<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>
 
I did find a Rice syrup *powder* (the basis for rice milk) that IS gluten
free. It is manufactured by Zumbro, Inc., in Hayfield, MN. They also make a rice
milk, but the "natural flavors" are of uncertain origin. What's nice about the
powder is that:
 
1) it comes from a bacterial enzyme (not fungal) that does not require
starch to grow. (I may violate patent laws if I state what it is... but
don't know, so will refrain). But I am comfortable, so far, that it may be
the only gluten free one available.
 
2) you can make more than just milk with it. For instance, with water and
the powder, you get a basic milky drink. (They sent me a sample, and I am
trying it a couple different ways).  By adding your *OWN* flavors (fruit
juices, GF vanilla, carob or cocoa, or...) you can get a whole variety of
milk beverages. It also has an opaque color, so would work in making "cream"
puddings, etc. (ie, lemon juice, Rice Trin, arrowroot). Because it is a powder,
and a sweetener, it can be mixed into/added to the dry ingredient base for those
that pre-mix large batches of baking bases. It is also kosher.
 
The downside is that they sell primarily to the food manufacturing industry as
opposed to the public. The options (to date) are 50 lb. sacks (last call was
$1.10/lb for regular, $1.65/lb for organic). I bet that if enough people wanted
such a product, a few could go in together to buy a bag and split it, or... call
them and request it! You may want to "try" to see if you can sample it. Their
number is 1-507-365-8400. You may be impressed with their advertisements/product
offerings.
 
In addition to their Rice Trin(s), they also carry "other" special
ingredients such as tapioca maltodextrin, corn maltodextrin, Tapioca starch
products (called Insta Starch 10/70) for use in puddings, baby foods and sauces,
Corn starch products (called Insta Starch 100 PFX), and other thickeners such as
guar, locust bean, carrageenan,... NONE of the products are from gluten sources.
Most are from corn, tapioca, and rice. And last, but not least, they make a
jerusalem artichoke flour that is already sold in health food stores (how I
originally learned about them).
 
Moral is: You CAN still *make* rice milk, even if you can't buy it, AND if
you want a *50 lb* bag. Even if we got the "Dream" companies to buy from
them, they'd still throw in all kinds of other questionable flavorings, etc. I
think we should convince them to sell in 10 lb. bags... don't you? <g>
 
Joanne <[log in to unmask]>