Chocolate, the delicacy many account for as comfort food that our bodies crave every once in a while. All for the right reasons as well with a taste that makes tastebuds explode with flavor.
But should you be eating chocolate on a gluten-free diet? You might want to research that before adding chocolate to your dieting plan. Hence, we've compiled all the information on chocolate when following a gluten-free diet for you!
Does chocolate contain gluten?
Plain, unsweetened chocolate in its natural form roasted cocoa beans is entirely gluten-free. However, very few eat pure chocolate, due to its significant bitter taste to the sweet confectionery we’re used to.
At the market, you can find various varieties of high-quality chocolate made with the essential gluten-free ingredients. Liquified cocoa beans, cocoa butter, and sugar- all considered gluten-free, go into making these chocolates.
On the other hand, most chocolates are a combination of 10–15 ingredients, including condensed milk, cocoa, and soy lecithin. Simultaneously, manufacturers use additives such as emulsifiers and flavoring agents to enhance the chocolate's taste and texture.
These additives often contain gluten components that can disrupt your gluten-free diet. Crispy chocolate candies, for example, are mostly produced with wheat or barley malt, both of which involve gluten.
Chocolate bars, which include pretzels or cookies, use ingredients that contain gluten as well. Similarly, chocolate-made baked products such as brownies, cookies, and crackers can often contain wheat flour. Which is another gluten component.
The following are the products that indicate that gluten is present in that food item.
- Barley
- Malt
- Malt syrup
- Rye flour
- Bulgur
- Graham flour
Thus, it becomes crucial that you read the label of the product before buying on a gluten-free diet. Not only does this ensure you’re following the diet, but can also save celiac and gluten-sensitive patients from symptoms.
Chocolate brands that don’t contain gluten:
Now, you’ll want to know which chocolate brands you can include in your daily routine. We've saved you the trouble and listed a few of the famous brands that produce gluten-free chocolates.
Alter Eco:
This fair trade company, based in San Francisco, offers its consumers organic cocoa from Peru and Ecuador. Refined by master swiss chocolatiers, this chocolate comes in numerous varieties, including Dark Salted Brown Butter, Dark Super Blackout, Deep Dark Quinoa Crunch, and Dark Salted Coconut Toffee, among others.
Nearly all flavors are gluten-free alongside certification by the Gluten-free Certification Organization (GFCO). This ensures that all tested items of this brand contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
Dagoba:
This brand is a branch of Hershey's that has a policy of labeling all gluten-containing ingredients. Hershey's website states that all Dagoba Chocolate products are gluten-free at less than 20 parts per million. However, the company says that since ingredients can change, the ingredients on the label should always be checked first.
Endangered species chocolate:
Endangered Species manufactures all-natural and organic chocolate bars with illustrations of endangered animal species on them. It is GFCO-free certified, meaning its products contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
“All our goods are manufactured on cooperative machinery, which handles items including butter, peanuts, and tree nuts”, according to policy. You can choose between a wide range of tastes. Whether you want dark chocolate, raspberry chocolate, espresso, or cherry flavored; they've got a flavor for everyone!
Hershey's
The famous chocolate brand Hershey's makes ranges of different chocolate bars. However, the leading brand considers only two of their products to be completely gluten-free: plain milk and almond-barred milk.
Meanwhile, some Hershey's Nuggets and Hershey's Kisses are also thought to be gluten-free. However, the company has taken extra precautions in letting its customers know the chances of cross-contamination in its candies. Hence, you should always go for gluten-free labeling and avoid any complications.
Vosges Haut Chocolate:
The Chicago-based Vosges, which produces some very unique gourmet chocolate bars produces gluten-free products below 20 parts per million gluten.
You’re in for a treat with Vosges’ one-of-a-kind flavors variety that is a must-try. Try Dark Chocolate and Bacon, or maybe even a Red Fire dark chocolate bar with Mexican ancho and chipotle chilies. You can also browse the brand’s website exclusively for gluten-free items.
Nestle:
A famous chocolate brand that makes a diverse range of chocolate products that are considered to be gluten-free. Nestle is known as one of the most renowned brands with chocolates such as Cadbury, a global sensation.
On the other hand, Nestle is sure to mention or label any gluten ingredients in its product. This reduces the chances of acquiring gluten through cross-contamination as well and ensures gluten-free products for its customers.
Wild Ophelia:
This line of completely gluten-free chocolate bars is Vosges Haut-Chocolate’s “passionate younger sister”. The brand was exclusively developed to nurture, empower, and drive young woman entrepreneurs.
Wild Ophelia’s incentive initiative to help businesswomen is a part of selling proceeds. Chocolate bars from the brand include exotic revolving flavors like Confetti Cake & Sprinkles and Chocolate Dipped Raspberry. Wild Ophelia also produces Cold Brew chocolate coffee bites and peanut butter cups with unique varieties.
Recipe for Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake:
Let’s face it; nothing compares to a good old classic chocolate cake. You’re worried about your allergies or dietary requirements? Here’s a twist to the traditional chocolate cake with only gluten-free ingredients. You’ll want to keep having more after the first bite!
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups + 3 tbsp plain gluten-free flour blend
- 1/2 cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup milk (I used almond milk)
- 1/2 cup Olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup boiling water
Pre-heat the oven at 350º. Simultaneously layer two of your cake pans with baking paper.
In a bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder.
Add the granulated sugar and salt, and whisk well.
Add the eggs, milk, and oil. Keep whisking till the mixture forms a smooth batter.
Add the boiling hot water, and whisk until the mixture is lump-free.
Layer out the batter on the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until your cake is spongy, and the toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Allow cooling.
Chocolate buttercream frosting:
- 3 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- pinch of salt
- 5 1/3 oz dark chocolate, melted
Beat your butter until for 2-3 minutes until it becomes fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar, and beat for 5 more minutes.
Add the cocoa powder and salt. Keep beating until all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
Add in the dark chocolate, and beat until you get a creamy, fluffy chocolate frosting with an even chocolate brown color.
Going gluten-free is relatively easy. You just need to know how to go about it. For this reason, adding a little chocolate to your life is bound to do good for you! Once you’re done trying this recipe, you can always make yourself a gluten-free molten lava cake, or even fudgy brownies.
Brands to avoid:
If you’re on a gluten-free diet and love to consume chocolate, you need to be careful. The following are a few of the globally famous brands you need to avoid on a gluten-free diet.
Lindt:
Although Lindt Excellence premium chocolate bars do not contain gluten ingredients, individuals following a gluten-free diet should avoid ingesting Lindt. The company's website states that gluten can be found as a cereal ingredient or barley component.
While the company does adhere to providing gluten-free products for those with sensitivities, cross-contamination is still possible. Hence, if you’re extremely allergic to gluten, avoiding Lindt is your best go-to.
Theo Chocolate:
Theo Chocolate makes simple chocolate bars with unique flavors like Coconut Curry and Fig, Fennel, and Almond. But on the same machines, the firm also produces gluten-containing foods, including bread.
According to a message on its website about its factory, “Chocolate is not a nut-free, milk-free or gluten-free product”. Therefore, while Theo’s chocolates might be tempting, you have plenty of other options.
Toblerone Chocolate:
Another famous chocolate brand is Toblerone. Although the brand doesn’t produce any item that contains gluten, which should generally mean they’re gluten-free. However, at the same time, they don't label their chocolate bars as gluten-free either.
To remain cautious, avoid brands that leave you wondering. Your health comes above everything else. Meanwhile, if you still want to go for a specific chocolate, contact the manufacturer to inquire about the gluten in their products first.
Godiva:
Godiva is a well-known brand in the world of chocolates. As the brand states, their chocolate bars and solid chocolate pieces may contain gluten. Godiva does sell three certified gluten-free products in its variety of products. However, it is clearly stated on their website that any person with a gluten allergy should not consume their product.
Conclusion:
It is safe to say that pure chocolate contains no traces of gluten. But even if a chocolate product contains no gluten ingredients, it may still not be gluten-free. And whether you have celiac disease or a gluten allergy, it's safer to select items that are gluten-free approved. You don’t have to leave out chocolate from your life. There are plenty of manufacturers that provide the gluten-free aspect to its consumers. As long as you’re making the right choices, you can enjoy this tasty delicacy.
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