Read, Read, Read your Labels.

“What’s in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”  (William Shakespeare – Romeo and Juliet)

The above quote is actually quite relevant to today’s post as I discuss the fact that there is more than one way to say milk or egg or wheat or any of the top 8 allergens when listing the ingredients in food products.

I keep saying you need to read, read, read your labels.  In fact I stressed this in one of my previous posts titled, “They Put WHAT in Body Wash?” in which I discussed personal care products and their often hidden ingredients.  This time I want to touch on food labels and what it is, exactly, that you are looking for.  While the food industry is getting better at listing ingredients in our food products, they still have a long way to go.  The following is para-phrased from www.kidswithfoodallergies.org “The FDA food allergen label law requires food to state if they contain a top 8 allergen…But there are many foods and products that are not covered by the law…”.

A perfect case in point is coffee creamer, sometimes labeled as “non-dairy” or “lactose-free”.  About 5 years ago, I used a non-dairy coffee creamer for several months, not knowing it actually did contain dairy.  I kept having headaches and eventually discovered my non-dairy creamer contained “casein”.  Casein is a derivative of dairy.  Simply put – it is a dairy protein.  – Definition of casein: The main protein present in milk and (in coagulated form) in cheese.  It is used in processed foods and in adhesives, paints, and other industrial products -. (www.oxforddictionaries.com). This was a lesson learned the hard way.  Go to www.medbroadcast.com  and search non-dairy creamer.  You’ll get quite an education.

So while I am now able to find casein listed quite easily on many products, I’ve found there are many other ways to say, not only dairy, but egg and wheat – and all of the top 8 allergens. (For example when a food lists “natural flavoring” that is often another way to say wheat without saying wheat.)  I know I mentioned in my previous post that I wanted to compile a list for you to reference, but with so many different allergies out there, I think I need to suggest that you take to the internet to make your own list specific to your allergies.  Go online and google, as an example – milk allergy avoidance list. I found this site  (www.godairyfree.org/dairy-free-grocery-shopping-guide/dairy-ingredient-list-2), among many others. Check out several sites and you will discover that some sites are more thorough than others.  Use whichever site you feel best meets your needs.  You may want to keep the list(s) on your phone to reference while shopping.  Good luck.

My husband’s creamer, International Delight.  It doesn’t say non-dairy, but it does say Lactose-Free which leads some to think it’s dairy-free- it’s not.  Read your lablels! 
Lactose-Free, but notice: Caseinate* (a milk derivative). Some companies are getting better about labeling all ingredients clearly.

Thanks for stopping.

Brenda

Disclaimer:

These recipes and tips are not guaranteed to work or be safe for everyone. Allergies are extremely complicated and vary for each individual. It is still your responsibility to read labels to ensure your safety. I cannot be held liable for any ill effects from using my tips to avoid your allergies. (Sorry guys, I don’t foresee any problems, but Momma’s gotta cover her backside, ya know? Just read your labels!)

4 thoughts on “Read, Read, Read your Labels.”

  1. Reading labels is why I have meltdowns in the grocery store. I can’t even count the times I’ve cried while shopping and trying to find something my little can have. I’m getting soooo much better at it. But One thing that I find so strange is that my daughter is fine to have cows milk (although being Paleo we are dairy free, and cows milk reacts harshly to her reflux so we just stay away from it) but she is highly sensitive to whey…. ummmm wait, one of the main proteins in cows milk?! Yet she’s fine to have cows milk? So confusing, but we just steer clear of it all now! Love your blog!! You rock!

    1. Mallory, I feel your pain. The first couple years of shopping/eating this way was SO frustrating. I also cried more than once while shopping. That is crazy that your daughter can tolerate cow’s milk and yet not whey. Our bodies are so complex, steering clear of dairy probably makes life easier for both of you. Thanks for your support and for sharing the love when it comes to my blog. Everyone’s comments help me know that I’m helping a little.

  2. This post is truth! Any word you don’t know in a label, google it! I am not the only one in a shopping isle holding a product in one hand and looking at my phone in the other. But, mostly, I avoid processed food all together.
    Like you, I love a creamy cup of coffee. But couldn’t find one that didn’t hurt me. So, now I buy canned coconut milk. It has the fat from the coconut to give you a creamy feel. I love it so much I never buy coffee out any more.
    Keep posting! There are so many more of us out there!

    1. Angela, I’m with you – googling ingredients in the store aisle. I, like you, also buy very few processed items, but there are a couple. I have a can of coconut milk in my cupboard & I’m going to try it with my coffee. I use Natural Bliss Coconut Milk Creamer but it sometimes has an odd taste to it. I wonder if it is something to do with the preservatives, etc. in it. Canned coconut milk, can’t get anymore pure than that! Thanks for your support and your coffee tip.

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