Gluten intolerance/sensitivity can be difficult to navigate when you are deciding what to eat, which medications/supplements are safe and which self-care products to use. “Wheat free” is not the same as “gluten free”. Often labels will say “wheat free” because that is a common allergen, but the product could still contain rye, barley, malt or other forms of gluten that are not required by the FDA to be listed on the label. I have included a list of some common ingredients and items that commonly contain gluten.
Examples of ingredients that contain gluten:
- Wheat
- Durum
- Semolina
- Spelt
- Farro
- Graham
- Rye
- Barley
- Emmer
- Udon
- einkorn
- Pumpernickel
- Triticale
- Malt
- Brewer’s Yeast
- Wheat Starch
- Starch
- Dextran
- Bran
- Wheat Germ
- Modified food starch
- Brown rice syrup
Examples of common grocery items that may contain gluten:
- Eggs in restaurants! Many restaurants add pancake batter to their eggs
- Candy
- Potato chips
- Soups
- Tortillas
- Bread products
- Baked goods- such as cookies, cakes, muffins, pies
- Cereals
- Crackers
- Salad Dressings and Marinade
- Preseasoned meats
- Breaded meats
- Bouillon Cubes
- Thickeners
- Matzoh balls (unless made with potato flour only)
- Packaged seasoning mixes
- Alcohol such as beer
- Condiments such as soy sauce, pickles, ketchup, mustard, worchesire suace
- Gravies
- Meat and fish substitutes
- Oats
- Natural and artificial flavorings
- Flavored coffees and teas
- Cheese spreads
- Packaged meats such as lunch meat, hot dogs sausages
Other items that may contain gluten:
- Medications
- Makeup
- Skin care
- Dental care
- Vitamins and supplements
- Play-dough
- Stamps
- Envelopes
Tips for staying “gluten free”:
- Read all ingredients carefully
- Look for the label “gluten free”
- When in doubt, choose fresh meat and seafood, nuts and seeds, pulses, vegetables and fruits
Sources:
https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/what-is-gluten/sources-of-gluten/
https://www.ficomputing.net/pdf/September08/HlywiakArticle.pdf
This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your medical provider prior to any lab testing, diet changes or new supplement/medication.
Do you live in TX, CA, GA, NC or OH? Looking to improve your health through culinary medicine? Message me for information about my consultation services. @neversayneverwellness@gmail.com