Adhering to a gluten-free diet means avoiding wheat, barley and rye. While it may seem simple to stay away from obvious gluten-containing products like spaghetti or bread, gluten may be hidden in many types of foods. Additives used during commercial food processing may contain gluten derivatives, like wheat flour. Reading product labels will help you determine if gluten additives are present in prepared foods; however, contact a food manufacturer directly to inquire if a product label is unclear.
Modified Food Starch
Modified food starch may be used to thicken commercial goods and is found in many prepackaged foods, according to Columbia University. Food starch may be made from corn, tapioca, potato, wheat or a combination of these. Food starch made from wheat contains gluten. Product labels should indicate what type of modified food starch is used in the product.
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, HVP, is used as a flavor enhancer in many commercially prepared foods like hot dogs, chips and baked snacks. Foods such as corn, soy or wheat are boiled in hydrochloric acid and then neutralized with sodium chloride to produce hydrolyzed vegetable protein. HVPs made with wheat contain gluten and should not be consumed as part of a gluten-free diet.
Flavor Additives
Flavorings added to foods may contain gluten if wheat flour was used during processing. Common flavor additives containing gluten include caramel and butterscotch. Prepared foods such as frozen dinners, processed meat products, soups and stews may contain bouillon flavoring. Bouillon may be made with wheat flour as a thickener and may contain gluten. Rice syrups may also be added to prepared foods as a flavor additive. Brown rice syrup, rice malt and rice syrup may be processed with wheat, states the University of Chicago, and should be avoided if you are on a gluten-free diet.
Malt
Malt additives may be used in a variety of products, like malted milk, ice cream and candy. Malt is derived from barley, a grain that contains gluten. Malt may be listed on product packaging as malt flavoring, malt syrup or malt extract, states the Gluten Free Casein Free Diet website. Some malts are made from corn and do not contain gluten. Verify with the product manufacturer whether malt is made from barley or corn if the ingredients are not clearly labeled.
