Unicorn Ingredients offers gluten-free guarantee with its seeds for bakers

The UK ingredients supplier and supply chain specialist has announced it is rising to the challenge of supplying guaranteed gluten-free seeds, either through supplier certification or product analysis.

According to Frank Horan, joint MD of Unicorn Ingredients, while many seeds are naturally gluten-free, this in itself is not sufficient.

A guarantee that there has been no cross-contamination in the supply chain is also necessary.

BRC standard​

“Controlling the supply chain is key,”​ Horan told us, noting the company works closely with its supply chain to provide full traceability of products and a guarantee of quality and safety.

“We are rising to the challenge of increasing demand for gluten-free seeds and are able to work with our customers to provide products that are guaranteed gluten-free either by supplier certification or product analysis,”​ explained Horan.

“We source the full range of gluten-free seeds – including linseeds, poppy, millet, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin and the lesser lines – from independent farmers and cooperatives from around the world: from East Europe to China, India to Peru,”​ he said.

Unicorn has been awarded the BRC Standard for Agents and Brokers for its seeds and honey.

Less than 5ppm​

Horan explained the permitted level of gluten in seeds is 20 parts per million (ppm), but Unicorn can take it a step further.

“An increasing number of our customers are asking for seeds that contain less than 5ppm and we can do that, too,”​ he said.

When it comes to flavor, some gluten-free products have other, less healthy ingredients added to compensate, contended Horan.

Nutritional value​

“Because the gluten-free guarantee for our seeds is based on the management of the supply chain, there is no compromise over the extensive nutritional values of seeds, which include high fiber, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, low GI rating and good mineral content,”​ he said.

Based in Epsom in the UK, the £25.5m ($33m) company also has facilities based in Baroda, India; Qinhuangdao, China; and Lengerich, Germany.

The company is marketing its portfolio of seeds to bakers and manufacturers of gluten-free products in the UK, EU, as well as Far East and Africa.