Merchant Gourmet's Official Stance on Gluten
On their official website, Merchant Gourmet provides a clear explanation regarding the gluten status of their products. They state that their whole grain items, which often include ingredients like spelt, naturally contain gluten. For other products, such as lentils, which do not inherently contain gluten, there is a stated risk of cross-contamination. This is because these crops may be grown in rotation with gluten-containing crops like wheat or barley, or are processed in facilities where gluten is also present. For customers, this means that a cautious approach is necessary, and checking the specific product labelling is non-negotiable.
The Importance of Cross-Contamination Warnings
For individuals with coeliac disease or severe gluten intolerance, the risk of cross-contamination is a serious concern. Merchant Gourmet’s transparency on this issue is vital. The company has explicitly recalled products in the past, as evidenced by a 2021 alert for their Red and White Quinoa, which was found to contain undeclared barley and wheat. This demonstrates that while incidents can occur, the company is diligent in issuing warnings when necessary. It also underscores why relying solely on a product’s natural ingredients is insufficient for a medically restricted diet.
Gluten-Free and Not-So-Gluten-Free Merchant Gourmet Products
To help navigate the Merchant Gourmet range, here is a detailed breakdown of product categories and their gluten status.
Products with Gluten
- Wholegrain Products: Any products featuring ingredients like spelt are not gluten-free by nature. An example is the 'Wholegrain Puy Spelt'.
- Specific Recalled Items: The Red and White Quinoa pouch was recalled due to gluten contamination, even though quinoa is naturally gluten-free. This serves as a reminder to always verify batch codes and best-before dates, especially for those with severe sensitivities.
- Products with 'May Contain' Warnings: Many lentil products, including the Puy and Green Lentils, carry a 'may contain cereals containing gluten' warning. This is due to potential cross-contamination during cultivation and processing.
Products with No Gluten-Containing Ingredients (but watch for contamination)
- Lentils: While lentils themselves are gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during processing means they cannot be labelled as 'strictly gluten-free' by the company. Examples include the Puy Lentils and Beluga Lentils pouches.
- Beans: Products like Jumbo Chickpeas, 5-Bean Medley, and Smoky Black Beans are primarily beans, but are still subject to the same cross-contamination warnings as lentils.
- Mushrooms & Chestnuts: Ingredients like Dried Porcini Mushrooms and Whole Chestnuts do not contain gluten, but vigilance is still necessary for processing environments.
- Frozen Range: Merchant Gourmet's frozen pouches, such as the Veg & Grains mix, do not use gluten-containing ingredients. While they are considered safe for most gluten-intolerant or coeliac consumers, the company states they do not perform final product testing to carry an official 'gluten-free' claim.
- Plain Rice Products: The 'Brown, Red & Wild Rice' pouch is often listed as guaranteed gluten-free by third-party retailers. However, the Merchant Gourmet FAQ emphasizes checking each individual product and label for the most accurate information.
Comparison: Gluten-Free Status by Product Type
| Product Category | Contains Gluten | Gluten-Free Ingredients (Cross-Contamination Risk) | Considered Safe for Coeliacs? (Check Label) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wholegrain Spelt | Yes (contains spelt) | No | No |
| Lentils (Puy, Beluga) | No (inherently) | Yes | Not strictly, due to cross-contamination risk |
| Beans (Chickpeas, Black Beans) | No (inherently) | Yes | Not strictly, due to cross-contamination risk |
| Rice (Brown, Red, Wild) | No (inherently) | Yes | Only if labelled as 'gluten-free' by retailer and checked |
| Frozen Range (Veg & Grains) | No (inherently) | Yes | Generally safe, but not officially certified 'gluten-free' |
| Couscous | Yes (wheat-based) | No | No |
The Verdict: How to Determine if a Specific Product is Gluten-Free
The most reliable method is to follow Merchant Gourmet's own advice: check the back of the pack for the latest allergen information. Due to shared processing facilities and agricultural practices like crop rotation, even naturally gluten-free ingredients are at risk. For instance, the company is careful to state that lentils are not strictly gluten-free because of these practices. Always look for a certified 'gluten-free' label, but in its absence, be cautious and check the ingredient list thoroughly. If you have coeliac disease, the safest option is to avoid any products carrying a 'may contain' warning. For less sensitive individuals, the frozen range without gluten-containing ingredients is a more reliable choice.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach for Gluten-Free Diets
To determine if a Merchant Gourmet product is truly gluten-free, a customer must go beyond the basic ingredients and scrutinize the packaging for explicit allergen warnings. The brand does not guarantee a strictly gluten-free environment for many products due to farming practices and shared processing equipment. While their frozen range and certain other products may be suitable for those with mild intolerances, anyone with a medically diagnosed gluten allergy or coeliac disease must proceed with extreme caution. The company's own official FAQ emphasizes this, as do past product recalls, demonstrating the persistent risk of cross-contamination. The safest strategy is always to read the label and, if in doubt, choose a product with a certified gluten-free seal from another brand.
What to look for on the label when buying Merchant Gourmet
- Ingredient List: Check for wheat, barley, spelt, or rye.
- 'May Contain' Warnings: Look for warnings about cereals containing gluten.
- 'Gluten-Free' Claim: Only trust products with a clear, certified gluten-free claim, which is rare for the non-frozen products.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can navigate the Merchant Gourmet range safely according to your dietary needs.
