Are you a fan of Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules but unsure if they are safe for your gluten-free diet?
With conflicting information online, it can be difficult to determine whether or not this popular product contains gluten.
In this article, we will explore the ingredients and manufacturing processes of Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules to help you make an informed decision about whether or not they are suitable for your dietary needs.
So, grab a cup of tea and let’s dive in!
Is Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules are not gluten-free. The product contains wheat flour, which is a grain that is loaded with gluten. This means that if you are gluten intolerant or suffer from any form of coeliac disease, you should avoid this product.
While some Bisto Best products do not contain gluten-containing ingredients, the manufacturer, Premier Foods, has included a ‘May Contain’ statement on the packaging. This is in line with best practice guidance for including gluten contamination advice on labels. Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules are made on equipment that is also used for other products that do include wheat flour as an ingredient. Although there are controls in place to reduce the risk of cross-contamination, Premier Foods cannot remove the risk of gluten contamination completely.
What Is Gluten And Why Is It Important To Avoid It?
Gluten is a protein that is commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye. It is what gives dough its elasticity and helps it rise. While gluten is harmless for most people, it can cause serious health problems for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
Gluten intolerance, also known as non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, is a condition where the body has difficulty digesting gluten. Symptoms can include bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the small intestine when gluten is consumed. This can lead to damage of the intestinal lining and malabsorption of nutrients.
It is important for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease to avoid products that contain gluten in order to prevent symptoms and complications. This includes products like Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules, which contain wheat flour and therefore gluten. It is recommended that those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease read labels carefully and avoid products that have a ‘May Contain’ statement or are not certified gluten-free.
Understanding The Ingredients In Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules
To understand why Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules contain gluten, it is important to examine the ingredients list. The main ingredients in the product include maltodextrin, potato starch, salt, and vegetable oils (palm and rapeseed). However, it is the addition of wheat flour that makes this product unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.
In addition to wheat flour, Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules also contain flavour enhancers such as monosodium glutamate and disodium 5′-ribonucleotides. These ingredients are used to enhance the flavour of the gravy and are commonly found in many processed foods. The product also contains beef extract powder, which is made from maltodextrin and beef extract.
Other ingredients in Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules include onion powder, emulsifier (soya lecithin), potassium chloride, black pepper extract, onion oil, and rosemary extract. These ingredients are used to enhance the flavour and aroma of the gravy.
It is important to note that while Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules are not gluten-free, the manufacturer has included clear labelling on the packaging to inform consumers of potential gluten contamination. It is always recommended to check product packaging for any allergen information before consuming any food products.
The Manufacturing Process Of Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules
The manufacturing process of Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules involves several steps. First, the ingredients are gathered and mixed together. This includes wheat flour, salt, flavourings, and colourings. The mixture is then heated and dried to create a powder.
Next, the powder is compressed into granules using a special machine. The granules are then packaged and sent to stores for sale.
During the manufacturing process, the equipment used to make Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to reduce the risk of contamination. However, as mentioned earlier, there is still a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients due to the shared equipment.
Alternatives To Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules For A Gluten-free Diet
If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative to Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules, there are several options available in the market. One of the most popular gluten-free gravy mixes is Knorr Classic Gluten-Free Gravy, which is available in most supermarkets. This gravy mix has a neutral flavor and texture and can be added to meat stock and vegetable water to make a tasty gravy. It is also versatile and can be used in dishes like braised steak and mince beef when making cottage pie.
If you prefer making your gravy from scratch, there are several gluten-free thickening agents that you can use instead of wheat flour. Cornstarch is one such ingredient that is readily available in most pantries and can be used to thicken your gravy. To use cornstarch, transfer about 1 cup of stock mixture to a medium bowl and whisk in cornstarch until smooth. You will need 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch for every cup of gravy base in the pan. Return the slurry to the gravy base in the roasting pan and whisk over medium-low heat until thickened and smooth.
Arrowroot is another gluten-free thickening agent that can be used instead of wheat flour. However, it can be a fussy ingredient and cannot be reheated as it will thin out again. To use arrowroot, transfer about 1 cup of gravy base to a medium bowl and whisk in arrowroot. You will need 2 tablespoons arrowroot for every cup of gravy base. Just before serving, return the arrowroot mixture to the gravy base and whisk until thickened and smooth.
If you prefer using flour to make your roux, King Arthur Gluten-Free Multi-Purpose Flour is an excellent option that works just like regular flour in a roux. You can use a 1:1 ratio of flour to butter, cook it until it’s slightly browned, then add it to your stock and pan drippings and whisk away.