Is Baker’s Shredded coconut gluten free?

Coconut is a fruit that grows on palm trees and is commonly used in cooking and baking. Coconut meat can be shredded or flaked to use in recipes that call for coconut. Many popular brands sell shredded coconut, like Baker’s Angel Flake coconut. With food allergies and intolerances becoming more common, it’s important to know what’s in the products you use. This article will explore whether Baker’s shredded coconut contains gluten.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue, headache, and more. The only treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Therefore, reading ingredient labels to identify and avoid gluten is essential.

Some grains like oats may also be contaminated with gluten during processing. Corn, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, and millet do not naturally contain gluten. However, they could become cross-contaminated during production.

Foods that are naturally gluten-free include fruits, vegetables, beans, seeds, nuts, eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Pure oils, herbs, and spices also do not contain gluten.

What Ingredients are in Baker’s Shredded Coconut?

Baker’s Angel Flake shredded coconut contains just one ingredient: coconut.

According to the product description and packaging, there are no other ingredients, additives, or preservatives. It does not contain wheat, barley, rye, or oats that could be contaminated with gluten.

Is Coconut Naturally Gluten-Free?

Yes, coconut is naturally gluten-free. Coconut is a fruit that grows on trees, not a grain. It does not naturally contain the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Therefore, pure, unprocessed coconut and coconut products are gluten-free. This includes shredded coconut, coconut flour, coconut milk, coconut oil, and more.

Does Baker’s Shredded Coconut Contain Warnings About Gluten?

Baker’s shredded coconut packaging does not contain any warnings about gluten or statements about being processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

Many products made in facilities with gluten will state on the label that it may contain trace amounts of wheat, barley, rye or oats. Baker’s shredded coconut does not have any labels about being processed on shared equipment.

Is Baker’s Shredded Coconut Certified Gluten-Free?

Baker’s shredded coconut is not certified gluten-free. Companies can voluntarily get certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

The GFCO checks products from manufacturing through packaging to confirm they contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Certified products will display the GFCO logo. Baker’s coconut does not have this certification.

However, lack of certification does not indicate that a product contains gluten. Baker’s still appears to be gluten-free based on the ingredients. Certification is optional and costs money for brands to obtain.

Has Baker’s Stated Their Products are Gluten-Free?

Baker’s FAQ states that their angel flake coconut products are gluten-free. On their website, they confirm that Baker’s shredded coconut contains no gluten ingredients.

However, they do warn that coconut is processed in a facility that also processes wheat and may contain traces of wheat. People with celiac disease or wheat allergy may want to avoid it due to potential cross-contamination.

Baker’s indicates that none of their products are certified gluten-free. They do label products that are made without gluten ingredients. But there is still a chance of gluten exposure during processing for those extremely sensitive.

Are Other Varieties of Baker’s Coconut Gluten-Free?

Yes, other Baker’s coconut products including coconut flakes, toasted coconut, and coconut milk also do not contain gluten ingredients.

However, like the shredded coconut, they are produced in a facility with wheat and have the same warning about potential gluten cross-contamination.

Baker’s recommends contacting them directly if you need details about testing and gluten ppm levels in their products. This can provide more information for those with celiac disease considering their risk level.

What About Other Brands of Shredded Coconut?

Be sure to check the ingredients list and manufacturing information on any brand of shredded coconut. Most will only contain coconut like Baker’s. Brands processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities are the safest option for celiacs.

Some shredded coconut brands include:

  • Bob’s Red Mill – States their shredded coconut is gluten-free but not processed in a gluten-free facility
  • Nature’s Eats – Gluten-free certified and processed in a gluten-free facility
  • Anthony’s – Marked gluten-free but not certified
  • Maggi – Labeled gluten-free
  • Let’s Do Organic – Gluten-free certified

Always double check for any gluten statements or warnings if you need to avoid cross-contact.

Should People with Celiac Disease Eat Baker’s Shredded Coconut?

People with celiac disease need to use caution with Baker’s shredded coconut. While the coconut itself does not contain gluten, the processing in a non-gluten-free facility raises the risk of cross-contamination.

Those with celiac disease must avoid any exposure to gluten. Even tiny amounts can cause intestinal damage and symptoms. The amounts possibly present from processing on shared equipment could be risky.

It’s best for those with celiac to choose shredded coconut from a certified gluten-free source made in a dedicated facility. This eliminates the risk of trace gluten exposure. Check with your doctor if unsure about consuming Baker’s coconut.

Can People with a Gluten Sensitivity Eat Baker’s Shredded Coconut?

Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may be able to tolerate Baker’s shredded coconut. Many people with a gluten intolerance can consume up to 10-20ppm of gluten without issues.

The small amounts potentially transferred from shared equipment is likely under these levels. However, it depends on the individual’s sensitivity level. Checking with a doctor is recommended to determine if possible cross-contact is safe for you.

Baker’s also recommends contacting them for their internal testing data on gluten levels if this information would impact your decision. Starting with a small serving to check for any reaction is also wise.

Is Baker’s Shredded Coconut Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet?

Whether Baker’s shredded coconut fits into a gluten-free diet depends on the reason for the diet. For those avoiding gluten for overall health without medical necessity, the product is likely fine.

However, individuals requiring a strict gluten-free diet for medical reasons should use caution. The potential for cross-contact makes it risky for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies. Checking for certified gluten-free brands of coconut is the best option.

As with any product avoidance, discuss your diet needs with a healthcare provider to decide if possible exposure is acceptable. Be sure to watch for any symptoms after trying Baker’s coconut that could indicate gluten issues.

Can Baker’s Shredded Coconut Be Part of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) eliminates complex carbs to alleviate digestive disorders like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The SCD allows simple carbs from some fruits, nuts, honey, and coconut.

Since Baker’s shredded coconut only contains one ingredient – coconut – it fits into the specific carbohydrate diet. Coconut is permitted in all phases of the SCD as a nut. Just be mindful of potential contact with gluten-containing ingredients.

What About Other Diets Like Keto and Paleo?

Coconut and Baker’s shredded coconut are suitable for low carb, high fat diets like the keto diet. Coconut is low in net carbs while providing healthy fats. Just watch portion sizes.

For the Paleo diet focusing on whole, minimally processed foods, Baker’s coconut works. Some may prefer to make their own shredded coconut starting from a fresh coconut to maximize nutrition. But the single-ingredient Baker’s product aligns with Paleo’s emphasis on simplicity.

As always, check labels and manufacturing details for potential allergens based on your own diet needs and restrictions.

Tips for Using Baker’s Shredded Coconut

Baking

Shredded coconut adds texture, flavor, and moisture to baked goods like muffins, quick breads, cookies, granola bars, coffee cakes, and more. Add to cake or cookie batter or sprinkle on frosting.

No-Bake Energy Balls

Mix with peanut butter, dates, oats, nuts, and chocolate chips for nutrient-packed energy balls. The coconut provides a chewy texture.

Yogurt Parfaits

Layer in yogurt parfaits along with your favorite fruits, nuts, granola, or chia seeds for crunch.

Cereals and Oatmeal

Sprinkle over granola, muesli, oatmeal, chia pudding, or cold cereals for an extra flavor and texture boost.

Salads

Add sweetness and crunch to fruit, chicken, or shrimp salads. Pair with creamy dressings for a flavor contrast.

Smoothies

Blend into fruit smoothies or milkshakes. Coconut enhances the creamy texture.

Food Serving Size Calories Fat (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g)
Baker’s shredded coconut 1/4 cup (20g) 187 18 5 1

Nutrition

Shredded coconut is high in fat, mostly from saturated fat. It provides vitamins, minerals, fiber, and plant compounds but is relatively low in protein. Measure portions to avoid excessive calories.

The Bottom Line

Based on the ingredients, Baker’s shredded coconut does not contain gluten. However, the risk of cross-contact during manufacturing makes it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or a wheat allergy. Individuals with gluten sensitivity should check their personal tolerance.

For most people avoiding gluten for other reasons, Baker’s shredded coconut is likely safe in moderation. Stick to the serving size and enjoy coconut’s sweet flavor and crunchy texture blended into recipes or sprinkled onto foods. Look for certified gluten-free brands if you need to avoid any trace gluten exposures.

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