The Clean Simple Eats Stance on Gluten
For anyone with dietary restrictions, understanding a brand's approach to allergens is paramount. Clean Simple Eats (CSE) recognizes this need and addresses the gluten-free status of its products directly on its website. While many of their popular items, such as protein powders, are formulated to be gluten-free, the company confirms that not every single product meets this standard.
The most significant exception noted by the company is its line of regular Pancake and Waffle mixes, which explicitly contains gluten. This is a crucial detail for consumers with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy. The brand is transparent about this on its website, directing customers to their Help Center for clarification. For all other products that are not naturally gluten-free, CSE tests them using third-party labs to ensure they pass as gluten-free. However, this is not the same as a formal "Certified Gluten-Free" status, which involves stricter standards and a rigorous auditing process by an external organization.
Product Breakdown: Navigating CSE's Offerings
When exploring the CSE product line, it's helpful to categorize items based on their likelihood of containing gluten. As a general rule, supplement powders are the safest bet, but vigilance is key across the board.
Protein Powders
CSE's protein powders are consistently marketed as gluten-free across various retail and company platforms. They offer both whey protein and vegan protein options, catering to a range of dietary preferences. For instance, their vegan protein powder is made with plant-based sources and is clearly labeled as gluten-free on the product page. Similarly, the whey protein powder is derived from grass-fed sources and is also tested to be gluten-free.
However, it's important to remember that these are tested, not certified. Some products may contain other common allergens, including dairy, soy, peanuts, or tree nuts, depending on the flavor and type. Always check the specific ingredient list, especially if you have additional allergies. For example, the Chocolate Peanut Butter whey protein includes peanut flavor and tree nut-derived ingredients.
Greens and Other Supplements
Their Super Greens Mix presents an interesting case. It contains wheatgrass, which might cause alarm for those avoiding gluten, as it's derived from wheat. However, the company states that wheatgrass is naturally gluten-free and that the product is tested to confirm this. The harvesting process for wheatgrass ensures that it is cut before the grain or seed forms, which is where the gluten is stored. Other supplements like Collagen + Beauty Blends and Energy & Hydrate mixes are generally free of gluten-containing ingredients.
Baking Mixes
This is the area where caution is most necessary. The presence of regular Pancake & Waffle mixes that contain gluten means there is a risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility, even for products tested as gluten-free. Those with severe celiac disease may choose to avoid all CSE products to be completely safe. Fortunately, CSE provides specific gluten-free recipes and options for many baked goods, but it is the consumer's responsibility to select the correct items and verify the ingredients.
Understanding the Difference: Tested vs. Certified
For many, the terms "tested gluten-free" and "certified gluten-free" may seem interchangeable, but for those with health implications, the distinction is vital. The FDA requires that any product labeled gluten-free must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. CSE's testing ensures their qualifying products meet or beat this standard. However, formal certification from a third-party organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) adds an extra layer of assurance, often with stricter standards and unannounced facility inspections.
| Feature | CSE's "Tested as Gluten-Free" | "Certified Gluten-Free" |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight | Internal and third-party laboratory testing. | Independent, third-party organization (e.g., GFCO). |
| Standard | Compliant with FDA regulations (< 20 ppm). | Potentially stricter (<10 ppm for some certifications) and includes auditing. |
| Cross-Contamination | Manufacturing facilities may process gluten-containing products. | Requires strict controls to prevent cross-contamination. |
| Consumer Assurance | Rely on company's stated testing protocols. | High level of external verification and trust. |
Steps to Safely Use CSE Products
For those with gluten sensitivity, following a few steps can help ensure a safer experience with Clean Simple Eats products:
- Read the Product Description and Label: Always check the specific product page and the physical label for explicit gluten-free claims. The CSE website is the most reliable source for current product information.
- Consult the FAQ: The CSE Help Center is the authoritative source for the most up-to-date allergen information from the company.
- Be Mindful of the Pancake Mix: Actively avoid the regular Pancake & Waffle mixes, as they are the only exception noted by the brand.
- Consider Cross-Contamination Risk: Individuals with severe celiac disease may want to stick to products from brands with official GFCO certification for peace of mind, given CSE manufactures some products with gluten.
- Stay Informed: Follow CSE's official social media and email newsletters for any announcements regarding product changes or updates to their allergen policies.
Conclusion
To answer the question, are all Clean Simple Eats products gluten-free? The definitive answer is no, due to the presence of regular pancake and waffle mixes that contain gluten. While the company makes a strong effort to ensure its other products are tested as gluten-free, this status is not equivalent to being "Certified Gluten-Free." For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, careful label reading and awareness of potential cross-contamination are essential. The company's transparency is commendable, and consumers can make informed decisions by referring to the product information and the CSE Help Center online.
For more information on Clean Simple Eats' policies, visit their official help page at https://cleansimpleeats.com/pages/help-center.
