Are Burrito Bowls Gluten Free
If you're someone who's sensitive to gluten or has celiac disease, you might be wondering whether burrito bowls are gluten-free. The answer to that question is not a simple yes or no. It all depends on what ingredients are in the burrito bowl.
What is gluten?
Before we dive into whether burrito bowls are gluten-free, let's talk about what gluten is. Gluten is a type of protein that's found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a variety of symptoms including digestive problems, headaches, and fatigue.
What's in a burrito bowl?
A typical burrito bowl contains rice, beans, meat, cheese, vegetables, and salsa. The rice and beans are usually gluten-free, but the meat, cheese, and salsa might contain gluten or be processed in a facility that also processes gluten-containing ingredients.
Meat
Meat in a burrito bowl can be cooked with spices or sauces that contain gluten. For example, teriyaki or soy sauce both contain gluten. Also, meat that's been breaded or fried may contain gluten. It's important to check with the restaurant to confirm whether the meat in their burrito bowl is gluten-free.
Cheese
Cheese in a burrito bowl may contain modified food starch, which can be made from wheat and contain gluten. Mexican cheese blends may also contain gluten. It's important to check with the restaurant to confirm whether the cheese in their burrito bowl is gluten-free.
Salsa
Salsa in a burrito bowl may contain hidden sources of gluten such as wheat flour or soy sauce. It's important to check with the restaurant to confirm whether the salsa in their burrito bowl is gluten-free.
Conclusion
So, are burrito bowls gluten-free? It depends on the ingredients. Rice and beans are usually gluten-free, but the meat, cheese, and salsa may contain gluten. It's important to check with the restaurant and ask about their ingredients and preparation process to ensure you're not consuming any gluten. If you're sensitive to gluten or have celiac disease, it's always better to err on the side of caution.