Live Well Gluten Free

www.coeliac.org.uk | 17 This survey is over, but we’re always open to hearing your experiences. Why not tag us on social media or email publications@coeliac.org.uk to keep the conversation going. 94% of you said a gluten free claim on pack was the most significant thing you look for We asked if you have ever drunk gluten free beer and 52% of you said yes, with 36% of you confirming that you currently drink gluten free beer. It’s important to us that you have the best knowledge to make choices about your diet. That’s why we’re including the statement ’gluten free beer made from barley, where the gluten has been removed during processing’ whenever we refer to gluten free beer made from barley. We’re asking gluten free beer manufacturers to do the same to make choosing products easier for you. 86% of you said the introduction of a new symbol to highlight barley containing products would be helpful in our Food and Drink Guide, where you don’t have access to an ingredients list. So if you see the B (right), you know a product contains barley with a gluten content no more than 20 ppm. If barley has been used as an ingredient in a food product, it will be emphasised in the ingredients list on the packaging. We’re thrilled that 86% said you were pleased with Coeliac UK’s new policy on these products. Other allergens and dietary preferences Meanwhile, 10% of you confirmed you were following a lactose free diet. Lactose intolerance can be associated with coeliac disease, due to the gut damage caused by gluten. But the good news is that lactose intolerance is usually temporary and goes away once the gut has healed. Most people with coeliac disease can eat gluten free oats with no problems. They provide great variety and a host of nutritional benefits, and 76% of you are including them in your diet. Research is ongoing in Australia to hopefully develop a test that will identify anyone who may have an immunological response to oats. How do you choose? Knowing how you choose products helps us tell manufacturers what you want to see. It’s not surprising that a huge majority – 94% – of you said a gluten free claim on pack was the most significant thing you look for, with 90% referring to the importance of the Crossed Grain Trademark. The next most significant factors were nutrient content, chosen by 77% of you, and cost by 74%. Don’t forget we’re here to help you make the best choices for your gluten free diet. It’s great to see that 88% of Coeliac UK members completing the questionnaire have used the printed Food and Drink Guide. Meanwhile, 60% have used the Gluten Free Food Checker app, which includes a barcode scanner to check products on the go. Thank you to the almost 1,700 of you who shared your experiences. This vital information will help us engage with the food industry and policy makers to make changes for the benefit of the whole gluten free community. How to read food labels 90% referred to the importance of the Crossed Grain Trademark Reading food labels can be tricky, especially if you’re new to a gluten free diet. Go to www.coeliac.org.uk/foodlabels for our comprehensive guide. HEALTH Have Your Say