Category: Gluten-Free Products


Jun
2013

Surprising “Don’ts”: coconut milk, icing sugar, MSG and garnishes

categories: Eating In, Food Allergy Tips, Gluten-Free Products
Check the source of coconut milk in kaya. Powdered is likely to contain gluten.
Check the source of coconut milk in kaya. Powdered is likely to contain gluten, as Daisy painfully found out. Ugh.

Hey folks, it’s me Daisy again. Sorry I’ve been lost to the blogging world for awhile. Planning an allergy-sensitive menu for one’s wedding can be tricky!

However, engaging in that reminded me of some subtle things to look out for in avoiding gluten here.

Here are some Malaysia-specific surprising “don’ts”:

1. Coconut milk. While fresh is almost certainly gluten free, powdered can contain wheat. Check for the source of coconut milk in items such as kaya, cendol, bubur, and kari.

2. Icing sugar. You’ll have to carefully notice the dusting on top of custards and other desserts. Very often contains gluten. Can even be used on figs and other dried fruit. Check labels and/or ask.

3. MSG. Ubiquitous here. Remember to specifically tell waitstaff to *not* put it in as MSG produce in Asia may very well be derived from wheat, and therefore contain gluten.

4. Fried onions or garlic. Always used as garnish. You’ll almost never be told that it is even an ingredient–people forget to include “decor.” Avoid. Often coated in flour before being deep fried.

5. Rice noodles or cakes. Some may be made from a certain percentage of wheat or other gluten-containing grains. Try to ask to see the packet.

Peace,

Daisy


May
2013

Daisy boosts “Boost” for excellent allergy information!

categories: Eating Out, Food Allergy Tips, Gluten-Free Products

What is certainly a noticeable trend is that health-focused stores in Malaysia are taking the lead on developing an allergy-minded culture here. I was pleasantly surprised to see the following pamphlet at the counter of Boost Juice, a fruit juice chain that originated from the UK, in Midvalley Mall. The pamphlet provided information on nutrition and allergens in Boost’s main offerings. Thankfully for us gluten-phobes, most of their menu is gluten-free, with the exception of some of their chocolate- and granola-based smoothies and their wheatgrass shooter.

Boost is a leader in providing allergy and nutrition information to consumers here in Malaysia.
Boost is a leader in providing allergy and nutrition information to consumers here in Malaysia.

Here’s a list of their offerings with gluten:

  • King William Chocolate Low Fat Smoothie
  • Raspberry Ripe Low Fat Smoothie
  • Cookies ‘n Creame Low Fat Smoothie
  • Brekkie to Gogo Super Smoothie
  • Gym Junkie Super Smoothie
  • Wheatgrass Shooter

 

 

Yay that for once, the “yes” list is longer than the “no-no’s!” Boost Juice is available at virtually every large mall in Malaysia. Don’t forget to ask them to wash out the blender before making yours.

Peace,

Daisy