Understanding Labels: Hidden Animal Products & Gluten Bombs

Description

Course Overview:

Navigating packaged foods can be tricky, especially when trying to maintain a whole-food, plant-based and gluten-free lifestyle. This course gives you the skills to identify hidden animal products and gluten ingredients lurking in everyday items. By the end, you’ll confidently scan labels like a pro and protect your health and values with every purchase.

Course Format:

• Duration: Self-paced

• Modules: 5

• Bonus: Downloadable cheat sheets + label decoder card

• Format: Short videos + printable PDFs

• Target Audience: Anyone transitioning to or living a WFPB and gluten-free lifestyle

MODULE 1: Why Reading Labels Matters

Video Lesson: 6 minutes

Topics Covered:

• The problem with food marketing: “natural,” “plant-based,” “gluten-free” confusion

• Health consequences of hidden ingredients

• Becoming an empowered consumer

Downloads:

• “Buzzwords That Fool You” mini-guide

MODULE 2: Hidden Animal Ingredients 101

Video Lesson: 8 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Common animal-derived ingredients (e.g., casein, whey, gelatin, carmine, rennet)

• Sneaky additives in candy, chips, and supplements

• Dairy’s many disguises

Downloads:

• “Top 20 Hidden Animal Products” cheat sheet

• Printable wallet card: “Is It Vegan?”

MODULE 3: Gluten Bombs in Disguise

Video Lesson: 7 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Gluten by any other name (e.g., malt, seitan, wheat starch, hydrolyzed wheat protein)

• Cross-contamination risks in processed foods

• What “gluten-free” on labels actually means (and when it doesn’t)

Downloads:

• Gluten Alias Decoder

• Hidden Gluten Checklist

MODULE 4: How to Decode Nutrition Labels

Video Lesson: 10 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Ingredient list hierarchy

• Red flags: natural flavors, preservatives, additives

• What to ignore and what to watch

• Spotting ultra-processed traps

Downloads:

• “Nutrition Label Decoder” visual guide

• Additives to Avoid List

MODULE 5: Real-Life Practice & Grocery Store Hacks

Video Lesson: 9 minutes

Topics Covered:

• Practice reading labels from real product examples

• App & tool recommendations

• How to navigate tricky aisles (snacks, sauces, meat alternatives)

• Quick label-scan system (color-coded guide)

Downloads:

• Grocery Store Survival Checklist

• Top 5 Apps for Ingredient Checks