The simple answer is yes. Oats are a naturally gluten-free grain. The confusion comes from the fact that oats are often grown, processed, or packaged alongside gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This leads to cross-contamination, where traces of gluten can end up in oats. For someone with celiac disease or a strong gluten sensitivity, even a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms, making cross-contamination a significant issue. This is why some oat products don’t carry a “gluten-free” label, even though oats themselves don’t naturally contain gluten.
Why Some Oats Are Certified Gluten-Free
To address this, some brands choose to produce “certified gluten-free” oats, which are carefully grown, harvested, and processed in facilities that avoid gluten contamination. This certification assures that oats meet strict gluten-free standards, often with less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is considered safe for most people with gluten sensitivities.
So, if you see oats without a gluten-free label, it doesn’t necessarily mean the oats contain gluten. It might just mean the product isn’t certified as “gluten-free” due to possible cross-contamination risks.
Not all oat flakes are equal
Oat grains don’t arrive as rolled oats right out of the field; they need a bit of processing to get them to the form we all know and love. This process involves rolling and steaming the grains. When oats are steamed and rolled, the grain becomes more tender and easier to cook. This is when they become oat flakes. But the extent of rolling and steaming affects the texture and fibre content: more rolling and steaming makes oats softer and creamier, but can slightly reduce the fibre content as the grain is broken down further.
At Viblance, we choose different styles of rolled oats for different purposes. In our granolas, we use a thicker, less-processed version of rolled oats to maintain a heartier texture. These thicker oats make our granolas wonderfully crunchy and slightly biscuit-like, plus they bring in a bit more fiber. For our porridges, though, we go for softer rolled oats that have been processed a bit more. This creates a smooth, creamy texture that blends perfectly with water or milk, giving you a warm, comforting bowl that’s easy to mix and enjoy.
Why we love oats
Oats have much going for them compared to other grains:
Supports Gut Health: The fibre in oats acts as a prebiotic, helping to feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This, in turn, supports digestion and overall gut health, which plays a key role in immunity and mood.
Rich in Nutrients: Oats are packed with fibre, particularly beta-glucan, which supports heart health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. They’re also a great source of plant-based protein, iron, and B-vitamins, making them ideal for anyone looking to boost their nutrition naturally.
Energy-Boosting: Oats provide a steady release of energy, which is why they’re a favorite for breakfast. Unlike the sugar spikes and crashes from refined carbs, oats fuel you up without weighing you down, keeping you energized and satisfied longer.
Versatile and Delicious: Oats have a mild, naturally sweet flavor that complements so many foods. Whether you enjoy them as a base in our granolas, bars, or mueslis, they bring both taste and texture, making each bite wholesome and satisfying.
Oh, and I almost forgot!
They are gluten-free!
Made in our factory that is gluten-free. It helps when people ask the question.
