What are some gluten-free drinks? Beware of unexpected pitfalls

　　

A surprising number of drinks contain gluten

Malt-based beverages

Beer, low-malt beer, etc.

Brewed alcoholic beverages such as beer and happoshu use barley malt as an ingredient.

The protein in barley has a similar structure to the gluten in wheat, so people with gluten intolerance should avoid it .

The malt used to make beer is germinated barley that is then dried and roasted.

Malt is rich in enzymes that break down starch, making it an essential ingredient in beer brewing.

However, the protein in this malt is a dangerous ingredient for people who are gluten intolerant .

Not only beer, but also sparkling beer and distilled alcoholic beverages made from malt should be treated with caution.

Barley tea, Milo, etc.

Barley tea, a staple summer drink, is actually one of the drinks that requires caution regarding gluten .

Mugicha is made by roasting barley, so like malt, it may contain gluten.

Also, Milo, a representative malt beverage, cannot be considered gluten-free.

Since Milo is primarily made from malt extract, it is likely to contain gluten.

Other malt-based beverages include:

• malt coffee
• malted milk
• Ovaltine
• Malted cocoa

When purchasing these drinks, be sure to check the ingredients carefully and make sure they do not contain any malt or gluten.

Gluten lurking in beverage additives

Wheat-derived ingredients used as thickeners and stabilizers

Some drinks contain additives that contain gluten.

Of particular concern are wheat-derived ingredients used as thickeners and stabilizers .

These additives are used to adjust the viscosity of the beverage and to prevent the ingredients from separating.

A typical example is thickeners made from wheat starch or wheat protein.

Wheat-based thickeners are likely to contain gluten and should be avoided by those on a gluten-free diet.

Glycolipid esters, which are used as emulsifiers, are also sometimes made from wheat-derived ingredients.

Be careful, as these additives may not be clearly listed as "wheat" or "gluten" on the beverage's ingredient label.

Wheat protein used in caramel coloring

Caramel coloring, which is used in carbonated drinks such as cola, is also one of the additives that requires caution regarding gluten .

Caramel color is a brown color created by heating sugars, and wheat protein is sometimes used in the manufacturing process.

Wheat protein is added to adjust the color of the caramel color and to increase its stability.

The raw material for caramel color is often simply listed as "caramel color" on beverage ingredient labels, making it difficult to know whether wheat-derived ingredients are used .

If you're trying to go strictly gluten-free, it may be wise to avoid drinks that contain caramel coloring.

It is important to check the ingredients label

To avoid drinks that contain gluten, it is important to carefully check the ingredients label .

In particular, be sure to check carefully to see if any additives derived from malt or wheat are used.

Also, if the ingredients list includes a label such as "gluten-free" or "wheat-free," you can drink it with relative peace of mind.

However, there are some drinks that may come into contact with gluten during the manufacturing process , so one option is to not rely solely on the label but to contact the manufacturer.

Recently, there has been an increase in drinks specifically for gluten-free people, so it is recommended to choose such products.

To find the right gluten-free drink for you, it's important to make it a habit to check drink labels carefully .

Choosing gluten-free drinks

Simple drinks such as tea and coffee

When choosing gluten-free drinks, it's wise to start with those made with simple ingredients.

Plant-based beverages such as tea and coffee are generally gluten-free and therefore relatively safe to drink.

Teas such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea are suitable for gluten-free diets because the leaves and petals used as raw materials do not contain gluten.

Coffee is also one of the safest drinks to drink, as the coffee beans themselves do not contain gluten .

However, be careful as flavored teas and instant coffees may contain additives that contain gluten.

Choosing drinks made with as few ingredients as possible is the first step in going gluten-free.

Gluten-free beverages

Recently, there has been an increase in beverages that are clearly labeled "gluten-free."

If you choose these products, you can drink them without worrying about gluten.

Beverages labeled gluten-free include:

• Soft drinks made with rice syrup
• Soba tea
• coconut water
• Nata de coco drink

These drinks do not contain gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat and barley , so even those on a gluten-free diet can enjoy them with peace of mind.

Beverages made by specialized gluten-free manufacturers are also a reliable option.

However, even if a product is labeled as gluten-free, there is still a chance that it may come into contact with gluten due to the manufacturing process, so it is important to carefully check the manufacturer's information .

Amazake made with rice koji

Amazake, made with rice koji, is one of the most popular gluten-free drinks .

Amazake is a traditional Japanese drink made from fermented rice koji, and most of the time it is non-alcoholic.

Amazake is made from rice koji and is simply made from only rice and rice koji, so there is no need to worry about gluten.

Amazake is also rich in enzymes derived from rice koji, which can help digestive enzymes function.

Recently, rice koji amazake has become readily available at cafes and convenience stores .

There are also sugar-free versions, making this a recommended drink not only for gluten-free people but also for health-conscious people.

Buckwheat tea, Job's barley tea, etc.

Buckwheat tea and barley tea are also gaining attention as gluten-free drinks.

Soba tea is a fragrant drink made from roasted buckwheat flour.

Because soba does not contain gluten, soba tea can be enjoyed safely as a gluten-free drink.

Job's barley tea is a drink made by roasting job's barley, and is characterized by being caffeine-free.

Although barley looks similar to wheat, it is actually a grass plant that does not contain gluten.

Therefore, barley tea can also be chosen as one of the gluten-free drinks.

Both soba tea and barley tea are easy to drink and caffeine-free, so they are recommended as a drink before bed .

Use homemade drinks

Fruit and vegetable smoothies

Making your own drinks can help you expand your gluten-free beverage options.

A prime example is smoothies made with fruits and vegetables.

If you make it with your own ingredients, you won't have to worry about gluten getting into it.

Another benefit is that you can easily make nutritious drinks using seasonal fruits and vegetables .

Try making your own smoothie by combining your favorite ingredients, such as banana, avocado, spinach, and kiwi fruit.

Add soy milk or coconut milk for a creamier taste.

Herbal tea, ginger tea, etc.

Homemade herbal teas and ginger teas are also great gluten-free drinks.

You can create your own fragrant tea using herbs such as mint, lemongrass, and chamomile.

Thinly slice ginger and boil it in hot water to make ginger tea, which will warm your body .

Add honey or lemon for extra flavor.

The great thing about homemade herbal or ginger tea is that you can adjust the flavor to suit your taste .

It's also a great drink for people who want to avoid caffeine.

Gluten-free drinks on the go

Ordering at a cafe or restaurant

Check the ingredients on the menu

When choosing gluten-free drinks when you're out and about, be sure to check the ingredients on the menu first.

In particular, you should be careful with flavored teas and smoothies, as they may contain additives that contain gluten.

Additionally, syrups and toppings served at coffee shops may also contain wheat-derived ingredients.

Before ordering, ask the staff about the ingredients .

Some stores have posted information about allergies, so please refer to this information as well.

It takes a little effort, but checking the ingredients is essential to finding the drink that's right for you.

Choose an allergy-friendly menu

Recently, an increasing number of cafes and restaurants are offering allergy-friendly menus.

If you choose a drink that has a gluten-free mark on the menu, you can order with relative peace of mind.

However, even if a product is labeled gluten-free, it is still possible that the product may come into contact with gluten during the production process, so it is wise to check with the staff .

Drinks made with plant-based milks such as soy milk and almond milk are also gluten-free options.

Some cafes and restaurants will even make gluten-free drinks to order .

We also recommend ordering an original drink that suits your tastes and constitution.

Purchases at convenience stores and supermarkets

Check the ingredients

When purchasing gluten-free drinks at convenience stores or supermarkets, it is essential to check the ingredient label.

The back of the beverage packaging contains information about ingredients and additives.

If you're gluten-free, be sure to check the ingredient label.

The key is to check whether the product contains words such as wheat, barley, or malt extract .

Also, if "wheat" is listed as one of the ingredients, it is likely to contain gluten, so it is best to avoid it.

Be careful if the ingredient list includes a label such as "(contains wheat)."

Look for the gluten-free mark

If you look around the beverage section of a convenience store or supermarket, you may see products marked "gluten-free."

This symbol indicates that the drink is gluten-free.

If you can look for the gluten-free mark, choosing products will be much easier.

However, gluten-free standards vary depending on the manufacturer, so just because a product has the mark does not mean you can be completely assured of its safety.

In addition to the gluten-free mark, it is important to carefully check the ingredient label.

Recently, some supermarkets have started to have dedicated gluten-free sections.

Making good use of these sections will make choosing gluten-free drinks easier.

Tips for choosing drinks

Choose simple ingredients

When choosing a gluten-free drink, it's important to choose one that's made with as few ingredients as possible .

Plant-based beverages such as tea and coffee are generally gluten-free and therefore relatively safe to drink.

On the other hand, you should be careful with flavored teas and instant coffee, as they may contain additives that contain gluten .

Also, when choosing processed drinks such as cocoa or smoothies, be sure to check the ingredients carefully.

Choosing simple ingredients reduces the risk of gluten being introduced.

Don't rely too much on gluten-free labels

Although there are an increasing number of drinks labeled "gluten-free," it is dangerous to rely solely on that label .

In Japan, there are no clearly defined standards for gluten-free labeling, so the definition of gluten-free varies depending on the manufacturer.

Also, even if the ingredients do not contain gluten, some products may come into contact with gluten during the manufacturing process.

Gluten-free labels are only a guideline and should not be overly relied upon.

Along with checking the label, make it a habit to carefully check the ingredients .

Contacting the manufacturer is one way to ensure you can drink it safely.

Homemade drinks for peace of mind

If you're having trouble finding gluten-free drinks when you're out and about, consider making your own .

Choosing your own ingredients can help prevent gluten contamination.

If you carry around a water bottle or tumbler filled with tea, coffee, herbal tea, etc., you can drink it anytime with peace of mind.

Homemade smoothies and juices can be tailored to your taste.

Homemade drinks give you more gluten-free options when you're on the go.

Why not try making your own drinks to find the one that suits you best?

Introducing Komeko's Palette's gluten-free menu

Gluten-free rice flour bread

Komeko's Palette offers bread made with 100% rice flour, which does not contain any wheat . It has the chewy texture unique to rice flour and a gentle sweetness not found in wheat bread. This product is recommended not only for those who want to avoid gluten, but also for health-conscious people . We are also committed to being completely additive-free, and are mindful of safety and security. People with wheat allergies or those who require a gluten-free diet can also enjoy our delicious bread .

Gluten-free rice flour bagels

Gluten-free bagels made with rice flour are also a popular item. They have a unique chewy texture and a wide variety of flavors, from plain to fruit. They are also delicious as bagel sandwiches, providing a satisfying and satisfying meal . Palette's bagels are made with beet sugar instead of refined sugar, resulting in a refined sweetness. Be sure to try these new and innovative bagels , which are both healthy and delicious .

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Komeko's Palette also sells gluten-free gyoza. The dough, made with rice flour, has a chewier texture than gyoza skins made with wheat flour. The skin has a gentle flavor that brings out the umami of the filling. Gluten-free gyoza are hard to find commercially. With Palette's rice flour gyoza skins, you can enjoy gyoza without worrying about gluten . They're also the perfect product for making homemade gyoza at home.

Gluten-free rice flour dumplings

Palette's gluten-free dumplings, made with rice flour, are also popular. They have a chewy texture and gentle sweetness that only rice flour can provide.

This is a recommended item for those who want to enjoy a healthy snack time.It can also be safely enjoyed by those with wheat allergies or those avoiding gluten.

Summary | Drinks are gluten-free for peace of mind

Living a gluten-free lifestyle also requires careful consideration of your beverage choices.

It is important to be aware of gluten lurking in beverage ingredients and additives, and to carefully check the labels .

When you go out, be sure to check the menus of cafes and restaurants carefully and choose allergy-friendly options.

At convenience stores and supermarkets, you can look for ingredients and gluten-free marks to choose products you can drink with confidence.

Additionally, homemade drinks allow you to enjoy your favorite flavors without worrying about gluten.

Another key point when choosing drinks is to choose ones with simple ingredients and not rely too much on gluten-free labels.

Enjoy gluten-free drinks and lead a safe and healthy life.