The gluten-free diet fad is not limited to people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity alone. They aren't the only reason for the boom in gluten-free products found in the market. Health-conscious people believe that going gluten-free is the way to weight loss. This has propelled the demand of gluten-free foods. Oatmeal is known to be a common preference amongst many. However, it needs to be figured out whether oatmeal contains gluten or not. We sort out this issue once and for all for you. ◆ Oats are cereal grain species grown for its groats, commonly known as oatmeal. Crushed, rolled, and steal-cut oatmeal forms are also available. It can be consumed in the form of porridge, cereal, cakes, cookies, pancakes, etc. ◆ In its purest form, yes! Oats do not contain any gluten. However, most oats that are seen in the market are not in their natural form. ◆ According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, people with celiac disease can consume oats daily in a recommended quantity. However, it is necessary to consume oats as per the physician's recommendation. ◆ The Canadian Celiac Association suggests that adults with celiac disease may consume 50 to 70 g of pure, dry rolled oats on a daily basis, while children can take in 20 to 25 g daily. Also, the association mentions that oats should be made a part of the diet only when celiac disease in under control and when a health care professional gives the go ahead. ◆ Another way to solve the problem is to find gluten-free brands available in the market. An easier way to find such brands is to check the label on their products. It they are gluten-free, the labels will say so. Here are some of gluten-free brands that you can opt for: ▶ GF Harvest It is a family business situated in Wyoming. It is known to perform extensive testing on oats to make the oats content 3 parts per million of gluten. The company holds gluten-free certifications as well as Kosher certifications. The company offers a number of products including oatmeal flour, oatmeal stout, oatmeal granola, and rolled oats. ▶ Bob's Red Mill The company produces three types of oatmeal, i.e. quick-cooking oats, rolled oats, and steel-cut oatmeal with 19 parts per million gluten. It produces around 50 gluten-free products such as oat bran, thick rolled oats, quick to cook oats, etc. ▶ Holly's Oatmeal The company offers oatmeal that contains less than 5 parts per million of gluten. Oatmeal comes in plain and cranberry flavors. Buyers can make their custom-flavored oatmeal as well. ▶ Glutenfreeda Foods This company offers a range of flavors in oatmeal including plain, banana maple, apple cinnamon, and maple raisin. The company is certified with a gluten-free label and produces oats that contain 5 parts per million gluten. Celiac disease-affected people can easily maintain a healthy diet with gluten-free oats. Even people without such a condition can include such oats in their diet. However, as per the studies, gluten-free oats may lack all the needed fibers and proteins. On the other hand, gluten-free oats may be high in fats, cholesterol, and calories. However, with a balanced diet, one can cut back a little on gluten in oats for a healthy diet.