Is Ezekiel 4:9 - Golden Flax - Sprouted whole grain cereal Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often see consumers confused by the term "sprouted." There is a common misconception that sprouting grains neutralizes gluten or makes them safe for celiacs. This is a myth. Sprouting is a biological process that breaks down starches and anti-nutrients, potentially making minerals more bioavailable, but it does not destroy the gluten structure.

Let's look at the specific ingredients in this cereal. The first ingredient is organic sprouted wheat. Wheat is one of the primary sources of gluten (specifically gliadin). Following that, we see organic malted barley and organic sprouted barley. Barley contains hordein, another form of gluten that triggers reactions in those with celiac disease or high sensitivity.

The presence of organic sprouted spelt is another red flag for gluten-free dieters. Spelt is an ancient grain that is closely related to wheat and contains high levels of gluten. While the list includes healthy ingredients like organic golden flax seeds, organic sprouted lentils, and organic sprouted soybeans, the inclusion of wheat, barley, and spelt renders the entire product contaminated with gluten from a dietary standpoint.

Nutritional Value

Setting aside the gluten issue, this cereal is nutritionally dense. It is high in fiber and protein due to the blend of lentils, soybeans, and whole grains. A typical serving contains roughly 6 grams of fiber and 8 grams of protein, which helps with satiety. There is zero added sugar in the ingredients list; the sweetness comes naturally from the malted barley and the enzymatic process of sprouting.

However, because it contains gluten, it does not fit the limits of a gluten-free diet. For those who can tolerate gluten, it is a low-fat, high-fiber option that provides sustained energy. But for anyone with gluten sensitivities, the nutritional benefits are negated by the presence of the offending proteins.