Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it is also added to foods as a thickening agent or to provide texture and flavor. Here is a list of foods that contain gluten:
- Bread: This includes all types of bread such as rolls, buns, bagels, biscuits, and flour tortillas.
- Baked Goods: Baked goods like cake, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, and pies contain gluten as well as pancakes and waffles.
- Pasta: All wheat pasta contains gluten, including spaghetti, fettuccine, macaroni, lasagne, and ravioli.
- Cereal: Many breakfast cereals contain wheat, so be sure to check the nutrition labels. Also, be aware that oats are often raised and processed with wheat. Therefore, unless they are labeled gluten-free, oat products will also contain gluten.
- Crackers: Popular snack foods like crackers, pretzels, and some types of chips have gluten.
- Beer: Beer is made from malted barley, which has gluten. Some liquors have added wheat, so be sure to research the ingredients.
- Gravy: Many gravies use wheat flour as a thickener.
- Meat substitutes: Meat substitutes made with seitan (wheat gluten) such as vegetarian burgers, vegetarian sausage, imitation bacon, imitation seafood.
- Sauces & Dressings: Traditional soy sauce, cream sauces made with a roux, salad dressings, marinades, and vinegars may contain gluten.
- Flavored Ice Creams: Flavored ice creams (like cookie dough) and gelatos may contain gluten.
Its important to read labels carefully to avoid gluten. The best way to reduce gluten in your diet is to stay away from the foods listed above and replace them with naturally gluten-free foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, and processed gluten-free foods.
