Eating Gluten-Free is a Brazilian Culture

 

 

While more and more people around the world are beginning to realise the risks involved in consuming foods that contain gluten, the Brazilians have been gluten-conscious for more than two decades. In Brazil, there are laws in place to ensure that consumers are always aware of the presence of gluten in foods. As such, eating gluten-free is part of the Brazilian lifestyle. If you are interested in gluten-free Brazilian food, you can expect to be spoiled for choice. 

 

The Brazilian Law is on the Side of Gluten-Free Eaters

For many people living in most other countries,  being gluten-conscious is a lifestyle choice. In Brazil, it is a requirement. Imposed in 1992, the Brazilian Federal Law 8,543 states that all industrialised gluten-containing foods must have a warning label stating that they contain gluten. In 2013, Federal Law 10,674 was established to compel suppliers of industrialised foods to label their products as “Contains Gluten” or “Does Not Contain Gluten”. While gluten-containing foods are still widely available and consumed in Brazil, the labels do help raise awareness of the health benefits of a gluten-free diet. Therefore, many Brazilians have made a conscious effort to reduce gluten content in the foods they prepare and consume, resulting in the creation of many delicious gluten-free dishes.

 

Examples of Gluten-Free Brazilian Food

Whether you wish to have a gluten-free snack or meal, you will have no trouble finding Brazilian dishes that suit your tastes and nutritional needs. Gluten-free ingredients such as root vegetables, beans, rice, spices, seafood, and starch are widely used in Brazilian cuisine. Here are a few examples of delicious gluten-free Brazilian dishes that you should try.

• Moqueca - An African-influenced northern Brazilian fish stew that is prepared with naturally gluten-free ingredients. The fish is cooked in a delectable sauce made of coconut milk, tomato paste, peppers, parsley, garlic, and palm oil.
• Feijoada - A stew that consists of beef, pork, and beans, and it is usually served with salad and rice.
• Pao de queijo - These tasty little cheese balls are made from tapioca flour, and they are a great option for a snack or breakfast.
• Tapioca crepes - Sometimes flavoured with coconut, these gluten-free crepes are a popular option for breakfast in Brazil.
• Yuca or cassava fries - Made from nutrition-rich yuca roots, these fries are often consumed as a snack or side dish.

Following a gluten-free diet can sometimes limit your food choices and make eating feel like a chore. So, maybe it is time to add some samba to your diet plan and embrace Brazilian cuisine. 

By Sally Writes