Did you know… even charcoal can contain gluten!? Just when I thought I could sit back with some friends and My Troops and enjoy a summer of BBQ’s using my new grill, I realized gluten was sneaking in my diet somehow and somewhere. I knew gluten was not only in foods but in cosmetic products, but it was only after research I found out that it was the charcoal making me sick! There is a wheat starch that acts as a binder and when burning the ash can contaminate the food. Sometimes it seems as there is no escaping gluten! But not to worry – for next BBQ season know there are a few alternatives such as lump charcoal which is made from large pieces of wood. I’ve learned with time and research there is always a solution so that I continue doing and eating the things I love.
Ever Onward,
Jennifer Esposito
Can you tell me which charcoal brands are safe? We grill a lot for my nephew and my sister and I had no idea until right now that charcoal can have gluten in it!
Hi Sarah! Unfortunately I have moved since I found out about the gluten in charcoal and had to leave my grill behind. While I have not had the opportunity to try any of the gluten free charcoal choices personally, I have researched a few. One being Mali’s Gourmet Lump Charcoal. There are a few other brands that say they are all natural but do not say anything about “gluten free” specifically, so would suggest investigating further. Finding charcoals that are 100% wood is important, as well as making sure to read if there are any binders used (if so what binders – wheat starch or corn starch or…?). I hope this helps and you are able to take advantage of the last few weeks BBQ friendly weather!
The websites I found most helpful are:
http://thesavvyceliac.com/2009/04/23/charcoal-gluten-free-or-not/
http://www.smoker-cooking.com/lump-charcoal.html
http://www.smoker-cooking.com/lump-charcoal.html
I want to say God Bless you and I hope all is well. You have saved my life no not kidding.I watched you on TV and you spoke o Celic Disease I knew I was sick for years bloating, headaches,lethargic , indigestion and the worst pain in my stomach I ever experienced and never knew what was wrong. I went to see a Chinese medicine Dr and he told me about all the foods to eliminate but never said what exactly it was just told me about the villi situation and not digesting my foods.. I am italian and I felt like I jumped on a train going 90 miles an hour and I knew it wAs my only hope to get better. It’s my 4 th week into the program. Thank God I am transitioning into pain free eating