I just downloaded the iPhone App, “Is that Gluten Free?” Wow! What an application. The cost is only $5.99. What a deal! I read that those with gluten sensitivity or celiac are buying an iPhone just for this app.
It lists over 15,000 gluten-free foods, and growing, by brand or category. You can even add your own products, categories and brands.
My first test was to search for my favorite, chocolate. I searched for Baking Chocolate and it even listed Safeway and Publix store brands. A field for your own comments is available for use, as well. I would imagine you could note that a product contains corn or dairy should you be allergic to those ingredients. This would prevent you from ever having to check out that brand again.
My second test was to search for “Baking Powder”. Sixteen brands were listed, all gluten-free.
The app also contains a long searchable list of ingredients, categorized as safe, possibly unsafe and unsafe. You’ll see a green check mark and the words “Gluten free” if it is safe; a yellow exclamation point if it may be unsafe; and a red x if it is unsafe. As an example: Avena is not gluten-free, but Avena Sativia (Oats) are gluten-free. Comments from manufacturers are also included, including links to websites and Wikipedia explaining cross-contamination.
My last test was to find out if Safeway brand worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. I searched “worcestershire sauce” and up came 5 brands, one being Safeway brand. Yeah! I cooked with it tonight, but was not certain.
The one thing I love about this app is if you do not have a good signal on your phone you can still use the app while shopping. A connection is not required. I am sure some people will even use it while making their shopping list from home. The app comes with frequent free updates, too!
If you have gluten sensitivity or have been diagnosed with celiac this is a must have app, especially for newbies.
I hope you found this useful. Tell me your “Is that Gluten Free?” story!
Carla
