Cholesterol-free egg substitutes can contain egg!

TODAY'S ALLERGEN TIP: Cholesterol free egg substitute (e.g. Eggbeaters®) can contain egg! Remember, some classic products were created for a different market - and during a different time. They weren't created to be allergen-free, but to market a product for the latest health demand. Allergens are different & can be immediately dangerous, so read your labels, and assume nothing!

Hidden Gluten: Low Fat Dairy? Yep.

If you are one of the lucky people who are allergic or sensitive to gluten, or have celiac disease, but not allergic to dairy, watch out for low fat dairy products.  Gluten is a popular thickener that replaces the fat that the "low fat" people remove. Because of new labeling laws, you "should" see it on the label, however, gluten may not need to be labeled if it is distilled. Some people still react to allergens that are distilled.

Low fat is also often laced w/ sugar, as well as additives, so chances are you won't be missing any great health benefits if you pass up the low fat.

Hidden Gluten in Bacon? Here's How to Find the Right Gateway Meat.

Bacon: if it is made w/ smoke flavoring, the flavoring can be derived from various sources of gluten (including barley, and brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast is a by product of beer.)  A clue to safe bacon is that which is local, apple or hickory smoked - but call the manufacturer to double check.

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Barney Butter (Bare).

This week's PRODUCT LOVE: Barney Butter (Bare). I LOVE this stuff. It's certified gluten-free, made in a peanut-free facility, non-GMO certified, and is blended so there is no oily separation AND no added sugar. It helps to keep baking w/ almond butter much more consistent. Love it. Keep up the good work, Barney peops.

(It also "bares" the name of my cat, Barney :))

Avoid Bulk Bins, Common Sources of Allergens

Bulk bins are reasonable and inviting, but they are also havens for common food allergens. Avoid the bulk bin if you want to steer clear of allergens, especially gluten, peanuts, soy, dairy, and nuts (so sorry!) Besides the interchangeability of the scoops in the store, bulk items are often cross contaminated during processing, b/c bulk items are commonly processed w/ allergenic foods.