SugarLushh April 2014 | Page 6

Gluten or Gluttony ?

Gluten (from Latin gluten, "glue") is a protein composite. It is present in many commonly eaten foods like breads, cereals and pastas. Gluten can also be found in foods or beverages when they are made with ingredients derived from wheat, rye, barley and some oats (due to cross contact with gluten). Examples of foods and beverages that may contain gluten include sauces, gravies, fillers, seasoning blends, salad dressings, beer, flavored coffee, and flavored tea. Gluten gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape and often gives the final product a chewy texture.