Sneaky Gluten
Gluten is super sneaky and makes its way into all kinds of foods you think might be safe. We’ve created a list of foods we’ve run across which contain sneaky gluten, but this list isn’t the “end-all be-all” so always check those labels. Beware, friends – manufacturers have been known to switch up their ingredients, so check the labels of your gluten-free standbys often. And remember, “when you doubt it, ask about it”; when you’re unsure if an ingredient is glutenous or not contact the manufacturer/company. Most are pretty quick to respond and it’s better to know than to guess and be glutenized.
Foods Which May Contain Gluten:
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Brown Rice Syrup
If it isn’t labeled gluten free it might contain barley.
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Bulk Section Foods
Scoops could get crossed or containers switched and not well washed beforehand.
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Buckwheat Noodles
Not all are 100% buckwheat & may contain wheat flour.
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Candy
Licorice, hard candies, etc.
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Canned Goods
Baked beans, soups, & veggies canned in a sauce. Chipotle in adobo, vegetarian chilis, etc.
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Caramel Coloring
Made within the in US it’s g-f, elsewhere isn’t guaranteed.
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Cereals
Many rice & oat cereals have wheat flour added, are made with oats that aren’t gluten-free, or contain malt flavoring.
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Chips
Flavored chips may be hiding gluten.
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Chocolate
Some may be sweetened with barley.
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Condiments
Mustards, sweet & sour sauces, hoisin, etc.
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Dish Soaps, Household Cleaners, & Laundry Detergents
Check for gluten-free labels.
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Drugs & Medicines
See glutenfreedrugs.com for a list of gluten-free ones. Items such as cough drops, Beano, etc. may contain gluten. Please talk with a physician.
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Envelopes, Stamps, & Stickers
Believe it or not, gluten may be hiding there.
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Flavorings
Vanilla, hazelnut, almond, etc. Make sure yours is labeled gluten-free.
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Fried Yumminesses
May be cooked in same fryer with breaded foods.
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Health & Beauty Aids
Shampoos, Body washes, & Moisturizers – many use wheat germ.
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Malt
Extracted most of the time from barley, but sometimes from other grains. Check to see if it’s gluten-free in the product you’d like to enjoy.
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Miso
Some types are made with barley. If you’re looking for a soy-free miso, South River Miso has what you’re looking for.
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Mouthwash & Toothpaste
Some brands contain gluten.
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Non-Stick Cooking Sprays
Check the labels to ensure it’s gluten-free.
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Pancake syrups
You might just wanna stick with good ‘ol 100% maple sryup.
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Rice Mixes
The flavor packets of some boxed rice mixes may be hiding gluten.
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Roasted Nuts
Emerald Backyard Grill Glazed Walnuts ‘n Almond & Emerald Dry Roasted Walnuts contain gluten, to name a few.
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Salad Dressings
Some use gluten as a thickener.
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Sauces ‘n Such
Soy sauce, worchestershire, bbq, liquid smoke, teriyaki, hoisin, etc.
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Spice Mixes
Some contain flour to prevent sticking – such as white pepper, 5 spice, pie spices, mustard powder,hing/asofeotida, etc.
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Starch*, Food Starch, & Modified Food Starch
As of 2006 companies are required by law to list ingredients as “containing WHEAT” if the starches do contain in. Check with the manufacturer just to be safe. (*Unless otherwise stated on the food label, the single word “starch” in an ingredient list means corn starch.)
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Tea
Bigelow brand’s chamomile mango, cinnamon spice, & blueberry harvest & Celestial seasonings’ roastaroma contain gluten.
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Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
Check the labels! Some brands contain wheat flour (Bob’s Red Mill has gluten-free TVP & TSP).
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Toffuti Sour & Cream Cheese*
Sorry, guysers. (* while tofutti contains no added gluten in their cream cheese and sour cream, they cannot guarantee the flavors used in their products are free of gluten. some have reported being tolerant and others have reacted to their products; ultimately it’s up to you.)
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Tomato Paste
Some brands use wheat flour as a thickener.
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Trail Mixes
Some brands which contain dates may use wheat flour to prevent sticking.
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Veggies
Those frozen in a sauce may contain gluten.
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Veggie Burgers
Many brands contain wheat gluten to bind them together. Sunshine burgers & Bahama Rice Burgers are both xgfx.
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Wasabi Peas
Why they don’t omit the wheat flour is beyond me. These spicy peas are pretty darn yummy though!
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“Wheat Free” Foods
Products labeled “wheat free” aren’t necessarily gluten-free. Wheat free does not = gluten-free – don’t be fooled!
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Wine Coolers
Malt flavoring like a mofo.