Gluten-Free Popcorn is Safe, but Not All Products

JAKARTA - Plain popcorn is basically gluten-free. However, people with celiac disease and people who are sensitive to gluten still need to be careful when choosing ready-to-eat products or packaged popcorn for the microwave.

USA Today, quoted Wednesday, July 22, said the risk could arise from additional seasonings, flavorings, certain salt mixtures, as well as cross-contamination during the production process.

Popcorn is made from whole corn kernels that are heated to expand. If cooked without additional ingredients, popcorn does not contain gluten.

"Popcorn is basically gluten-free and safe for people who avoid gluten," registered dietitian from Health Loft, Florida, Maria Seitz told USA Today.

According to Seitz, the safest way is to cook popcorn yourself or choose products that have a gluten-free label.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some types of grains.

Problems can arise when popcorn is processed with other ingredients. Cross-contamination can occur during processing, even though the ingredient list does not list gluten.

Seasonings and condiments also need to be checked. A number of mixes can contain gluten-based ingredients even though the popcorn kernels themselves are safe.

"People with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to be careful when choosing popcorn," said Seitz.

He suggests consumers look for certified gluten-free labels on ready-to-eat popcorn or microwave packaging. Some flavoring ingredients and processing methods can add gluten.

If you want to add flavor, plain popcorn can be given parmesan cheese or a mixture of homemade seasoning. All ingredients must be ensured to be gluten-free.

USA Today also notes reading labels is an important step before buying packaged popcorn.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration or FDA stipulates that gluten-free labeled products must contain less than 20 parts per million or ppm of gluten.

Certified Gluten-Free labeled products are third-party verified and tested to a gluten limit of 10 ppm or less.

Popcorn also contains fiber and antioxidants. USA Today, citing the Cleveland Clinic, said popcorn has a high antioxidant content.

"If a brand is not labeled gluten-free, there is still a risk of cross-contamination during processing, even if the ingredient list does not list gluten," Seitz said.