Core Gluten-Free Flours and Starches
Schar's foundation for many of its products, from breads to flour mixes, rests on a carefully selected blend of naturally gluten-free grains and starches. These alternative ingredients are essential for replicating the taste and texture of their gluten-containing counterparts.
Key gluten-free flours and starches often found in Schar products include:
- Corn Starch and Corn Flour: Provides a light, airy texture and serves as a primary base for many baked goods.
- Rice Flour: Offers a neutral flavor and fine texture, used in both sweet and savory items.
- Sorghum Flour: A naturally gluten-free, nutrient-rich whole grain that adds flavor and nutritional value to breads.
- Millet Flour: Contributes a subtle, slightly nutty flavor and is often found in their artisan-style breads.
- Buckwheat Flour: Used in some bread recipes, adding a distinctive, earthy flavor.
- Lentil Flour: Used in some flour mixes and pizza bases for added protein and fiber.
The Role of Vegetable Fibers and Thickeners
Since gluten provides the elasticity and structure in traditional baked goods, Schar must use alternatives to achieve a similar result. Vegetable fibers and thickeners are crucial for providing this structural integrity, improving texture, and retaining moisture.
Common vegetable fibers and thickeners:
- Psyllium Seed Husk: A soluble fiber that binds ingredients together and aids in moisture retention, crucial for softer, more pliable bread.
- Modified Cellulose: Used as a thickener and stabilizer to improve texture and shelf life.
- Guar Gum: A natural thickener that prevents ingredients from separating.
- Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC): A semi-synthetic thickener that helps create the structure and texture of bread.
Comparison of Ingredients in Schar Products
Schar's ingredient list varies significantly based on the product. The following table provides a comparison of key ingredients in some of their popular items, demonstrating the tailored approach to each product's formulation.
| Product | Primary Flours/Starches | Thickeners/Fibers | Other Key Ingredients | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artisan Baker White Bread | Rice Flour, Corn Starch, Millet Flour, Quinoa Flour | Modified Cellulose, Psyllium Husk, Guar Gum | Sourdough, Sunflower Oil, Pea Protein, Yeast | Contains sourdough for flavor and texture. |
| Choco Chip Cookies | Corn Starch, Corn Flour, Maltodextrin | Modified Tapioca Starch | Palm Oil, Chocolate Chips, Soy Flour, Coconut | Contains soy; may contain eggs. |
| Table Crackers | Corn Starch, Corn Flour | Modified Tapioca Starch, Guar Gum, Modified Cellulose | Palm Fat, Sunflower Oil, Soy Flour, Rice Syrup, Yeast | May contain tree nuts; contains soy. |
| Gluten-Free Wraps | Rice Flour, Rice Starch | Psyllium Husk, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum | Vegetable Margarine, Sorbitol, Soy Protein | Vegan-friendly recipe. |
Beyond the Basics: Additives, Fats, and Sugars
In addition to the main structural components, Schar products include other ingredients for flavor, preservation, and texture improvement. The company commits to using high-quality components and avoids many artificial additives.
Common additions include:
- Natural Flavoring: Used to enhance the product's taste profile.
- Oils and Fats: Vegetable fats like high oleic sunflower oil or palm oil are used for richness and texture.
- Leavening Agents: Agents like yeast, ammonium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate help the products rise.
- Sweeteners: Sugars such as dextrose and rice syrup are used in sweet products and some breads for fermentation.
- Sourdough: Used in some bread products for a deeper, more complex flavor and improved texture.
Quality Control and Consumer Safety
Schar prioritizes quality and consumer safety throughout its entire production process, from sourcing raw materials to the final product. Their supply chain is carefully controlled to prevent cross-contamination, a critical concern for those with celiac disease.
Key quality control measures:
- Dedicated Gluten-Free Facilities: All Schar products are made in dedicated, 100% gluten-free production facilities to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination.
- Strict Raw Material Screening: Every raw ingredient is tested in-house before use to ensure it is free of gluten.
- Responsible Sourcing: The brand partners with certified farmers to grow its own gluten-free cereals, ensuring purity from the start.
- No Artificial Additives: Schar products are free from artificial flavors, colors, and GMO ingredients, focusing on clean, simple formulations.
Conclusion: Navigating Schar's Ingredients
Understanding what are the ingredients in Schar allows consumers to feel confident in their food choices, especially those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. By utilizing a sophisticated blend of alternative flours, starches, and natural stabilizers, the brand has created a wide range of safe and delicious gluten-free products. While the exact formulation varies by item, common threads include a commitment to naturally sourced ingredients, robust quality control to prevent cross-contamination, and a focus on nutritional balance. This approach ensures that Schar can provide high-quality, trusted options for the gluten-free community. For more information on their commitment to quality, visit the official Schar website.