
      Enegy level extremely low

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Healing and regaining energy after a celiac diagnosis can be a frustratingly slow process, but you're not alone in feeling this way! Everyone's healing journey is different, and factors like age, how long celiac was undiagnosed, and the extent of intestinal damage can all play a role. In general, villi can begin to heal within a few weeks to months after starting a strict gluten-free diet, but for some adults—especially those diagnosed later in life—it can take a year or more to see significant improvement. Studies suggest that older adults may heal more slowly, but it does happen with consistent gluten avoidance. Since you're already taking iron, vitamin D3, and a multivitamin, you're on the right track. Here are a few additional tips that might help: Be Patient with Your Body: It’s hard to wait, but healing takes time. Track your progress in small ways—maybe energy levels on a scale of 1-10 each week—to notice gradual improvements. Check for Other Deficiencies: Sometimes celiacs have trouble absorbing other nutrients, like B12, magnesium, or zinc, which can also affect energy levels. Your doctor may want to test for these. Consider Other Conditions: Fatigue can be linked to other issues like thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, or even sleep disturbances, which can sometimes occur alongside celiac disease. It might be worth discussing this with your healthcare provider. Stay Active, but Pace Yourself: Gentle exercise, like walking or yoga, can help improve energy levels, but don’t push yourself too hard—listen to your body. Hydration and Balanced Meals: Make sure you're drinking enough water and eating a balanced gluten-free diet with plenty of whole foods. Sometimes highly processed gluten-free products can leave you feeling sluggish. Remember, healing isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. You’ve made a huge, positive change by going gluten-free, and your body is working hard to repair itself. It’s okay to feel impatient, but know that you're moving in the right direction. Hang in there—you’ll get there!
    • Lotte18
      Can food allergies like milk and soy flatten villi?

      By Lotte18 · Posted

      Hi Scott, I thought I'd be like "most people" and could go back to having dairy once my villi had healed.  But after dealing with neurological problems that cropped up long after my gut had healed it turned out that this just wasn't true.  I have no idea if celiac influences pancreatic enzyme production or if it's the other way around--for some of us-- but there is a very real relationship that isn't being discussed with patients.  The article just reiterates information that can mislead you if your real problem is pancreatic not villi related.  
    • Scott Adams
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      One of our current sponsors sells gluten-free nuts: https://www.tierrafarm.com/
    • trents
      Sprouts packaged roasted, salted nuts - says "made in a facility that processes wheat" - has anyone had a problem?

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the forum, @Amyinwyoming! Answers to your question that you might receive may not be helpful to you as an individual since sensitivity levels vary significantly within the gluten sensitive/gluten intolerant/celiac community. The other complicating factor is that low levels of gluten in a product may not cause obvious symptoms but may still generate low level inflammation in the small bowel. When in doubt, it is best to pass on the product. I'm not a particularly sensitive celiac so I might allow myself to eat something at a guest's house that was made from a food product with the kind of disclaimer label you describe but I typically shy away from buying them or consuming them when I have a choice.
×
×
  • Create New...