An English muffin is a tasty way to jazz up your usual slice of breakfast toast. Although many English muffins do contain wheat, rye or barley, there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives to choose from.
Next time you hit the grocery store, search your baked goods or freezer aisle for a package of gluten-free English muffins. But if you're eating out, it's probably best that you select another breakfast option.
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Are English Muffins Gluten-Free?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and these grains' derivatives.
A standard English muffin is made of wheat flour, butter, milk and salt, making this breakfast food unsafe for people with celiac disease or those with a gluten sensitivity, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. But as with most processed foods, recipes will vary, depending on the brand or added ingredients.
How to Find Gluten-Free English Muffins
At a Restaurant
Even if a restaurant offers GF English muffins on the menu, the bread may still be at risk for cross-contamination, which occurs when gluten foods touch other ingredients either through manufacturing or preparation, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
When English muffins are exposed to cross-contamination, it can pose a risk for those with gluten intolerance.
You can avoid the risk of cross-contact by skipping the English muffin that comes with your order unless the restaurant itself is gluten-free.
At a Grocery Store
At the supermarket, look for a "Gluten-Free" label on the front package of the product. This label is regulated by the Food & Drug Administration and signifies that the food you're eating contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is generally safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to eat.
If you want even more security, buy foods that are labeled "Certified Gluten-Free" and are vetted by trusted third parties, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO has especially strict standards, certifying foods that have only 10 ppm of gluten or less, according to the organization's website.
Gluten-Free English Muffins to Buy
Just because you're steering clear of gluten, doesn't mean you can't enjoy a gluten-free English muffin at brunch. Choose one of these trusted gluten-free brands.
1. Canyon Bakehouse Gluten-Free English Muffins
Not only are these muffins free of gluten, but they're also made without dairy, soy and nuts. Canyon Bakehouse's English muffins are made with brown rice flour and are a great option for anyone with additional food allergies or sensitivities.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $32.38 for 3 packs
2. Katz Gluten-Free English Muffins
While baked goods are processed foods, Katz English muffins are made with no additional preservatives or harmful chemicals. But that means you'll want to freeze any muffins you won't be eating within the following week.
Buy it: Walmart.com; Price: $5.49 per pack
3. Glutino Gluten-Free English Muffin
Glutino's gluten-free muffins are light and fluffy, giving you the same original English muffin texture. Just add some butter, jam or peanut butter and enjoy!
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $7.49
4. New Grains Gluten-Free English Muffins
Finding a safe gluten-free English muffin has never been easier with New Grains' products. These are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility, so you won't have to worry about any cross-contact.
Unlike some other muffins on the market, these are slightly sweet with a chewy crust. And they're made with psyllium husk powder, which helps promote healthy digestion.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $11 for 2 packs
5. Udi's Gluten-Free English Muffins
A trusted brand of gluten-free foods, you can't go wrong with Udi's. These gluten-free muffins are free of wheat, soy and fat.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $6.08 per pack
6. Kinnikinnick Tapioca Rice English Muffins
Your gluten-free diet won't feel restrictive thanks to these tapioca rice English muffins. A combination of tapioca starch and potato starch gives these muffins their fluffy texture.
Buy it: Amazon.com; Price: $32.80 for a pack of 6