Is There Gluten in My Coffee?
Gluten can hide in the most unusual places and if you have intolerant issues or coeliacs then you will be very aware of the need to scrutinise everything that you eat or drink.
So it may come as a surprise to know that 10% of coffee contains a protein that can cross react with gluten antibodies.
And it is no good switching to decaffeinated - because this has nothing to do with the caffeine.
If you are coeliac or gluten sensitive and avoiding gluten but still drinking coffee there is a chance that the protein in your coffee could be triggering the same gluten-related health problems that you are trying to avoid.
It seems that the reports are not 100% clear in the information they are trying to convey so in simple terms - coffee contains a protein that may cause the same reaction in some people as that of consuming gluten.
You only have to search the internet to get conflicting 'evidence' and articles relating to the gluten that can be found in coffee or tea.
It appears to be that many agree that coffee in its purest form poses no gluten risk but how the coffee is prepared and packaged, travelled and stored may be a small clue into the problem.
Coffee sacks may have been used to carry other grains prior to having coffee in them and would then contain gluten traces that could lead to cross-contamination.
Some drinks that are prepared in consumer outlets may have other gluten containing ingredients added to enhance their flavour.
It has been claimed that the most common symptoms of gluten sensitivity are migraine and other neurological issues, even including MS. So if you are suffering from any of these symptoms it may be wise to stop drinking coffee for a while to see what effect this may have.
The easiest way to be sure is to stick to a strict elimination diet and see what happens.