A List of Gluten Free Foods

Gluten is the protein that is present in certain grains, such as wheat, barley and rye. Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is a disease that affects the digestive tract. People who can not digest gluten can damage their small intestine by continuing to consume gluten-containing foods. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can eventually cause damage to the brain, nervous system, liver and other organs. Avoiding gluten can be challenging, but it is important to understand which foods you can and cannot eat if you have celiac disease.

Dairy and Meat Products

According to Jackson Siegalbaum Gastroenterology, many dairy products are safe to ingest if you have a gluten intolerance. These safe products include dry, evaporated, condensed, skim, low-fat and whole milk; cream, including whipping cream; all aged cheeses; and American cheese.

Sour cream, yogurt, chocolate milk, and other cheeses may contain gluten. Read the ingredients list of these foods to find out what brands are safe to eat.

Meat, poultry, and seafood that does not contain any grain additives are all safe to eat for those with celiac disease. Eggs are also gluten free. Any prepared meat products may contain gluten, or may be made with grain additives that contain gluten. Their ingredient lists should be inspected carefully before consuming.

Breads and Grains

Safe grains, according to Jackson Siegalbaum Gastroenterology, include corn, cornmeal, rice (not including packaged rice products), wild rice and pasta products marked "gluten-free." Bread products that are made with corn, rice, soybean, carob, potato, tapioca, arrowroot, buckwheat and millet are also gluten-free.

Any products containing wheat, barley, rye, graham, malt, kasha, matzo meal or bulgar do contain gluten, and must be avoided. The Mayo Clinic states that even gluten-free grains may be contaminated with gluten from these gluten-containing grains, so care should be taken in reading packaging information.

Fruits and Vegetables

All fresh, frozen, dried, and canned fruits, including fruit juices, are gluten-free. All fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables, including sweet potatoes and potatoes, are also gluten-free.

Processed fruits and vegetables, such as pie filling, vegetables prepared with sauces, baked beans, pickles and marinated and seasoned vegetables may contain gluten. Creamed vegetables, and any vegetables breaded or prepared with wheat, rye, or barley do contain gluten and must be avoided.

Snack Foods and Condiments

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition has compiled a list of snack foods and condiments that are safe for those who cannot consume gluten.

Plain potato chips are gluten free, but always check the packaging of flavored potato chips. Corn chips, popcorn, rice cakes, nuts, seeds, Jell-o and pudding are all gluten-free snacks that you can enjoy. Check the packaging on all other snack foods.

Most condiments are gluten free. These include jams, jellies, honey, peanut butter, maple syrup, brown and white sugar, corn syrup, corn and potato starches, ketchup, mustard, and relish. Check the ingredients list on salad dressings, as some contain gluten. Vegetable oil, olive oil, and canola oil are gluten free, as are vinegars.