Introduction
If you have been following food trends in recent years, you must have heard about the incredible rise of plant-based diets. An essential part of this movement is the proliferation of meat substitutes like impossible burgers. Not only do they allow people to enjoy the flavour and texture of meat without compromising their values, but they are also healthier for the environment and for the body.
However, for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, gluten-free diets are the only way to prevent unrelated health problems. Naturally, when considering whether to try impossible burgers, questions abound about the same. In this article, we will explore whether impossible burgers are gluten-free, how they cater to gluten-free eaters, and everything in between.
Are Impossible Burgers Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know for a Safe and Delicious Meal
Gluten is a protein found in some grains such as wheat, barley, or rye. While harmless for most people, gluten poses a severe threat to anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Ingesting gluten can mysteriously trigger abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, or even damage the intestines. Hence the critical need to avoid gluten at all costs.
So, is it safe to eat impossible burgers for people with gluten-free diets? The answer is a resounding yes. Impossible burgers do not contain any gluten. Any ingredient that potentially contains gluten is never a part of Impossible Foods’ patented recipe. Instead, they use soy protein, potato protein, coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients to create a burger-like taste and texture.
The Lowdown on Impossible Burgers and Gluten: Answers to Your Burning Questions
Suppose you have a gluten-free diet, and impossible burgers are catching your fancy. You might have some questions that you want to be answered before diving in.
Can gluten-free people safely eat impossible burgers at restaurants?
Absolutely. Many restaurants have impossible burgers available on their menus. However, it is always essential to ask whether they have designated cooking equipment to prevent cross-contamination, which leads to our next point.
Are there any potential health risks for gluten-free people who consume impossible burgers?
Cross-contamination is the primary source of gluten exposure for gluten-free eaters. Even if impossible burgers are gluten-free, they can easily come into contact with glutenous foods or cooking surfaces. This exposure can render impossible burgers unsafe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure to double-check with the cook if the cooking equipment and the kitchen have been adequately cleaned and if they have a dedicated gluten-free menu.
What are the best practices for ensuring a gluten-free impossible burger?
Suppose you are cooking your impossible burgers at home, designate separate pans or cooking surfaces for gluten-free and non-gluten-free cooking. Wash your hands and cooking equipment frequently. As with eating out, reading the ingredients and labels is very important.
Gluten-Free Eaters Rejoice: Impossible Burgers are Safe for You Too
Despite the initial reservations, many gluten-free eaters have tried impossible burgers and have found them safe, tasty, and overwhelmingly positive.
Impossible burgers offer key benefits for gluten-free people. For starters, impossible burgers are just like ordinary burgers and offer protein without gluten. They can be an excellent compromise that allows gluten-free people to enjoy burgers’ flavour and texture without putting their health at risk. Impossible meat is also plant-based and has zero cholesterol and less saturated fat than meat, which can be an excellent choice for people looking to cut back on both meat and processed foods.
As impossible burgers continue to gain popularity, many more places are offering specifically gluten-free impossible burgers. This aspect is true in restaurants that meet the needed safety protocols and in grocery stores that offer them pre-packed.
Digging into the Debate: Impossible Burgers and Gluten Concerns Unveiled
A lot of controversy has surrounded impossible burgers when it comes to gluten-free diets. Some say the gluten-free status of these burgers is not straightforward, while others dispute that impossible burgers are entirely safe for gluten-free eaters.
One reason people question impossible burgers’ gluten-free status has to do with how they taste so much like beef burgers. Many real burger recipes call for breadcrumbs or other gluten-containing ingredients, leading people to believe that impossible burgers may also contain hidden traces of gluten. This, however, is not the case.
Craig Berger is the Vice President of Nutrition and Health at impossible Foods. He says that “the burger patty itself is gluten-free, as it has no wheat, rye, barley, or their derivatives. It also does not contain oats.” Craig further explains that “while some of our ingredients could have gluten elsewhere in their supply chains, our testing and evidentiary review have confirmed that there is no detectable gluten residue from the ingredients that we use in our burger.”
Certainly, more research is necessary into impossible burgers and gluten concerns. But as it stands, it looks promising that impossible burgers are entirely safe for gluten-free eaters.
From Wheat to Burger: A Guide on How Impossible Burgers Cater to the Gluten-Free Crowd
Impossible burgers are entirely gluten-free, which means they do not contain wheat, barley, rye, or oats. The proteins found in impossibe burgers come from soy protein and potato protein, which, by nature, do not contain any gluten. Also, the company claims that the heme used to produce the burger comes from genetically modified yeast; therefore, the impossible burger is vegan and gluten-free.
Additionally, the manufacturing process follows strict protocols to ensure the impossible burger remains gluten-free. All the ingredients are mixed together and then formed into their unique patty shape.
According to impossible Foods, “We then cook and crumble the patty to match the texture of beef, then blend it with plant-based ingredients like vegetable glycerin, and season it with salt and spices.”
Conclusion
In summary, gluten-free eaters can safely eat impossible burgers without fear of cross-contamination. They are made with gluten-free ingredients and offer a great alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. As impossible burgers continue to appear in restaurants and grocery stores, it is critical for gluten-free eaters to remain vigilant by checking for cross-contamination.
In the meantime, let’s enjoy the fantastic taste of impossible burgers without any fears. Consider giving them a try to appreciate just how delicious they genuinely are.
