SEPTEMBER 9, 2015

What is Gluten?

NSF International survey finds U.S. consumers struggle to define and identify the protein found in certain grains

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Consumers are not well informed around the topic of gluten, according to a new survey from NSF International, a global public health and safety organization. The survey found that despite having heard of gluten, most Americans cannot correctly define it or identify products that could contain the protein.

The survey of 1,012 Americans found that although 90 percent have heard of gluten, only 35 percent correctly identify it as a protein found in wheat and related grains, such as barley and rye. Common misconceptions among those who have heard of gluten are that wheat-free products are also gluten-free (26 percent) and gluten is wheat (15 percent).

The confusion becomes more apparent when consumers who have heard of gluten are asked to identify products that contain gluten. Respondents incorrectly identified rice (47 percent) and potatoes (34 percent) as containing gluten. Conversely, processed foods that often contain gluten, such as beer and salad dressings were not identified by 41 percent and 58 percent of Americans, respectively.

“These survey results indicate consumers concerned about gluten in their diet may unknowingly be eating gluten, even when they think they are avoiding it. It suggests a need for education and a clearer way to identify gluten-free food and ingredients for Americans that desire a gluten-free diet,” said Jaclyn Bowen, Director of NSF International’s Consumer Values Verified Program, which offers a Gluten-Free verification seal.

This knowledge gap on where gluten is found can become problematic for those consumers relying on their knowledge of gluten-free to make purchasing decisions. According to the survey, nearly half (46 percent) of Americans aware of gluten say their first step in determining if a product is gluten-free is to view the list of ingredients on product packaging. Another 31 percent look first for a gluten-free seal or mark on the packaging.

“Gluten is a relatively new topic for general consumers and it’s a complex issue. It’s clear from our survey that there are some misunderstandings around gluten and where it’s found,” added Bowen. “Many areas of the food industry such as restaurants and bakeries do not have a certification process, so if you’re avoiding gluten ask if there are separate stations where gluten-free food is prepared.”

Bowen also suggested that consumers not rely on label ingredients alone. “Gluten is found in so much more than wheat, so the best way to protect yourself is to look for third party gluten-free verification via a seal or mark on the product packaging.”

According to the survey, of those who said they avoid gluten, nearly one-fifth (19 percent) say they avoid it because they have a have a gluten allergy or sensitivity that causes stomach pain, such as bloating, vomiting or intestinal issues. Also, nine percent self-report having Celiac disease and eight percent say they have a gluten allergy or sensitivity that causes skin issues, such as rashes or acne.

Other findings from NSF International’s gluten-free survey include:

Consumers are unclear about gluten in processed goods. About half (48 percent) of consumers do not realize gluten can be found in either spices/flavorings or dietary supplements.
Knowledge varies by age. Older Americans (65+) are significantly more likely than younger Americans (18-34) to say they are not sure what gluten is (42 percent vs. 31 percent, respectively).
Consumers believe government agencies play a bigger role than they actually do. Two-fifths of respondents (43 percent) correctly believe that the government regulates gluten-free claims made on processed foods, while one-third (33 percent) incorrectly believe the government regulates claims on restaurant and bakery menus.
Consumers are wary of unsubstantiated gluten-free labeling claims. Only a little more than half of Americans believe products that use the words ‘gluten-free’ on the label have been verified to be free from all gluten (54 percent).
- Awareness of seals/marks vary by age. Younger adults (18-34) are more likely than older individuals (65+) to look for a gluten-free seal or mark first to determine whether or not a product contains gluten (36 percent vs. 25 percent, respectively).
Consumers are adopting a gluten-free lifestyle for a variety of reasons. In addition to health concerns, some people are adopting a gluten-free lifestyle because it makes them feel healthier (12 percent) and to lose weight (seven percent)
- Decisions to carry a gluten-free diet vary by age. Younger adults (18-34) are more likely than older individuals (65+) to follow a gluten-free diet to lose weight (11 percent vs. five percent, respectively).

Bowen added that gluten-free grains like oats, buckwheat and teff might be processed in the same plant and sometimes the same machine as products containing gluten, causing cross-contamination. “If the plant doesn’t have the proper ventilation and cleaning processes, the food can become contaminated with gluten. This becomes a bigger issue when you’re buying foods for those with Celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities. The best line of defense is to look for a gluten-free verification which is represented as a seal or mark on the package, such as NSF International’s Gluten-Free seal.”

For more information on NSF International’s gluten-free mark, please visit the NSF International website.