Is chocolate Gluten-Free and Vegan?
Many of us follow a gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diet; for health or lifestylereasons.It can be challenging to determine which foods can be safely eaten and whichshould be avoided.Chocolate is an example that can be tricky. You may be surprised that somechocolate contains flour, barley malt, milk, honey or other gluten or animalderived ingredients.
Which leads to the question: Is Charley’s chocolate Gluten-Free andVegan?The short answer is yes. But you should always read the contents on thelabel.
Gluten Free Chocolate Primer
Gluten is a type of protein found in many types of grains, including rye, barley,and wheat. Most people have no problem digesting gluten in its various forms.However, eating foods containing gluten can cause issues for people withceliac disease or those with a sensitivity to gluten.
For someone with celiac disease , consuming gluten triggers an immuneresponse in the body. This then results in symptoms like diarrhoea, nutritionaldeficiencies, and fatigue. Those with simply a sensitivity to gluten can experience bloating, gas, and nausea after eating foods with gluten.
Is Charley’s chocolate gluten free?
The good news is that pure chocolate Is Gluten-Free. High quality plain darkchocolate (egCharley’s Mount Edna) comes from cocoa beans (Theobromacacao). Mt Edna, is made from cocoa nibs and cocoa butter, both part of thecocoa bean, and sugar. All are considered gluten-free.
Consider the additives
Many common brands of chocolate may contain 10–15 other ingredients;including powdered milk, vanilla, soy lecithin, emulsifiers, stabilisers andflavourings.Because cocoa beans are expensive, it is cheaper chocolate that is mostlikely to contain these other ingredients.Many chocolate bars also have additions of nuts, raisins, chilli and things likebiscuit pieces.So as always, it is really important to check the contents on the label.
Vegetarian and Vegan Chocolate Primer - The e good news is that pure chocolate is suitable for those on aVegetarian or Vegan diet.
Is Charley’s chocolate suitable for vegan’s and vegetarians?
Pure dark chocolate (eg Charley’s Mount Edna) that comes from cocoa beans(Theobroma cacao) does not contain any animal or animal derived products. Itis made from cocoa nibs derived from roasted cocoa beans and cocoa butterand sugar; all of which are entirely vegetable products.
Consider the additives -As with the gluten example, the issue of concern can be with the additives.
Milk chocolate
Milk chocolate is a different story and whilst some vegetarians allowthemselves milk and milk products, others and vegans generally do not. So,milk chocolate may not be suitable.
The Chocolate making process - Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if a chocolate product doesn’t contain any ingredients with gluten oranimal products, it may have become cross-contaminated. Some labels warnyou and say ‘’may contain traces of nuts”.An example could be a biscuit manufacturer that also makes chocolate. Thecontaminant quantities will likely be minute and so would be of little concern tomost people; but could be detrimental to others.Reputable manufacturers would of course have procedures in place tominimise such cross contamination.
In conclusion, Premium dark is suitable for gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets. BUT read the label and if still unsure contact the manufacturer to seek clarification.
FAQs
NOMO VEGAN CHOCOLATE - ALL PRODUCTS
All of our plant based vegan chocolates are suitable for dairy, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergy sufferers. The best plant based vegan chocolates you will ever taste in UK.
Is Lindt vegan chocolate gluten-free? ›
These plant-based chocolates aren't just for people who follow a vegan diet – they are also ideal for those looking for gluten free chocolate too.
What treats are vegan and gluten-free? ›
28 Delicious Dessert Recipes That Are Vegan And Gluten-Free
- Best Paleo Edible Cookie Dough. ...
- Vegan Lemon Bars. ...
- The Best Vegan Chocolate Chunk Paleo Cookies. ...
- Easy Buckwheat Crepes. ...
- Gluten-Free Lemon Poppyseed Loaf. ...
- Cinnamon Sugar Cookies. ...
- Vegan Peanut Butter Cups. ...
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chickpea Blondies.
Lindt Excellence 70% Dark Chocolate
Lindt Excellence is pretty excellent chocolate (I always used to steal squares of it from the fridge when my mum wasn't looking) and it's pretty naturally vegan, too. The ingredients of these bars include cocoa mass, sugar, cocoa butter, and vanilla.
Are Lindt balls vegan? ›
Lindt Vegan Chocolate Balls
Made with the finest cocoa and gluten free oats, these premium oat milk chocolate shells encase a luscious, melt in your mouth center.
Is Ferrero Rocher vegan? ›
Unfortunately, the traditional Ferrero Rocher aren't suitable for vegans as they contain both dairy-based milk and butter. However, it is possible to make your own plant-based version.
Can celiacs eat Lindt? ›
Further we also have Lindt Excellence a Touch of Vanilla white chocolate bar, Lindor Strawberries and Cream truffles, Lindor white chocolate truffles and Lindor white chocolate bars which do not contain any gluten containing ingredient in the recipe or as traces from cross contact and is suitable for consumers ...
Why is Lindt not gluten free? ›
Is there gluten or barley malt in Lindt chocolate? Gluten can be found in several premium chocolate products that Lindt & Sprüngli produces; either as a cereal ingredient or as a barley component.
What sweets are vegan and gluten-free? ›
Starburst
Starburst is the ultimate sweet treat and luckily they turned out to be both vegan and gluten-free. They are box-shaped fruit flavoured soft chews. You get blackcurrant, orange, strawberry, and lime flavours which are all individually wrapped so you can share a bag or enjoy individual packets.
Can celiacs be vegan? ›
To cut out animal products along with gluten can feel like an overwhelming task, but it is possible to thrive and get enough nutrients on a vegan diet even if you have celiac disease. Gluten-free vegans may notice that they have to eliminate more than certain grains containing gluten from their diet.
Orgran Vegan Easy Egg 250g (Gluten Free , Wheat Free, Egg Free, Dairy Free, Yeast Free, Vegan, Low Sat. Fat , Good Source of Fiber, Soy Free, Kosher) 7 oz box.
Are potatoes gluten-free? ›
The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Can you lose weight on a gluten-free diet? ›
Possible weight changes
You may experience some weight loss when you first start following a gluten-free diet. Some weight loss may be due to eliminating many processed foods like cookies, cakes, and other snack foods.
Does ice cream have gluten? ›
Milk and cream are the basic ingredients of ice cream and are naturally gluten free. However, the flavour of the ice cream and the environment it is made in can make it unsuitable for coeliacs. Sources of gluten in ice cream can include thickeners, colourings and flavourings such as barley malt syrup.
What chocolate is vegan friendly? ›
Dark chocolate is usually vegan as it shouldn't contain dairy or other animal products. The best quality dark chocolate contains more than 50% cacao content and uses only a few ingredients.
What chocolate does not contain gluten? ›
Scharffen Berger. All Scharffen Berger chocolate bars are gluten-free, containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten. The brand, which was acquired by Hershey's in 2005, specializes in dark chocolate (some of which contain cacao nibs) but also offers milk chocolate bars.
Is any chocolate gluten and dairy free? ›
Most dark chocolate and semisweet chocolate are dairy free. Satisfy your gluten free, dairy free chocolate craving by reaching for high-quality dark chocolates that contain only cacao beans, cocoa butter and sugar like those sold by Cococlectic.
Which dairy milk chocolate is gluten-free? ›
If you usually share bags of sweets with friends or family whilst watching Christmas films then I suggest Twirl Bites, Diary Milk Giant Buttons or Dairy Milk Caramel Nibbles as these are all gluten free and available in sharing bags.
