Is Teeccino Herbal Coffee Really Gluten-Free?

Teeccino Mediterranean Herbal Coffee is a dark, rich flavored brew that I prefer to regular coffee. Its packaging states that "brewed Teeccino is gluten free," so I bought it. "Gluten free" is an important term to people, like me, who have Celiac disease. We can't digest the gluten in wheat, barley, or rye. I recently had to question how the terms "barley" and "gluten free" could be used synonymously to describe Teeccino herbal coffees.

I'm always on the hunt for tasty gluten-free products. Teeccino Mediterranean Herbal Coffee has been one of my favorites. I've adapted well to the dark, rich flavor created with organic carob (anything hinting at chocolate is at the top of my list), organic barley
(I didn't notice barley when I saw the statement "gluten free when brewed"), chicory, organic dates, organic orange peel, almonds, organic figs, and natural citrus flavor.

In addition, the maker of Teeccino Herbal Coffee, Teeccino Café, say that "every cup offers you many health benefits."

Naturally caffeine free -no processing or chemical residues

Non acidic -helps restore alkaline balance

Natural energy boost -from nutrients, not stimulants

Prebiotic -inulin from chicory root supports beneficial microflora that improve digestion, elimination, and intestinal health

What's not to like? I'd recommend Teeccino Herbal Coffee to anyone, except anyone with Celiac disease.

I'd been experiencing gluten exposure symptoms for a couple of months, but couldn't figure out the source. I had to examine everything I ate and drank and try to figure out where the gluten was coming from. I found some answers with other products I used besides Teeccino Herbal Coffee. When I eliminated those and still was having symptoms, I discovered barley as an ingredient in the coffee. Because the packaging states, "brewed Teeccino is gluten free," I trusted it. Now I questioned how the Teeccino herbal coffee can be labeled gluten free when the grains contain gluten.

I called Teccino Café's toll-free number and asked them.The representative who talked to me, Ashley Vincenti, was polite and helpful. She explained that when Teeccino is brewed, using a paper filter, no grains get in the cup, so it's gluten free. She said the gluten from the barley can't be released in hot water to the degree it takes to make a pot of coffee, so the brewed coffee is gluten free, but the actual grains aren't. She emphasized that Teeccino Café verified this through prestigious lab testing.

I believe them, but coffee grains are tiny and tend to get places they shouldn't be. It only takes a grain of gluten to set off an autoimmune reaction.

When I accidentally ingest gluten, I get very dizzy and my equilibrium is off for a couple days. My whole body aches like I have the flu. Other people suffer different symptoms. Gluten damages all our small intestines and our ability to absorb nutrients. It's not worth it to take risks with what we eat and drink.

When I finished the call with Ashley, I went to the kitchen to investigate my coffee maker. Normally, I brew enough coffee in the morning so that I can enjoy a cup in the afternoon. When I looked at Teeccino's herbal brew waiting for me, several little grains floated on top. I took the filter out of the coffeemaker; grains were on the the rim. (only Teeccino was brewed in this coffee maker).

I had used a bigger filter than my pot requires, and had torn the top to make it fit. I'm sure the incorrect filter may have allowed some grains to escape into the pot. Maybe my coffee maker isn't as effective as others, or maybe I spilled a few grains. Whatever the reason, I can't risk barley ending up in my cup.

Most people with Celiac disease, who look for the words "gluten free" on a package, trust that the product is safe. We're grateful for clear labeling. Teeccino Café promises their product is safe for Celiacs, if brewed with a paper filter and no grains get into the cup. This information should be spelled out on the packaging. People with Celiac disease won't automatically know that.

I never felt the need to read Teeccino Café's website, or to give them a call to find out how to brew their product safely. The package says "Brewed Teeccino is gluten-free." It doesn't say "Brewed Teccino from a paper filter is gluten free." In fact, the packaging states, "Permanent filters work best and save trees!"

There's so much I respect about Teeccino Café. Their product tastes good and is good for you. The company is committed to good health. It's a female-owned company; I admire that. They strive to buy organic ingredients; they adhere to fair trade principles; they work in developing countries and bring economic opportunity to disadvantaged people.

They're missing their high standard in one important area. They should provide clear instructions on their packaging for brewing gluten-free Teeccino Herbal Coffee. Then customers with Celiac disease will be fully informed and can decide for themselves if drinking Teeccino Herbal Coffee is safe. I doubt most people with Celiac disease would choose to take the risk, me included. Maybe that's why Teeccino Cafe chose not to make their packaging Celiac friendly.