is vanilla gluten free

by Marie
(Kenosha, WI)

Can someone on a gluten-free diet have pure vanilla or extract in baked items?


Carol responds...
Vanilla pods hold the seeds of an orchid, Marie. When fresh they are green, and after drying they are sold, at a high price, as the characteristic dark brown pods.

The pods are often split and then added to a liquid ingredient so that the flavor can infuse into the liquid. The pods are then discarded. There is no gluten in the pods so they are totally safe to use.

You may also find powdered vanilla pods. Here you may have to exercise caution as due to the high price of vanilla it is possible that other ingredients could have been added to "water it down".

Pure vanilla extract is also safe, but you may want to be wary of the cheap alternatives that are often labelled vanilla essence.

Regards,

Carol