Even if you have a gluten allergy, it doesn’t mean you should avoid chocolate because you can find gluten-free chocolates that are delicious and safe to eat. If you are looking for gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Read the label
Before taking a bite of chocolate, it is important to read the label and make sure there are no hidden ingredients that contain gluten. Cocoa is naturally gluten-free, but other ingredients can sometimes be included as additives and contain gluten.
Also, look on the package for an indicator of the type of factory where the chocolate was produced. Even if all the ingredients are gluten-free, it is quite possible that the chocolate was made in a factory that also processes foods with wheat. When wheat is present in the same factory, it can cause cross contamination to other foods. For many people, even a small amount of gluten can cause health problems, so make sure gluten-free chocolate bars specifically state that they are “gluten-free” or that they were made in a wheat-free environment.
Protect your health
There are many health benefits to eating high-quality chocolate, especially if you choose gluten-free dark chocolate over milk chocolate. Standard milk chocolate contains dairy and higher levels of sugar, which means you will consume more calories when you eat the chocolate.
If you like to eat chocolate regularly, then those calories can really add up! But dark chocolate has a lower sugar content, and you can find dairy-free brands that have fewer calories. These varieties allow you to enjoy a bit of decadence in your day without worrying about your diet.
Don’t “cheat” on your diet
Digestive problems can be painful and you are likely to experience digestive discomfort if you eat something with gluten. Don’t feel miserable eating something you shouldn’t be eating!
Instead, look for gluten-free chocolate truffles or another type of gluten-free dark chocolate, and allow yourself to indulge without experiencing the pain or guilt of cheating on your diet.
People with celiac disease can damage their small intestines by eating gluten, which could result in long-term health problems. Therefore, it is important to follow your dietary guidelines exactly and find safe alternatives to common gluten-containing grocery store products.