Gluten-free? Not so fast. Watch out for this list of surprising foods that contain gluten
If you have celiac-disease, gluten-sensitivity or for some other reason you're not eating gluten-the protein found in wheat, rye and barley-you probably know to steer clear of big, obvious offenders like bread, pasta and baked goods.
Related: 4 Easy Ways to Avoid Gluten
But there are also foods that are sometimes made with gluten-containing ingredients that you wouldn't necessarily expect to contain gluten. Here's a list of surprising foods that are not gluten-free-a must-read if you have celiac-disease, are eating gluten-free or cooking for someone who is.
- Bouillon cubes and broths
- Dairy substitutes, such as nondairy creamer
- Rice mixes
- Potato chips
- Hard candy
- Licorice
- Jelly beans
- Cold cuts
- Hot dogs
- Salami
- Sausage
- Communion wafers
- French fries
- Gravy
- Imitation fish
- Matzo
- Sauces
- Seasoned tortilla chips
- Self-basting turkey
- Soups
- Soy sauce
- Vegetables in sauce
- Salad dressings
- Dry-roasted nuts
- Miso
- Soba noodles
Don't Miss: Gluten-Free Grains and Starches List
There are also ingredients that may contain-or be manufactured with-a gluten-containing grain or by-product. Here are some. You can find a more comprehensive list at www.celiac.com.
- Artificial color
- Caramel coloring
- Hydrolyzed protein, plant protein, vegetable protein
- Dextrin
- Modified food starch
- Natural flavors, flavoring and juices
- Spice blends
- Smoke flavoring
- Stabilizers
- Emulsifiers
Fortunately, thanks to the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, it is easier now to identify wheat-containing ingredients: if a food or an ingredient contains wheat or protein derived from wheat, the word "wheat" must appear clearly on the food label.
So read your food labels closely!