Hello Reader,

Before I get to the "meat" of today's newsletter, I have a quick announcement.

My March Love Me Gluten Free box is officially on sale 🙌 and you can reserve one HERE. Use the code MARCHMUNCHIES20 for 20% off your first box (subscriptions only).

And here's my February "Love is in the Air" (sold out) box. I might be biased, but I think it's beautiful! My March box will be different, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect.

3 Misconceptions about Food Labels

Being a label-reading detective is one of the most complex parts of the gluten-free journey.

It takes time to learn what ingredients and products contain - or don't contain - gluten. And just when you think you've figured it out, you learn something new or concerning.

On top of it all, there is a lot of fear-mongering and misinformation in the community.

Below, I share three major misconceptions about food labels. I hope this information helps you grow in your knowledge and feel less restricted.

(1) You can eat [gluten-free] oats.

While you must avoid conventional oats, which are notoriously cross-contaminated with wheat, gluten-free oats are safe and help foods taste better. Oat flour contains a high protein content to help mimic the missing gluten (gluten is a protein).

Please don't give up on oats out of fear. Instead, shop for oats (and products containing oats) from reputable companies that clearly label their products gluten-free or certified gluten-free.

PS: If you can't tolerate oats, don't eat 'em.

(2) An ingredient label does NOT have to say "gluten-free oats" to be safe

The FDA says companies should not use ingredient descriptors on an ingredient listing. This means companies should not use the descriptor words "gluten-free" on the ingredient list. While I love it when they do, it's not required or allowed in some cases.

To determine if an oat-containing product is gluten-free, look for other clues on the packaging.

When you see a "gluten-free" claim, you know the company has verified that the product meets the FDA's guidelines. If you don't see a "gluten-free" claim, the product is not gluten-free.

I encourage you to read my article, Does an Ingredient Label Have to Say “Gluten-Free Oats” to Be Considered Celiac-Safe?​

(3) You can eat products made in a shared facility with wheat

A product can be made in a shared facility with wheat and still be gluten-free. Manufacturing facilities are huge, so this disclaimer could mean products containing wheat are manufactured on the other side of the warehouse.

However, it could also mean a product is made in the same room or even the same equipment.

Yes, my friends, even "certified gluten-free" products can be made on shared equipment as long there are procedures in place to sanitize and test the equipment and final product.

While I don't go out of my way to eat food manufactured on shared equipment, I'd be hypocritical if I said I didn't eat food prepared in the same room or equipment as gluten. I eat at restaurants and others' homes. These are not dedicated facilities.

I encourage you to read my article, Certified Gluten-Free, but Made on Shared Equipment – Huh?​

Overall, I suggest you use your best judgment to determine what works best for you.

Oh, and I thought the following label was interesting.

I bought Sweet Loren's puff pastry (it's tasty) to make pigs in a blanket. I noticed the pastry (a) wasn't certified gluten-free, and (b) made in a shared facility. In fact, Sweet Loren's says it's made in a "dedicated room." I haven't seen that disclosure before!

Would I eat this? Absolutely!

Coconut News

In other allergen labeling news, the FDA has decided that coconut no longer needs to be classified as a tree nut on an ingredient label. Visit the FDA website for specifics on the new tree nut labeling guidelines.

5 Must-Try Sweets ... and Deals!

These are FIVE delicious sweet treats you need to check out ASAP!

Please enjoy the discounts provided by each brand -- I work hard to get these discounts for you, so take advantage!

Fruit Bliss offers a unique twist on dried fruit. They sun-dry their fruit and then rehydrate it to make it soft and squishy. I love their tart cherries atop salads. I've gone through two bags this week!

👉 Use the code GLUTENFREE25 for 25% off at fruitbliss.com. Try their amazing rehydrated apricots and figs - they're super squishy and soft, too!

Ethel's Baking Co. is my true love. The company makes a variety of gluten-free dessert bars that taste like pie. Mmmm, pie. The Raspberry Crumble Bar is perfect for sharing with your sweetie this Valentine's Day.

👉 Use the code LOVEMEGF20 to get 20% at ethels.com. These freeze well, so stock up!

2Betties offers another indulgent but nutritious treat. The company's chocolate rounds look like mini donuts, but they're made with ingredients like almonds and pumpkin seeds and are always free from gluten, dairy, grains, and refined sugar. This is a major find for those who love sweet treats but are trying to cut back on sugar.

👉 Use the code GOODFORYOU15 for 15% off at 2betties.com. Try various flavors, including chocolate chunk, sweet almond, and lemon. Yum!

Seedly satisfies chocolate cravings and offers a better-for-you chocolate bark made with quinoa, pumpkin, sunflower, and hemp seeds. Be forewarned: It's addictive!

👉 Use the code LOVEME20 for 20% off at eatseedly.com. Try all three fun flavors: Vanilla Quinoa Crunch, Raspberry Bliss, and Celtic Sea Salt.

Wiley Wallaby makes gluten-free licorice with only 1 gram of sugar. Unfortunately, most licorice is made from wheat flour, but Wilely Wallaby licorice is safe for anyone avoiding gluten.

👉 Shop for Willey Wallaby licorice on Amazon (affiliate link). The gluten-free licorice comes in two flavors: Very Berry and Watermelon. The company makes other flavors that are NOT gluten-free - read labels carefully.

New at Trader Joe's

It looks like Trader Joe's has done it again! The famous grocery store launched a NEW gluten-free yellow mini-sheet cake. Does your Trader Joe's have it yet?

This will be a convenient option, but I must say, my Gluten-Free Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe is soooo good if you're up for making your own sheet cake.

Free Omer

It's been 496 days since Omer Shem Tov, a young Israeli man with celiac disease, was taken hostage. Please pray for Omer's safe return. This is HIS STORY.

Sincerely,

Jenny 🩷

Follow my daily adventures on Instagram, Facebook, and/or TikTok.

Order a Love Me Gluten Free Subscription Box - our December box is now available!

Read my book, Dear Gluten, It's Not Me, It's You​

Join my SIGNATURE Gluten-Free Course and get 15% off with the code MEMBER15.

Visit Good For You Gluten Free for tips and recipes to help you live your best gluten-free life.