Ok, so I went shopping today and I was reading labels very carefuly. I was having some trouble trying to
decipher what the labels really meant and how safe the products were. For insatance, is gluten free the same as
gluten free ingredients? And, if something seems to be gluten free when reading the ingredients does that
automatically make it safe, or is there more to be aware of? If it says it is processed in a plant that processes wheat is that ok, or no? And, if it is processed on machinery that also processes wheat is that a definate no-no? I wish things were labeled in a less confusing manner. Can sameone help me figure out how to read the labels and buy the right stuff......please?

You're smart. Learning to interpret labels is the key to your success. HEre is a listing of companies who will clearly list all forms of gluten (ie. wheat, barley, malt and rye). Copy this and take it to the store with you.

http://www.glutenfreeindy.com/foodlists/in...donothidegluten

I would stay away from "...shared equipment or manufactured in the same" for a while until you are well on the road to healing. Later down the line, you might try something new and test your reaction. Everyone is different in the amount that they can be exposed to regarding cross contamination.

The US government is in the process of determining what can be labeled gluten free. There is no standard as of yet. So, therein is the difference between gluten free and no gluten ingredients (not tested, none added, but CYA for cross contamination.)

Ok thanks. That list is a help. I have a feeling I'll be shopping with a few lists for a while. Thats ok, I'm sure it gets easier.

When I was first learning to read the labels and what to watch our for I would search on here for foods I liked. I would also do searches i.e.: shopping lists , dinner meals, lunch ideas etc. This way I saw what others were suggesting and having then when I went to the store I would look at the labels of foods that I saw on here (be careful of older posts some ingredients change) and then I would see what the labels looked like (ingredient wise haha). I would also look at things that I knew I could not have just so I would see how the labels/ingredients were.

A lot of the food/company websites are posting information about gluten free items etc so that is a good place to look too if you like a certain food. Hormel has a nice list. Johnsonville (they label gluten free and also on their website), Ore-Ida (has a list), Classico (has a FAQ in regards to gluten free) and many more. I was nervous at first to call the 800 lines but after a couple it gets easier.

I did buy the Gluten Free Grocery Shopping Guide and it helped some with getting new ideas plus when I have been at the store if I was confussed about an item I could see if it was in the book or another brand instead (I would also read the ingredients). There are a lot of brands in it that aren't carried anywhere near where I live but its neat. My mom looked at it (she can eat gluten) when they came to visit to try to see what brands and things I could have, so that was neat.

Once you get the hang of things and in the groove it does get easier.
Good Luck

I got a copy of a ingredients that list wheat/gluten from the allergist. I think it came from the Food and Allergy Network. It's very handy and fits in my purse. (I also have to check for shellfish, milk, and eggs...)

I have the gluten free grocery shopping guide (a blue book that is advertised on this site) and I found it to be a HUGE help. I highly reccomend it. If you have questions about specific items or types of foods, post them here. I will see if they are in the book. Then you can know whether the brands located in stores near you have been researched in that book and decide if you want to purchase it for yourself. Beth