FOODS THAT CONTAIN GLUTEN

This week I am teaching my first class at Whole Foods. Today I am preparing for this class and it is about simple swaps to transition into the gluten free lifestyle. Because this will likely focus on helping those new to the gluten free lifestyle, I created a printable to hand out to the attendees about common foods that contain gluten. I realized that I had not touched base on this in the blog.

With so much focus on delicious recipes with gluten free products or naturally gluten free items, I realized that I needed a blog post to help educate those new to the gluten free lifestyle of foods that contain gluten.

There are the main factors… wheat, barley, rye. However, there are many other flours and products that contain gluten as well. Some people just have wheat sensitivity, but for the majority, it is anything containing gluten. Especially for those with celiac disease.

For those incredibly sensitive like myself, a topical reaction can happen as well. If you are severely allergic you must avoid gluten in all capacities, not just food. Beauty products, makeup, hair products and household cleaning items such as laundry detergent and fabric softeners are big items to consider. Remember, if you use hairspray that contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, it becomes airborn. It can then land on your lips, hands, and face. You then touch your mouth or food and the gluten contaminates you.

It is much easier these days to avoid gluten because as a whole we are more aware. There are so many more products available in the market and more companies are labeling gluten free products, so that there is no confusion.

Remember to check the ingredients and then check them again. Check every time you buy, because companies switch ingredients all of the time! One other quick tip! If you have celiac, eating “gluten removed” products can still make you sick! I will touch on this in a future post.

Here is a general list of foods that contain gluten

• Wheat (bran, starch, germ)
• Oats (unless labeled GF)
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
• Malt (Extract, Vinegar)
• Barley
• Rye
• Durum
• Couscous
• Emmer
• Farina
• Gliadin
• Graham flour
• Semolina
• Spelt
• Seitan
• Brewers yeast
• Bulgur

Here is a list of items that you must check before using or consuming. Although, you really should ALWAYS check the labels first…

• Packaged Snacks
• Pasta
• Bread
• Spices and Seasoning Mixes
• Salad Dressings/Marinades
• Oats
• Condiments
• Medications
• Hair, Makeup, and Beauty Products
• Makeup
• Frozen Fries, Vegetables, and Pre-made Foods
• Cured Meats
• Pre-seasoned Meats
• Hams, Turkeys, and Marinated Meats
• Candy
• Broth and Soups

Here is a printable list of FOODS THAT CONTAIN GLUTEN.