Many seeds are naturally gluten-free – however, this in itself is not sufficient, the British ingredients maker said.
While the standard definition of a gluten-free product is that it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm), Unicorn claimed an increasing number of its customers are asking for seeds that contain less than 5ppm, which it is able to supply.
‘Controlling the supply chain’
“Controlling the supply chain is the key part,” said Unicorn joint md Frank Horan.
“We are able to work with our customers to provide products that are guaranteed gluten-free either by supplier certification or product analysis.
“It means that coeliac sufferers can now select a bread made with gluten-free flour and the added luxury of a gluten-free seed topping.”
British Retail Consortium Standard
Sourcing seeds directly from independent farmers and co-operatives around the world, Unicorn has been awarded the British Retail Consortium Standard for Agents and Brokers for its seeds and honey.
Some gluten-free products maintain flavour by adding in other, less healthy ingredients to compensate – but not so with seeds, Horan said.
“Because the gluten-free guarantee is based on the management of the supply chain, there is no compromise over the extensive nutritional values of seeds,” he adds.
Please click here to sign-up for our free monthly Food Ingredients, Health & Nutrition (FIHN) newsletter.