People with celiac disease need to avoid the protein gluten to prevent an immune reaction in the small intestine. This reaction causes inflammation and prevents nutrient absorption. Those with a wheat allergy or intolerance should avoid wheat to prevent allergic reactions or digestive discomfort, respectively. Organizations, like Celiac Sprue Association, have gluten-free lists available to help select gluten-free foods when shopping. If unsure if an item contains gluten, read the label or contact the manufacturer.
Breads, Pastas, Potatoes and Grains
Foods with ingredients made from wheat, rye and barley contain gluten. Foods with words such as whole-wheat flour, enriched white flour or wheat flour contain wheat. Examples include baked goods, crackers, noodles, cereals and French fries unless otherwise noted as gluten-free. Communion wafers may also contain gluten.
Gravies, Sauces and Salad Dressings
Gravies and salad dressings often contain gluten or wheat. Look for ingredients such as malt--syrup, extract, malted milk, vinegar--and vegetable starch, modified starch, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and maltodextrin on the food label. According to the American Dietetic Association, any instant seasoning mixes also contain gluten or wheat.
Meat and Meat Substitues
Meat is typically gluten and wheat-free, but additives, seasonings and coatings may contain gluten or wheat. Breaded meats, gravies, meatloaf and sausage are examples of foods to avoid. Meat tenderizers, self-basting turkeys, deli meats, prepared meat patties, Seitan and imitation fish can contain gluten or wheat ingredients, making these items unsafe.
Fruit, Vegetables and Soups
Fruit is typically gluten and wheat-free. Baby food, such as strained fruit with cereal does contain gluten. User should also avoid wheat.
Most vegetables prove gluten and wheat-free. However, breaded or floured vegetables may contain gluten or wheat, making them unsafe for those with celiac disease or wheat allergies.
Soups that will contain gluten or wheat are usually thickened or contain grains such as noodles.
Beverages
Many beverages prove safe to consume, although some are made from grains, such as alcohol. Beer, ale, lager and whiskey may contain gluten or wheat. Other beverages to avoid include cereal beverages, root beer, instant chocolate drink mixes, malted milk and milk beverages made with cereal products.
Flavoring and Seasonings
Some seasonings and similar items contain wheat or ingredients with gluten. Often times this is as an anti-caking ingredient. Therefore, avoid soy sauce, bouillon cubes, Worcestershire sauce and MSG, also listed as monosodium glutamate.
Additives like brown rice syrup can contain gluten or wheat.
Some medicines contain gluten and wheat. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if unsure, or call the manufacturer.
References
- American Dietetic Association: Celiac Disease: Processed Foods and Ingredients That May Contain Wheat, Rye and Barley
- Celiac Sprue Association: Treatment of Celiac Disease
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford: Wheat Allergy Diet
- The Gluten Free Kitchen: Cooking with Lucy: Food and Additives to Avoid
