Avoiding gluten in not-so-obvious foods

Although not technically a chemical additive to our foods, the rise of gluten intolerances and allergies is putting this ingredient under scrutiny in many peoples diets.

One of the reasons offered as to why gluten has become such an digestive issue is that it lurks in so many products that we often don’t realise just how much of it we are consuming on a daily basis.

Of course there are the obvious protagonists like bread and pasta but I found the following list enormously helpful when making choices that reduced or eliminated gluten in my families diet.

The following products may contain gluten so read the label carefully:

• Dairy products such as ice cream, cheese spreads, and fat-free products
• Vegetables that are breaded, creamed, or scalloped.
• Canned fruits may contain a thickener made with gluten.
• Canned soups and dehydrated soup mixes often contain varying degrees of gluten.
• Condiments that contain gluten include soy sauce; some types of ketchup and mustard; some varieties of dry spice blends; vinegar distilled from grains; some types of salad dressing, which may contain a modified starch often containing gluten; and some types of rice syrup that may contain barley malt for flavoring.
• Lollies made with flour, or dusted with flour to prevent sticking.
• Imitation seafood products if made with binders.
• Extracts and flavorings are often combined with alcohol distilled from grains that contain gluten.
• Beverages such as malted milk, some chocolate drinks, some flavored coffees, beer and ale, spirits distilled from grains and some carbonated beverages.
• Envelope adhesive.
• Medications including some types of prescription and over-the-counter pills.
• Whoa!

Read more about hidden gluten in foods

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Lindy Schneider is a writer and researcher with a keen interest in health, wellbeing and natural childcare. She is an advocator of a chemical-free lifestyle in the best interests of her family, the community and a sustainable world. She lives in the Yarra Valley with her partner and two young children.