If you are gluten intolerant, your digestive system doesn't properly digest gluten, a protein commonly found in wheat and other grains, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Though countless foods contain gluten, countless others do not. Once those who must cope with this intolerance learn what foods to avoid, they can go on to enjoy a varied, balanced, nutritious diet that is also free of gluten.
Wheat Products
This includes any bread, pasta, flour or product containing the word "wheat," and wheat-derived or related ingredients including spelt, kamut, barley, rye, durum flour, enriched flour, semolina and basic white flour, according to the Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation. The safest breads, cereals, flours and pastas will state the words "gluten-free" on the packaging. Corn, rice and soy-based products often serve as healthy alternatives.
Processed Snack Foods
Processed or commercially prepared snack foods that typically contain gluten include potato chips, seasoned tortilla chips, French fries, cookies, candy and most baked goods, such as snack cakes, doughnuts, cakes and cookies, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Fast food restaurant sandwiches, burgers, fries and chips also generally contain gluten and should be avoided.
Sauces and Additives
Many food sauces and additives contain gluten. Most gravies, brown rice syrup, soy sauce, seasoned rice mixes, chili seasoning mixes and canned soups contain gluten and should be avoided. Creamy sauces, or any that contain thickeners, tend to have gluten-based products as well. Homemade variations are better choices, or equivalents that are made by specifically gluten-free food companies.
