Yeast Unraveled

                            

    

                                                                                                         Yeast Extract was once considered to be gluten-free but after Canada’s new 2012 labeling laws went in to effect, a different picture began to emerge. Canada is a few steps ahead of the United States, when it comes to gluten issues and the labeling laws are no different. Canada requires manufacturers to include, wheat, barley rye, and oats on the allergen label. Suddenly, companies like Campbells Soup and Knorr Soups started  listing “barley yeast extract or yeast extract containing barley” on some of the soup labels. In the U.S., Lipton soups are voluntarily listing “Autolyzed yeast extract (barley). (GF Living p 39)

According to the article, Yeast Extract, in Gluten-Free Living, by Van Waffle, “The Canadian Celiac Association (CCA) set out to determine what “barley yeast extract” means for people on a gluten-free diet.” The research is in the beginning stages but several tests have shown gluten levels above 20ppm. According to an expert, quoted in the article, the gluten count in the yeast extract they tested can range from 20ppm to 100ppm. More research needs to be done to confirm this information. (GF Living p 40)

The United States labeling laws do not require manufacturers to list barley, rye or oats as an allergen, therefore they are not required to add them to the label if it is products such as; in natural flavorings or yeast extract. It is the consumer’s responsibility to protect themselves by reading labels carefully and understanding what they are reading.

Different Kinds of Yeast: 

After reading the article, I decide to learn more about yeast.  I wanted to be clear about the different kinds of yeast, their uses, and where they are derived from.

NON-GLUTEN CONTAINING YEAST FORMS:

  1.     Nutritional Yeast:  Gluten-free yeast derived from beet molasses. It has a cheesy flavor and is often used as a cheese flavoring.  

       2.     Torula Yeast:  Gluten-free, highly nutritious yeast produced commercially. It is from a sugar recovered from the manufacturing of wood products or from processed fruit. It is used as a flavor enhancer. ( Source: Dictionary.com)

3.    Baker’s Yeast: Gluten-free yeast, used for the leavening of breads and baked goods.                                                                                                                                                            GLUTEN CONTAINING YEAST FORMS

      4.    Brewer’s Yeast: Is a by-product of the beer brewing process. It is rich in minerals and is sometimes used in nutritional supplements.   

      5.     Yeast Extract: Also called Autolyzed Yeast or Hydrolyzed Yeast.

Until further research is done and the FALCPA amends the new gluten labeling laws, it is up to the consumer to be aware of what is in the products they are purchasing. 

Waffle, Van, Yeast Extract. Gluten-Free Living Magazine (Number6/2013) 

• According to Gluten-Free Living, “When yeast extract is a by-product of the beer-making process, it contains small amounts of barley protein, a fact that has been long known. When yeast extract is made from baker’s yeast, which uses sugar as a starter, it does not contain gluten.”  Yeast extract can also be a combination of both processes. (GF Living p 39)
• “Unlike some ingredients that are processed to the point that all gluten protein is removed, the protein in yeast extract becomes more concentrated than yeast itself.”   (GF Living p 39)
• Many popular sauces, bouillons, meat dishes, ready-made meals and savory snacks are refined with yeast extract.  (Source: http://www.yeastextract.info/faq)
• Yeast extract is labeled as “yeast extract” in the ingredient list or sometimes included in “natural flavor”. (Source: http://www.yeastextract.info/faq)
• *Natural Flavorings can contain gluten, MSG and/or Autolyzed Yeast (Yeast Extract). 
• Even if the product says no “MSG” it may contain “free glutamate” the active ingredient   in MSG.
• The webpage, http://www.truthinlabeling.org/hiddensources.html) contains a list of,  Names of ingredients that contain processed free glutamic acid (MSG)^1.

Until further research is done and the FALCPA amends the new glluten labeling laws, it is up to the consumer to be aware of what is in the products they are purchasing. 

Waffle, Van, Yeast Extract. Gluten-Free Living Magazine (Number6/2013)

Persons that are very sensitive to gluten or have other food allergies should review all information in order to make an informed decision.