Quaker Oats is a popular brand of oatmeal and other breakfast foods. Many people wonder if Quaker Oats contain gluten, especially those who follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons like celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that some people cannot tolerate. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine and can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Oats do not naturally contain gluten, but they are often processed in facilities that also process gluten-containing grains, leading to cross-contamination. So are Quaker oatmeal products gluten-free? The short answer is that most Quaker oatmeals are certified gluten-free, but some flavored varieties may contain gluten from added ingredients. Read on for more details on the gluten content of different Quaker oatmeal products.
Are plain Quaker oats gluten-free?
Plain Quaker oats, which include classic Quaker Oats Quick 1-Minute Oats and Old Fashioned Oats, are gluten-free. Quaker states that their oats are purity tested to ensure that they have less than 20 parts per million of any gluten from wheat, rye, or barley. This level of gluten is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. The equipment used to mill Quaker Oats is also thoroughly cleaned between processing different grains to prevent cross-contamination of gluten into the oats. So you can enjoy a hot bowl of plain oatmeal from Quaker Oats without worry over gluten content.
Are flavored Quaker oatmeal gluten-free?
While plain Quaker oats contain just oats, flavored varieties like Apples & Cinnamon or Maple & Brown Sugar have other ingredients added. Some of these additional ingredients may contain gluten or be contaminated with gluten during processing. Quaker states that most of their flavored instant oatmeal packets tested as gluten-free to less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, some flavors of Quaker’s Instant Oatmeal, Instant Grits, Instant Hot Cereal, and Microwaveable Cups are NOT labeled gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten, be sure to check the label on flavored Quaker oatmeal carefully or stick to plain varieties. Some flavors that ARE labeled gluten-free include:
- Cinnamon & Spice
- Maple & Brown Sugar
- Peaches & Cream
- Raisin, Date & Walnut
And flavors that are NOT labeled gluten-free include:
- Banana Bread
- Butter Pecan
- Fruit & Cream Variety Pack
Are Quaker oatmeal bars and cereals gluten-free?
In addition to hot oatmeal, Quaker produces a range of oatmeal bars, granola bars, cereals, and other products. Again, while the main ingredient – oats – is naturally gluten-free, other ingredients vary by product.
Quaker chewy and crunchy granola bars
Most Quaker Chewy and Crunchy granola bar varieties are labeled gluten-free except for the Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Variety Pack flavors.
Quaker breakfast bars and biscuits
Quaker Oat Breakfast Bars in flavors like Golden Maple and Cinnamon Brown Sugar are gluten-free. However, they warn that Quaker Breakfast Biscuits and Quaker Breakfast Squares contain gluten.
Quaker Instant Oatmeal Fruit & Oat Harvest cereals
The Fruit & Oat Harvest hot cereal mixes from Quaker are labeled gluten-free. However, traditional Quaker Oat Squares and Life multigrain cereals contain gluten ingredients.
Quaker rice cakes
Quaker rice cakes and mini cakes do not contain gluten ingredients. They are produced in a facility that also processes gluten but follow practices to avoid cross-contact.
Is oat fiber from Quaker gluten-free?
Quaker Oat Bran and Quaker Oat Fiber cereals have been tested to ensure they are gluten-free to less than 20 ppm. Both the cereal and the powdered supplement drink mix Quaker Oat Fiber are safe gluten-free choices.
Are Quaker grits gluten-free?
Grits are ground corn, so they do not naturally contain gluten. However, Quaker does note that their Instant Grits, popcorn, and cornmeal products are NOT labeled gluten-free because they are produced on shared equipment with gluten sources. If you need to avoid gluten, opt for certified gluten-free grits from another brand.
Are Quaker rice products gluten-free?
Since rice does not contain gluten, Quaker rice products including Quaker Rice Cakes, Quaker Corn Cakes, and Quaker puffed rice cereals are gluten-free. Even the flavored options like Quaker Caramel Corn Rice Cakes do not contain gluten.
What about cross-contamination in Quaker products?
As discussed above, most plain Quaker oats are considered gluten-free to a level less than 20 ppm. However, those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should be aware that cross-contamination is still possible in facilities that also process gluten grains. Quaker states that their oats undergo extensive cleaning and testing to minimize this risk, but there is no guarantee the products are 100% gluten-free. Those following a gluten-free diet strictly due to medical necessity should consider this and make their own judgement on including Quaker products in their diet.
Conclusion
Most plain Quaker oatmeal products are gluten-free, but flavored varieties, instant oatmeal packets, bars, and cereals should be checked individually. Quaker oats are processed with precautions taken to avoid cross-contamination with gluten, but a small risk still remains. Overall, Quaker Oats can be considered safe in a gluten-free diet except for those with celiac disease or wheat allergy who require absolute avoidance of gluten exposure. Refer to the product labels and ingredient lists, or contact Quaker directly if you have any questions about the gluten content of their oatmeal or other products. With some basic precautions, most people avoiding gluten should be able to enjoy a comforting bowl of Quaker oatmeal.
