Watch for gluten in tomato sauces & pastes

Today, July 29, 2013, is National Lasagna Day for those of us in the U.S. For those of us who have food allergies, it also means reading labels (again), carefully (again), if you are using pre-packaged products. The best way to avoid possible cross contamination of allergens is to make your sauce completley from scratch, of course, but popping open a jar of sauce can be a life saver during a busy day when you are craving some time and comfort, along with your lycopene and vitamin C.

Most recipes also call for tomato paste - which can contain gluten.

You wouldn't think to look for gluten in marinara sauce, tomato paste, or ketchup, for that matter, but gluten is often used as a filler in these types of sauces. Contadina, for instance, has gluten in the ingredients of their tomato paste. You also need to watch out for:

• Malt flavoring (often derived from Barley)
• Caramel Coloring (can be derived from gluten grains)
• Natural Flavoring (can contain aspertame or MSG in different forms)

Here are a few brands that as of today, don't contain gluten (but always double check any labels, b/c ingredients & processing can change):

Eden Organics Sauces & Pastes.  I love the tomato products from Eden Organics, because they are not only gluten-free, but organic, in BPA-free cans or glass jars, and are really good. These are my favorite products to buy. They are not marked "free" of any other allergens, but I have a call in to the company to find out more and will add to this post with this information this week.

Organicville Marinara (gluten-free)

Amy's Marinara Sauce (it is also free of dairy, tree nut, soy, and corn; and is Kosher)

What are your favorites?