At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What Foods Contain Gluten?
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
It’s easy to say that just wheat flour is the major source of gluten, but there a number of products that may contain wheat in various forms that aren’t gluten-free, and sometimes it's hard to tell from looking at these products whether or not they are safe for people with conditions like celiac disease. Lists of these foods certainly exist and some countries label foods as free of this substance. Additionally there are numerous foods listed that contain some form of wheat, some obvious and some far less easy to tell by simply reading an ingredient list.
Some of the more obvious foods that contain gluten include most bread unless labeled gluten-free, a majority of baked goods, crackers, baking mixes for cakes, muffins, biscuits and cookies, and most prepared cookies. Other foods in this list are the majority of pastas, which are made from durum wheat, couscous, foods that contain graham flour, anything with pearl barley, and the majority of breakfast cereals. Pizzas, pizza rolls, hot pockets and piroshkis, stuffing and stuffing mix, breadcrumbs, and pretzels also usually have wheat flour in them in some form. Some of these products can be purchased in wheat-free form and are labeled accordingly.
Other products contain gluten with ingredient lists that aren’t as apparent. Products with any form of starch, autolyzed wheat protein, brewer’s yeast, malt, farina, Kamut, dextrimaltose or maltodextrin, textured vegetable protein, vegetable starch or meal, may either be predominantly wheat products or contain wheat. Some foods to look for that may contain these ingredients include:
- Most beers and some wines
- Malt vinegar
- Malted cereal or farina cereal
- Prepared gravies or gravy packages
- Many types of soup
- Baked beans or chili
- Some salad dressings
- Certain brands of sausages
- Pate
- Stock cubes or bouillon
- Less expensive cold cuts
In some areas of the world, wheat products can be added to various colors, artificial flavors, and natural flavors. Even vitamins and some prescription or over the counter medications can contain gluten. Given the vast number of products that may have wheat products or byproducts, the person who needs to avoid these must be careful. It can particularly make things like restaurant dining difficult because it may be impossible to have an accurate ingredient list.
Best bets for people avoiding gluten are to carefully read ingredient lists and look for foods that are labeled as gluten free. Preparing most foods at home with a specific list of safe ingredients can also help. Fortunately there are now numerous products made without any types of wheat substances that have greatly expanded the range of fantastic foods to eat for those who need to avoid wheat in any form.
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Barley contains gluten.]()
Barley contains gluten. -
![Most breads contain gluten.]()
Most breads contain gluten. -
![Most cookies contain gluten.]()
By: sassyphotosMost cookies contain gluten. -
![Many varieties of breadcrumbs are made from wheat flour and therefore contain gluten.]()
By: VidadyMany varieties of breadcrumbs are made from wheat flour and therefore contain gluten. -
![Wheat flour is the major source of gluten.]()
By: Studio GiWheat flour is the major source of gluten. -
![It is possible to make bread without wheat or gluten.]()
By: MarekIt is possible to make bread without wheat or gluten. -
![Commercial pizza rolls have gluten, but can be made at home with a gluten-free crust.]()
By: chas53Commercial pizza rolls have gluten, but can be made at home with a gluten-free crust. -
![Terrine contains gluten.]()
By: Martin TurzakTerrine contains gluten.
Discussion Comments
I use several different flours, e.g., potato, chick pea, chestnut, rice, cornflour and an all usage gluten free flour. I have experimented with different quantities, and mixtures of flours, and cook my own cakes, pastries, pizza bases and scones with great success. Just get cooking for yourself.
How do I find a list of foods with gluten in them?
Whoever says it's not hard to avoid gluten can go away. When you live with an intolerance to gluten, you'll see how much it's actually in. You'll see how hard it is to actually eat without getting sick. And you'll see how hard it is to actually eat at all.
it is not difficult to avoid gluten. just educate yourself on what gluten comes from and avoid those things. in my opinion, people trying to avoid gluten run into the most trouble when it comes to highly processed foods or food derivatives (instant stuff, chips, etc.) These foods aren't good for you anyway, so when in doubt, don't eat it.
Laziness is no excuse to suffer. Try cooking for yourself. I think you will find it well worth the effort.
It absolutely blows my mind that so many people find it difficult to avoid gluten.
Yes, there are lots of pleasant foods you will have to give up while contending with a gluten intolerance. But are gluten-containing foods the only source of nourishment to your avail? Are you not able to read clearly marked ingredients on labels? If not listed, can you not do even the slightest amount of research online?
You make a choice: you can learn to enjoy other wonderful foods without gluten or you can play the victim, waiting for someone else (like health care professionals) to give you an undeserved pat on the back and say "there, there". There are so many disabling afflictions out there, and gluten intolerance is far from one of them.
Hi Berty, The issue is that many people get very ill when they eat gluten and have wheat gluten intolerance. Not everyone has this issue though, and certainly nice crunchy wheat bread or other products made with wheat are delicious. It is hard to avoid gluten though, and that makes it really tough for people with this condition. Some have to even avoid any type of products that were made on machines that also employ either wheat flour or wheat gluten. It's a shame really!
What's the problem with gluten? I thought it was better to eat wheat products. What's an acceptable amount of gluten or should it be avoided at all cause? I love bread and who doesn't like the occasional sweet products. It seems impossible to avoid it from what I read.
Post your comments