Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is also added to foods as a thickening agent or to provide texture and flavor. Foods that contain gluten include:
- Bread: This includes all types of bread (unless labeled "gluten-free") 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, lasagna, 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.
- Sauces and dressings: Many dressings, sauces, and gravies contain gluten. For instance, soy sauce and licorice both contain wheat.
- Meat, fish, and poultry: Watch for hydrolyzed wheat protein in meat, fish, and poultry. Processed lunch meats and deli meats like cold cuts, hot dogs, salami, and sausage may contain gluten.
- Candy: Gluten can be found in candy, especially licorice.
It is important to read labels on all packaged and processed foods, as gluten can be found in many unexpected places.
