Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or personal preference. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, adhering to a strict gluten-free diet is essential to managing symptoms and preventing complications. Even for those without gluten-related medical conditions, some choose to go gluten-free in an effort to alleviate digestive issues, lose weight, or simply feel better. With the rising demand for gluten-free products, many food manufacturers have started offering gluten-free versions of popular items like bread, pasta, and cereal. But when it comes to your morning bowl of cereal, how do you know if your favorite is safe for a gluten-free diet? One popular cereal brand that markets some gluten-free offerings is Kind. But are all Kind cereals gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.
About Kind Cereal
Kind cereal is made by Kind LLC, a company focused on making foods that are healthy, minimally processed, and transparently produced. They emphasize using high quality, nutrient-dense ingredients in their products. Kind offers a variety of cold cereals, bars, nuts, and other snacks. Some of their most popular cereal varieties include Kind Vanilla, Cinnamon & Oat Clusters, Kind Caramel Almond & Sea Salt Clusters, and Kind Berry, Nuts & Seeds Clusters. While they do not claim that all of their cereals are gluten-free, they clearly label certain products as being gluten-free.
Kind’s Gluten-Free Offerings
Currently, Kind has four cold cereal varieties that are labeled as gluten-free:
- Kind Vanilla Clusters
- Kind Berry Clusters
- Kind Apple Cinnamon Clusters
- Kind Chocolate Clusters
These cereals are made without any gluten-containing ingredients. Instead of traditional grains like wheat, barley, and rye, they use gluten-free whole grains like rice, quinoa, and millet. The company states that any cereal variety marked with the “gluten free” label has been tested to verify that it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level of gluten is generally considered safe for most people who are sensitive to gluten.
Kind Cereals That Contain Gluten
While Kind has several clearly designated gluten-free options, the majority of their cold cereals do contain gluten. These include:
- Kind Maple Pecan Clusters
- Kind Almond & Coconut Clusters
- Kind Cinnamon Oat Clusters
- Kind Raspberry Clusters
- Kind Caramel Almond & Sea Salt Clusters
- Kind Berry, Nuts & Seeds Clusters
- Kind Peanut Butter Whole Grain Oats
The primary gluten-containing ingredients in these cereals include wheat, barley malt, and regular oats. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid consuming these cereals, as they are not considered gluten-free.
Identifying Gluten-Free Kind Cereals
When selecting a Kind cereal, check the label closely to determine if it is a gluten-free variety. Here are some tips:
- Look for the words “gluten-free” clearly printed on the front of the package. This indicates that the cereal has been tested to verify it meets the requirements for a gluten-free claim.
- Review the ingredient list. Gluten-free varieties should not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats as ingredients. Acceptable gluten-free grains include rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, corn, and amaranth.
- Check for advisory statements about shared facilities or equipment. Even if a cereal is made without gluten-containing ingredients, cross-contamination is possible if it is produced in a shared facility.
- Look for certification symbols from reputable third-party testing organizations like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization).
- Contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts or questions about whether a particular cereal is gluten-free.
Following these simple steps can help you safely identify Kind cereals that are appropriate for a gluten-free diet.
Nutritional Profile of Gluten-Free Kind Cereals
Often, the gluten-free versions of popular foods are nutritionally inferior to their gluten-containing counterparts. But Kind’s gluten-free cereals provide similar nutritional value compared to the regular varieties, while remaining free of allergens. Here is a comparison of select nutrients in the Vanilla Clusters gluten-free cereal versus the Vanilla, Cinnamon & Oat Clusters regular cereal:
| Nutrient | Per 1 Cup Serving | Per 1 Cup Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Cereal Variety | Vanilla Clusters (Gluten-Free) |
Vanilla, Cinnamon & Oat Clusters (Contains Gluten) |
| Calories | 200 | 190 |
| Total Fat | 4g | 3.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 0g |
| Sodium | 125mg | 190mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39g | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g | 6g |
| Protein | 3g | 3g |
As you can see from the table, the gluten-free Vanilla Clusters are very similar in overall macronutrients, calories, sugar content, and protein compared to the regular oat-based cereal. Both provide around 200 calories per serving with 3 grams of protein and 39-40 grams of carbohydrate. The gluten-free version is slightly higher in fat and fiber. For most people following a gluten-free diet, Kind’s gluten-free cereals offer a nutritious way to start the day.
Are All Kind Granola Products Gluten-Free?
In addition to cold cereals, Kind also makes granola products like bars, hot cereals, and trail mixes. However, it’s important to note that NOT all Kind granola products are gluten-free. In fact, most Kind granola bars and hot cereals contain gluten. As with the cold cereals, it’s essential to read labels and look for the gluten-free designation when choosing granola products. Some examples of Kind granola bars that are NOT gluten-free include:
- Kind Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Granola
- Kind Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew + Antioxidants
- Kind Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt
These contain ingredients derived from gluten sources like wheat, barley malt extract, and regular oats. On the other hand, there are some Kind granola bars and trail mixes that ARE clearly labeled gluten-free:
- Kind Fruit & Nut Delight trail mix
- Kind Vanilla Blueberry Cashew gluten-free granola bar
- Kind Cherry Cashew gluten-free granola bar
So be sure to read the label on each individual Kind granola product to determine if it is gluten-free or not. Don’t assume that all products in Kind’s granola line are gluten-free.
Precautions for Celiac Disease
For those with celiac disease, extra care must be taken when selecting gluten-free foods like Kind cereal. In addition to checking the labels for gluten-free designations, it’s also crucial to look for advisory statements on shared equipment and facilities. Even tiny amounts of gluten cross-contact can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage in those with celiac disease.
Kind does process some gluten-containing foods in the same facilities as their gluten-free cereals. Their advisory statement reads:
“These kindred foods are made in facilities that also process wheat & wheat ingredients. People with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming these products.”
For some people with celiac disease, these cereals may still be tolerated fine and allowable on a strict gluten-free diet. But for others, even trace amounts of cross-contact could be a problem. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
Other Considerations for Celiac Disease
In addition to avoiding any cross-contaminated foods, those with celiac disease also need to watch out for oats in the gluten-free diet. While pure oats are naturally gluten-free, they are frequently cross-contaminated with gluten grains during growing and processing. Be sure to only choose certified gluten-free oats, if including oats in your celiac diet at all.
Following a completely gluten-free diet can be challenging for celiac disease, but is required to heal intestinal damage and prevent complications. Work closely with your medical team when transitioning to the gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
While not all Kind cereals are gluten-free, the company does offer several varieties that are verified to meet gluten-free standards through third-party testing. These gluten-free choices provide a nutritious way for those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy a delicious bowl of cereal. But it’s important to read labels carefully, looking for the “gluten-free” designation on both cold cereals and granola bars. Individuals with celiac disease must also consider potential for cross-contact when choosing gluten-free foods from shared facilities. Overall, for most gluten-free eaters, Kind’s labeled gluten-free cereals can be a good option, though extra care must be taken by those with celiac disease due to the shared equipment. When in doubt, reach out to the company with any questions to ensure the cereal you choose is appropriate for your individual dietary needs.