Gluten Free Oats: Are They Real?

Are oats gluten free?  No, most oats are not.  In fact, you may have to search to find gluten free oats because there aren’t that many producers who go the extract gluten-free mile.

Why?

Remember the acronym B-R-O-W-S I shared with you to help you understand where gluten generally occurs?  Oats always has an asterisk next to it because it needs some explaining. The purpose of this post is to clearly explain why oats can be gluten free AND why you’ve got look for a label that clearly states “gluten free oats”.

Do Gluten Free Oats Exist?

In the realm of all things pertaining to gluten and going Gluten Free, oats actually require a ‘footnote’, if you will.  They aren’t as black and white as the other four grains within B-R-O-W-S.  In fact, oats are the only one that you really need to question because they do not naturally contain gluten. What makes them problematic to those of us with gluten issues is HOW they are ‘produced.’

Generally, oats are grown in fields next to those of wheat.  They are both harvested and processed on the same equipment.  Thus, the oats become contaminated since they intermingle with wheat.  Regular oats are therefore off limits to anyone who is sensitive to gluten or celiac.  Please don’t mistake what I’m saying here.  You can surely eat oats, but you’ve got to find a producer whose packaging is clearly marked ‘Gluten Free’.

I’d also like to note that there is some debate about whether those diagnosed with Celiac Disease can tolerate gluten free oats.  It appears that not every celiac can which is why any product which is certified gluten-free by the Celiac-Sprue Association will not have oats in it.

[For more information on understanding labeling of gluten free food, please reference the Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Labeling HERE.]

GF Oat Suggestions

I don’t know many options for gluten free oats simply because it takes a great deal of commitment on the grower and producer end to bring gluten free oats to your table.  However, there are a few options out there that you can try.

One of the best known and most affordable brand is Bob’s Red Mill.  I personally use their gluten free oats and have never experienced any sort of issues with their products.  The bags are clearly marked and can be found in a wide variety of supermarkets.  They carry three different types of oats (Quick-Cooking,  Rolled & Steel Cut) which are all Gluten Free.  If you have any questions, their customer service seems to be incredibly helpful.