If you've recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease or are navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, you've probably asked the question: are oats gluten free?
The short answer? It depends on where you live. In Australia, oats are not considered gluten free—even if they’ve been processed in a gluten-free facility. Let’s break down why that is and what it means for your health.
🌾 What Is Gluten, and Where Do Oats Fit In?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. These grains trigger an immune response in people with coeliac disease, damaging the small intestine and leading to nutrient malabsorption.
Oats do not naturally contain gluten—but they do contain a similar protein called avenin, which may trigger a reaction in some people with coeliac disease.
🚫 Why Aren’t Oats Labelled Gluten Free in Australia?
In Australia and New Zealand, the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (FSANZ) strictly prohibits any product containing oats from being labelled “gluten free.”
This is because:
- Oats are almost always contaminated with gluten from wheat, rye, or barley during growing, harvesting, or processing.
- Even in “pure” oats, avenin can trigger an immune response in about 1 in 5 people with coeliac disease (reference).
✅ What Do Other Countries Say?
In countries like the USA and UK, oats that are grown and processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities can be labelled “gluten free.” However, this doesn’t necessarily make them safe for people with coeliac disease in Australia.
According to Coeliac Australia, “gluten-free oats” from overseas do not meet the Australian definition of gluten free, and **should only be consumed if the individual has undergone an “oat challenge” under medical supervision.”
🧪 What Is the “Oat Challenge”?
If you're coeliac and want to explore the possibility of including oats in your diet, the first step is undergoing an oat challenge with your gastroenterologist and dietitian. This involves introducing uncontaminated oats into your diet under medical supervision while monitoring for symptoms and immune markers such as anti-tTG antibodies.
A 2010 review published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology outlines how this process works and why it’s important.
Without this process, oats are not recommended for people with coeliac disease in Australia—even if you feel fine eating them.
💡 The Bottom Line
- In Australia, oats are not considered gluten free.
- Even pure oats can cause an immune response in some people with coeliac disease.
- If you're coeliac and interested in trying oats, speak with your specialist about an oat challenge.
- Always look for Coeliac Australia-endorsed products and follow the Australian Food Standards Code.
🥣 P.S. Nourish’d Is 100% Gluten Free
At Nourish’d, every single meal is 100% gluten free—no exceptions. We’re proud to be Coeliac Australia endorsed, which means you can trust that our meals meet the strictest standards for safety and compliance. Whether you’re managing coeliac disease or just looking to reduce gluten, Nourish’d makes it easy to eat well without the stress.
