If you’re planning a movie and popcorn night, you’ll be glad to know that everyone’s favorite movie snack is gluten-free. So even if you go on a gluten-free diet you can feel comfortable.
Popcorn is naturally gluten-free, but that doesn’t guarantee that all packaged varieties and flavors are completely safe to eat. Before buying, always check the packaging or play carefully and make your own healthy. After all, who doesn’t like the smell of this freshly made delicacy floating around the house?
Do they contain gluten?
Since it is made from dried corn, a naturally gluten-free grain, popcorn is generally gluten-free and safe to eat if you have sensitivity or intolerance. Corn is both a vegetable (when it is in raw form) and a whole grain (when it is dry).
Simple popcorn does not naturally contain gluten, but be aware that various flavors or condiments may contain gluten ingredients or put the food at risk of cross contamination.
Cross contamination occurs when food comes in contact with gluten, either through shared or storage utensils. So, for example, movie theater popcorn can be made or removed using the same utensil used in other gluten-containing foods.
Cross contamination can also occur during manufacturing. Sometimes popcorn can be made using the same machinery as other ingredients that contain gluten. As a result, your popcorn can become contaminated with gluten.
How to make sure that your popcorn is not dangerous?
If you want to make sure that the popcorn you eat is safe, look for a gluten-free label on the packaging. This means that the product contains less than 20 parts per million gluten. Or keep an eye out for certified gluten-free seals from reputable third-party organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. This organization uses particularly strict standards, testing and marking of foods that contain less than 10 ppm of gluten.
Even if your popcorn is marked gluten-free, be sure to always check the ingredient list of the products you buy. Popcorn is generally considered to be a natural gluten-free product that is safe for people with celiac disease and / or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, never assume that any product is gluten-free without first reading the ingredient label to determine if the product contains gluten.
In addition to looking for hidden gluten in the popcorn you buy, avoid heavily processed varieties. They are usually covered with tons of butter or artificial flavorings. Instead, go for the simple options.
