FacebookAn estimated 33 million Americans have food allergies—about one in ten adults and one in 13 children. On top of allergies, food-mediated health problems like celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are more common than researchers once believed.
No matter your dietary restrictions, finding safe foods can be a challenge. It’s important to read food labels carefully to avoid your triggers. Though the process can be time-consuming, there’s a shortcut that may help you identify safe foods faster. Checking the label for a dietary certification makes it easy to narrow down your options.
Though known primarily for gluten-free foods, Schär products are allergy-friendly, and many are compatible with low-FODMAP diets. Here’s what you need to know about some of Schär’s dietary certifications.
1. Certified Gluten-Free
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects an estimated 1% of the American population. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten—a protein found in certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye—it triggers an immune reaction that causes damage to the small intestine.
For a person with celiac disease, consuming even the smallest trace of gluten could trigger a reaction. Commercial foods that carry a gluten-free certification are tested for gluten content, making them one of the safest options for celiac disease sufferers. Keep in mind, all products that have the words “gluten-free” on packaging are required to meet the FDA standard for gluten-free (<20ppm), even if they do not have a third party certification.
All Schär products are made in dedicated gluten-free facilities and are regularly tested to ensure they are free from gluten.
2. Monash Certification
Monash University, located in Australia, is credited with developing the low-FODMAP diet and continues to conduct much of the scientific research on the subject. The university has also established a program for testing and certifying food products that are appropriate for a low-FODMAP diet.
Schär began working with Monash University in 2017 and has since had over two dozen products certified through the low-FODMAP Certification Program. Some of the products include the following:
- Deli Style Seeded Bread
- Artisan Baker Multigrain Bread
- Pizza Crust
- Rosemary Table Crackers
- Italian Breadsticks
- Spaghetti
- Entertainment Crackers
For a complete list of Schär’s Certified Low-FODMAP foods, click here.
3. GMO-Free
The acronym GMO stands for ‘genetically modified organism’ and refers to crops or animals that have been genetically altered. Crops like corn and rice, for example, can be genetically modified to improve their resistance to pests or drought. Products that do not contain genetically modified organisms are referred to as non-GMO.
4. Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher Certified
All Schär products made in the United States are Orthodox Union (OU) Kosher Certified. This includes the following products made in the Swedesboro, New Jersey facility:
Struggling to find convenient food options that fit your dietary needs?
Check out the Schär shop where you’ll find a collection of certified gluten-free and low-FODMAP foods from breads and bakery items to pasta, snacks, and sweets. Be sure to check out Schär’s collection of gluten-free and low-FODMAP recipes too.
