Is rice gluten free? This is among the most frequently asked questions among individuals who want to keep their health in check. The simplest answer to this question is yes. All rice (in its natural form) is gluten-free. You’d be surprised to learn that rice is the most popular gluten-free grains for individuals with celiac disease.
Actually, the vast majority of gluten-free packaged goods are made with rice flour rather than wheat flour. While rice is naturally gluten-free, there are instances where it may not be. Aside from cross contact, rice can be made or sold with different spices and sauces that could contain gluten.
Moreover, some names on the market tend to be misleading. For instance, rice pilaf may sound like it is gluten-free. But in real sense, it is typically made with orzo, which is not gluten-free. No wonder you should make it the norm to double-check ingredient labels to ensure that what you’re consuming is truly gluten-free. If having doubts, avoid the product altogether or contact the manufacture to get more information.
As mentioned above, rice can come into contact with wheat, rye, and barley, during the growing, harvesting and manufacturing process. If possible, make it the norm to buy rice that’s labeled or certified gluten-free.
Always steer clear from buying rice in bulk bins at the grocery store. And that’s easy to see considering cross-contact can easily occur in the bulk bins when other shoppers use the same scoop for both gluten-free and gluten-containing grains.
For those who are fond of eating rice in a restaurant, ensure there are no added ingredients that would make the rice no longer gluten-free. Check and see if the rice can be made in its own clean pan so cross contact doesn’t take place while cooking.
Of course, you can use rice in so many dishes it’s probably easier to ask what you can’t make with rice. There is the option of pairing rice with protein and vegetable for a satisfying and nutrition meal. Don’t forget to add a sauce or seasoning to make it sweeter.