Quick Answer
Seeds of Change’s quinoa and brown rice products are certified gluten-free, meaning they contain less than 20ppm of gluten. Quinoa and rice are naturally gluten-free grains. As long as care is taken to avoid cross-contamination during processing, products made from these ingredients will be gluten-free. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Seeds of Change quinoa and rice provide safe, nutritious gluten-free options.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten provides the stretchy, elastic texture in products like bread. It also helps baked goods rise and keep their shape.
For most people, gluten poses no health concerns. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. Even tiny amounts of gluten in food can cause issues for those who are gluten-intolerant.
This is why checking labels for gluten content is so important for anyone following a strict gluten-free diet. Oats are a common source of gluten cross-contamination as well, so certified gluten-free oats are recommended.
Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance
Common symptoms of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Skin rash
In children, gluten intolerance can also impair growth and nutrient absorption. Untreated celiac disease also increases long-term risk for other autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, infertility and certain cancers.
Following a strict gluten-free diet is the only treatment for gluten intolerance. This means avoiding all foods and ingredients containing wheat, barley, rye and contaminated oats.
Are Rice and Quinoa Gluten-Free?
Rice and quinoa are naturally gluten-free grains. This means:
- Rice does not contain gluten proteins.
- Quinoa does not contain gluten proteins.
So products made with pure rice or quinoa that haven’t been contaminated along the way will be gluten-free.
This makes rice and quinoa great options for celiacs and anyone avoiding gluten. They provide an alternative to gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley.
Types of Gluten-Free Rice
All types of rice are naturally gluten-free, including:
- White rice
- Brown rice
- Wild rice
- Black rice
- Red rice
- Calrose rice
- Basmati rice
- Jasmine rice
- Arborio rice
- Short grain rice
- Long grain rice
So products made with any of these rice varieties are fine on a gluten-free diet as long as cross-contamination is avoided.
Quinoa Nutrition Facts
Quinoa is highly nutritious as well as naturally gluten-free. Here are some of the key nutrients found in cooked quinoa (1 cup):
- 222 calories
- 8 grams protein
- 5 grams fiber
- 39 grams carbohydrates
- 222 mg magnesium (56% DV)
- 0.5 mg manganese (25% DV)
- 1.2 mg iron (7% DV)
- 181 mg phosphorus (18% DV)
Quinoa is considered a complete protein source since it contains all essential amino acids. It has a low glycemic index as well, making it a healthier choice for diabetics.
Are Seeds of Change Quinoa and Rice Products Gluten-Free?
Yes, Seeds of Change quinoa and rice products are certified gluten-free to less than 20 ppm.
20 ppm means less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This is the recognized safety standard for gluten-free certification in many countries. At less than 20ppm, foods are considered safe for the majority of those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Seeds of Change Gluten-Free Testing
Here are the steps Seeds of Change takes to ensure its quinoa and rice products meet gluten-free standards:
- Raw ingredients are tested for gluten.
- Surfaces and equipment are thoroughly cleaned to prevent cross-contamination.
- Separate facilities are used for gluten-free processing when possible.
- Finished products are tested to verify gluten levels below 20 ppm.
This rigorous testing means Seeds of Change quinoa and rice products are considered reliably gluten-free.
However, it’s still smart for celiacs to check for any formula changes or warnings of potential gluten cross-contamination. Severe gluten intolerance requires strict precautions.
What Seeds of Change Products are Gluten-Free?
Here is a complete list of Seeds of Change gluten-free products that are certified to contain less than 20ppm gluten:
Quinoa
- Quinoa Flour
- Quinoa & Brown Rice Pasta Shells
- Quinoa & Kamut Pasta Spirals
- Quinoa & Brown Rice Elbows Pasta
- Quinoa & Brown Rice Penne
- Quinoa & Brown Rice Rotini
- Organic Quinoa
Brown Rice
- Brown Rice Flour
- Brown Basmati Rice
- Brown Jasmine Rice
- Sprouted Brown Rice
Other Gluten-Free Products
- Millet Rice Bread
- Quinoa Bread
- Quinoa Tortillas
- Quinoa Crispbreads
- Quinoa Wraps
- Quinoa Lettuce Cups
Seeds of Change notes that while these products have been gluten-tested, they are made in shared facilities that also process wheat. Anyone with severe gluten-sensitivity should take appropriate precautions.
Other Gluten-Free Grains
In addition to quinoa and rice, other naturally gluten-free grains include:
- Amaranth
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Teff
Oats are gluten-free but are often contaminated with gluten grains during growing and processing. So only certified gluten-free oats labeled as such should be consumed on a gluten-free diet.
Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet
Here are some tips for living gluten-free:
- Check labels for any indication of wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- Look for “gluten-free” on packaging.
- Check prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Watch out for cross-contamination in packaged or bulk bins.
- Check seasonings, broths, sauces and dressings.
- Look into gluten-free labeling regulations for your country.
- Try naturally gluten-free whole foods like produce, meats, fish, eggs, beans, nuts and gluten-free grains.
- Choose certified gluten-free oats if including oats in your diet.
- Read online reviews for gluten-free menu options when dining out.
- Consider purchasing gluten-free specialty products to substitute for gluten-containing foods you commonly ate prior to your diagnosis.
Following a gluten-free diet takes some adjusting to but there are more and more gluten-free products available today. With some label reading and ingredient research, gluten intolerance can be effectively managed.
Conclusion
Seeds of Change quinoa and brown rice products are reliably gluten-free, containing less than 20ppm of gluten. Quinoa and rice provide safe, nutritious options for anyone following a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. By thoroughly testing from ingredients through final processing, Seeds of Change produces gluten-free products that are substantially gluten-free for most gluten-intolerant individuals. Always check labels for any formula changes and indications of possible cross-contamination if you have severe gluten intolerance. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer for the most up-to-date information.