Is wheat starch gluten free?
Wheat Starch may not be gluten free. Per the FDA, wheat starch is an ingredient processed to remove gluten; however, it's very difficult to remove 100% of the gluten from wheat starch. If the product is labeled "gluten free", the wheat starch should contain less than 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten, the standard set by the FDA. However, if the product is not labeled "gluten free," the wheat starch could contain vastly more gluten. Gluten Free Watchdog, an independent gluten testing program, recommends that patients with celiac disease or other gluten related disorders avoid wheat starch entirely. Otherwise, they suggest contacting manufacturers to confirm the food in question was tested with both the "sandwich" and "competitive" R5 ELISAs (the gold standard for testing gluten content).
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What to consider when starting a Gluten Free diet
Millions of people are now avoiding gluten. Some people avoid gluten because they have a gluten-related disorder like Celiac Disease. Others avoid gluten because it helps them feel their best. If you're not sure how to get started, check out our Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet.
Gluten is found naturally in ingredients like wheat, barley, and rye. It may also be found in other grains like oats due to cross-contamination. If you scan a food product with Fig, it will tell you if an ingredient like wheat starch naturally has gluten or if it may be at risk of cross-contamination.
When searching for gluten free foods, look for a certified gluten free logo. In the United States, this means the product has less than 20 parts per million gluten. Also check allergen statements for the presence of wheat.
We've done our best to ensure this note on wheat starch is accurate. When starting a gluten free diet, it's generally best to work with a trained dietitian or clinician.