Many food labels these days proclaim “gluten free” and many people have turned to gluten free diets. What does it mean?

Gluten is a naturally occurring element of wheat, rye, barley and triticale flour that affects baked goods’ texture. But along with fluffiness in muffins and tenderness in bread, gluten causes intestinal inflammation for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. They often experience negative systemic reactions to eating everyday foods such as bread, crackers, some cereals, cake, pastries and cookies. In addition, many foods contain wheat flour as a thickening agent, including some brands of salad dressing, gravy, ice cream and marshmallows. People sensitive to gluten may respond mildly to moderately to gluten-containing foods. Those with celiac disease cannot tolerate even traces of gluten found in foods processed in facilities where gluten-containing foods touch the same equipment. The dust generated from baking with wheat flour can contaminate wheat-free foods in the same building. Home cooks use separate equipment for their gluten-free goods to ensure it remains pure.

Because of its inflammatory tendencies, gluten has been associated with autoimmune and digestive disorders. Going gluten-free has shown to help many people improve their digestion and minimize or send into remission autoimmune disorders they have experienced. Others report that their energy level improves and many of their health issues improve or even resolve once they eliminate gluten from their diets.

While nixing all gluten may seem overwhelming, it’s never been easier, since even mainstream food manufacturers have begun labeling their products more plainly. In addition to the government mandated “Nutrition Information” on food labels, many manufacturers voluntarily show what’s “Gluten Free” so shoppers can more readily identify the products they want. Numerous grocery stores as well have begun categorizing specialty gluten free products together or using distinctive store labels to help shoppers find gluten-free goods.

At Wholesome Nibbles, we’re doing our little part in bringing gluten-free snacks to your fingertips. As good as our Nibbles taste, you’ll be licking those fingertips. We combine indulgent cocoa, rich nuts and seeds, moist dates and exotic flavors like cardamom to create gluten-free treats that treat you right, all without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or processed sweeteners. Soy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free but flavor-full. That’s Wholesome Nibbles.