Cascadian Farm offers a variety of gluten-free products to accommodate people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Many of their products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
An Overview of Celiac Disease and Gluten
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine causing inflammation and damage that prevents proper absorption of nutrients.
Symptoms of celiac disease may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, headaches, depression, joint pain and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly following a lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
In addition to celiac disease, some people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. They experience adverse reactions when ingesting gluten, but do not test positive for celiac disease. The gluten-free diet helps improve their symptoms as well.
Importance of Gluten-Free Products
When you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to read ingredient labels carefully and only consume foods verified as gluten-free. Even small traces of gluten can cause issues. Many grain products naturally contain gluten, so gluten-free alternatives are needed.
Thankfully, the demand for gluten-free products has increased dramatically over the past couple decades. There are now many more gluten-free options available in grocery stores and restaurants to accommodate gluten-free diets. Companies are making an effort to produce tasty gluten-free versions of popular foods.
Gluten-Free Product Labeling
In the United States, food products labeled as “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten according to the FDA gluten-free labeling standards. Manufacturers must test their products to verify they meet this requirement to use a gluten-free claim on the label.
Some products may be labeled as “made in a facility” or “made on equipment” that also processes wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. These products are considered at higher risk for cross contamination even if the ingredients are gluten-free.
Companies producing certified gluten-free products adhere to additional protocols and testing to avoid cross contamination. Certifications like the GFCO gluten-free label indicate extra precautions.
Are Cascadian Farms Products Gluten-Free?
Many Cascadian Farm products are labeled gluten-free or certified gluten-free, but not all their products are suitable for a gluten-free diet. It depends on the specific product.
Cascadian Farms Gluten-Free Products
A wide selection of Cascadian Farms products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. This includes:
- Fruit spreads
- Granola
- Granola bars
- Oats
- Trail mix
- Nuts and seeds
- Butters
- Frozen fruits and vegetables
- Juice blends
If you see a certified GFCO logo on the Cascadian Farms packaging, then the product has been tested gluten-free to less than 10 ppm.
Cascadian Farms Products Containing Gluten
Some Cascadian Farms products do contain gluten or have an increased chance of gluten cross-contamination. These include:
- Cereals containing wheat, barley or rye
- Crackers
- Granola bars with wheat
- Cookies
- Pizza
- Pasta
- Waffles and pancake mixes
Always thoroughly read the ingredients list and allergen statements before purchasing and consuming Cascadian Farms foods if you need to avoid gluten.
Testing for Gluten
Cascadian Farms explains their stringent processes for testing products to ensure they meet GFCO certification standards:
- Gluten-free ingredients are used
- Products are manufactured on dedicated gluten-free equipment
- Routine equipment swabbing and product testing verifies no gluten cross-contact
- GFCO audits their facilities and processes annually
They state that products undergo additional testing if any gluten is detected during their routine analyses. This rigorous approach minimizes gluten risk in their certified gluten-free items.
Finding Cascadian Farms Gluten-Free Products
You can find a variety of Cascadian Farms gluten-free products at many major grocery stores such as:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Albertsons
- Whole Foods
- Sprouts
- Natural foods stores
Their products are widely available at brick-and-mortar stores as well as online retailers like Amazon and Instacart.
The Cascadian Farms website has an online product locator to help find their gluten-free foods near your location. You can filter by gluten-free certification to see all the nearby stores carrying certified gluten-free Cascadian Farms products.
Their website also allows you to search for products by diet or health interests like gluten-free. This makes it easy to identify all the Cascadian Farms items currently available that are suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-Free Cascadian Farms Products List
Here is a list of Cascadian Farm gluten-free products commonly available at grocery stores:
| Product Category | Gluten-Free Products |
|---|---|
| Fruit Spreads | All jarred fruit spreads |
| Granola | Organic Oats & Honey Granola Protein Granola: Honey Almond, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter flavors |
| Granola Bars | Oats & Honey Granola Bars Dark Chocolate & Peanut Butter Granola Bars |
| Oats | Organic Old Fashioned Rolled Oats Organic Quick Oats |
| Nuts & Seeds | All Raw, Roasted & Buttered Nuts Seed Blends |
| Nut Butters | Organic Seed Butter Almond Butter, Cashew Butter Organic Peanut Butter |
| Trail Mix | Fruit & Nut Trail Mix Roasted Nut Trail Mix |
| Frozen Fruit | All Frozen Berries, Cherries, Peaches, Blends |
| Frozen Vegetables | All Frozen Organic Vegetables |
| Juices | Vegetable Juice Blends |
Remember to always double check the label and ingredients when purchasing, as product formulations can change over time.
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet with Cascadian Farms
Here are some tips for living gluten-free using Cascadian Farms products:
- Browse their website to learn which products are gluten-free before shopping
- Look for the certified GFCO logo on packaging
- Read labels carefully and avoid products with wheat, barley, rye or ambiguous statements like “may contain wheat”
- Stick to naturally gluten-free whole foods like produce, dairy, meat/fish, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc.
- Make simple meals from Cascadian Farms fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oats
- Use their gluten-free granola bars, trail mixes for quick snacks
- Try gluten-free oats for breakfast cereal, oatmeal, baking
- Spread their fruit preserves on gluten-free toast or crepes
- Blend their frozen fruit into smoothies
- Roast their gluten-free nuts and seeds for nutritious snacks
With some label reading and meal planning, you can incorporate various Cascadian Farms gluten-free products into your diet. They offer many healthy and delicious options to accommodate gluten-free living.
Are Cascadian Farms Gluten-Free Oats Safe?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but are often contaminated with gluten grains during growing and processing. Cascadian Farms gluten-free oats are considered safe for most people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance because of their thorough practices to avoid cross-contact.
Their oats are grown in dedicated gluten-free fields and transported in gluten-free containers to the dedicated gluten-free processing facility. Equipment and facilities are routinely swabbed and tested to ensure no traces of gluten from other grains.
The finished oat products undergo additional testing to verify gluten levels below 10 ppm. This extensive control from farm to finished product minimizes risk of gluten exposure.
Some individuals with celiac disease still may not tolerate oats. But Cascadian Farms gluten-free oats are considered safe by most experts when avoiding gluten cross-contamination during production. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Cooking with Cascadian Farms Gluten-Free Oats
Here are some tips for safely using Cascadian Farms certified gluten-free oats if you need to avoid gluten:
- Check labels to ensure you purchase the gluten-free oats
- Cook the oats using clean, designated gluten-free cookware and utensils
- Use them for oatmeal, granola, baking, breading, etc.
- Store the opened packages in an airtight gluten-free container
- Combine with other gluten-free ingredients like fruits, nuts, dairy, cinnamon, etc.
- Avoid cross-contamination by not preparing them alongside gluten-containing foods
With proper precautions, Cascadian Farms’ rigorously tested gluten-free oats provide a safe, nutritious addition to a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
Many Cascadian Farms products are gluten-free and clearly labeled. They offer a wide selection of gluten-free foods that are certified by the GFCO, indicating they test below 10 ppm of gluten. Their gluten-free oats, granolas, nuts, seeds, fruit spreads, frozen produce and more provide tasty options for following a gluten-free diet.
Remember to thoroughly read labels, as some Cascadian Farms items do contain gluten. Avoid any products listing wheat, barley, rye or uncertified oats among the ingredients. Stick to their certified gluten-free offerings and implement proper precautions to avoid cross-contact when preparing and consuming their gluten-free foods.
With an understanding of labeling practices and safe handling, Cascadian Farms makes it easier to manage a gluten-free lifestyle. Their rigorous gluten testing procedures offer more choices of affordable, nutritious foods to accommodate gluten-free diets.
