When you first see quinoa or hear about it you may think that it is actually a “grain”. Some people may even refer to it as such, but rest assured it is not a grain. It is actually a plant seed and a relative of green leafy vegetables such as spinach.
Quinoa, in the standard, raw form is gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that is found in grain products such as wheat, barley and oats. There may, however, be some risks to gluten exposure with certain quinoa products such as flour and flakes. These products go through processing plants that may use machines for wheat products and quinoa product thus causing cross contamination.
If you do not have a severe allergy to grains you may find these products do not cause any reaction. If your allergy is more serious you will want to make sure that you are getting these products from factories that do not use the same machines to produce quinoa products and grain products.
Quinoa Pancakes: An Experiment
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I love this website!
I am going grain-free and find this website to be the most informative! There are a few websites that claim to be “grain-free” but are really just gluten free. Big difference! I ordered your book from amazon and am very pleased with it.
I “officially” start my grain-free eating tomorrow. I started off just going gluten-free, but now realize that is only half the story. Some gluten free recipes/food are far less nutritious (cake recipes made with cornstarch and tapioca flour, etc), and far more fattening than their glutenized counterparts.
I have ordered a few books on grain free eating, and am now more than ready to take the plunge. Again, thanks for such an informative website. I had no idea Quinoa was NOT a grain!
Now I am waiting for your (hopefully) second book!!!!
Sincerely, Sheryl
One question which I’ll post here since I don’t know where else to post it.
Is Chia Seed a true grain? I keep reading it is, but then again I’ve heard Quinoa, Flax and Amaranth called grains too!
Thanks! Sheryl
Sheryl,
Thanks for your comments! I am so glad you liked the book!
Chia Seed is is an annual herb, not a grain. Your timing is great because I have two articles on chia seed that will be uploaded tonight or tomorrow. It’s a great little seed – very nutritious and I think it will be making quite a comeback over the next few years.
But grains are plant seeds as well. Not sure what the distinction you are trying to make is.
Dear Sheryl,
Just wondering if raw Quinoa flakes are consumable, mixing with yougurt and nuts etc? for breakfast.
thank You.
Hi Rita
I’m loving cooked quinoa warm with almond milk and maple sugar. I haven’t tried quinoa flakes yet – I can’t have grains, gluten, soy, eggs, dairy and more, which is very frustrating. Does anyone know if buckwheat is a grain?
Thanks!
Thanks, Rita. I too, am wondering if we can substitute the quinoa flakes for oatmeal flakes in recipes and in ather uses –
Thanks,
Sandy