Gluten-free popcorn is made without ingredients that cause reactions in those with gluten intolerance. Cross-contamination must be avoided, and oils and salts used must be gluten-free. Homemade versions can be made with gluten-free spices and seasonings.
Gluten-free popcorn is a version of this popular snack made specifically without ingredients that can often lead to adverse reactions in people with gluten intolerance. Many people follow a gluten-free lifestyle due to a medical condition called celiac disease, although this type of diet is often easy to follow due to a wide variety of gluten-free foods and recipes. The corn kernels in popcorn do not naturally contain gluten, although flavoring and preservative ingredients are sometimes used. Some oils used to pop the kernels may contain gluten, so some research into these oils can be helpful in ensuring that a batch of popcorn is, in fact, gluten-free.
Vegetable oil and coconut oil are gluten-free and are often the preferred choices for making gluten-free popcorn. Many packaged versions of pre-popped corn list the type of oil used, and often the packages will include labels designating the snack as gluten-free. Canola oil usually has preservative agents that contain gluten. Some salts used to flavor kettle-popped popcorn also have gluten-based additives that keep the salt grains from clumping together. These ingredients are often used in popcorn sold in movie theaters, although many movie theaters also offer gluten-free popcorn that is made separately from these types of salt and oil.
One of the main keys to making gluten-free popcorn is avoiding cross-contamination. Popcorn made for a gluten-free lifestyle generally can’t be made in the same kettle or popper as other popcorn made with gluten-containing oils or salts. Even when canola oil is thoroughly cleaned from the inside of a kettle, it can often leave enough residue behind to risk a batch of popcorn that isn’t completely gluten-free. The same can sometimes happen with salts and other flavorings that aren’t designated gluten-free.
Flavored gluten-free popcorn can also be made at home from a variety of recipes that follow the guidelines of a gluten-free diet. Some people prefer to buy unsalted, unflavored, unbuttered popcorn kernels and add their own gluten-free spices or seasonings. This type of popcorn is usually available in microwaveable bags or in packages of loose kernels that can be cooked in an electric popper. Some popular toppings for gluten-free popcorn include lemongrass, curry, and Southwestern chili flavors.
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