What is Gluten

Gluten is a group of proteins found in certain grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley. (Read More)

It helps to maintain food shape by providing elasticity and hydration. It also allows the bread to grow and provides a chewy texture.

Ditch the Gluten, Improve Your Health?

Although gluten is safe for most people, it should be avoided by people with conditions such as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to prevent health side effects.

Many foods contain gluten ingredients, so it’s essential for people who cannot use them to check these ingredients’ labels closely.

Fruits and Vegetables

All fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free products. However, some processed fruits and vegetables may contain gluten, which is sometimes added for flavoring or thickening.

Ingredients for gluten that can be added to processed fruits and vegetables include hydrolyzed wheat protein, modified food starch, malt, and maltodextrin.

Fruits and Vegetables to Eat

Although the list below is not exhaustive, it does provide some examples of fresh fruits and vegetables that you can enjoy on a gluten-free diet.

1. Citrus fruits, including oranges and grapefruit
2. Bananas
3. Apples
4. Berries
5. Peaches
6. Pears
7. Cruciferous vegetables, including cauliflower and broccoli
8. Greens, such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard
9. Starchy vegetables, including potatoes, corn, and squash
10. Bell peppers
11. Mushrooms
12. onions
13. carrots
14. radishes
15. green beans

Whole Grains

Some whole grains contain gluten, while others are naturally gluten-free.

It is essential to check the food label when buying whole grains. Even gluten-free whole grains can be contaminated with gluten, mainly if they are processed in the same way that food contains gluten.

For example, oats are often processed in facilities that also process wheat, causing cross-contamination. For this reason, you should make sure that the oats you buy are gluten-free.

Gluten-free Whole Grains

1. Quinoa
2. Brown rice
3. Wild rice
4. Buckwheat
5. Sorghum
6. Tapioca
7. Millet
8. Amaranth
9. Teff
10. Arrowroot
11. Oats (make sure they’re labeled gluten-free as they may be contaminated with gluten during processing.)

Grains to Avoid

1. Wheat, all varieties (whole wheat, wheat berries, graham, bulgur, farro, farina, durum, Kamut, bromated flour, spelled, etc.)
2. Rye
3. Barley
4. Triticale

These gluten-containing grains are often used to make products like bread, crackers, pasta, cereals, baked goods, and snack foods.

Proteins

Many foods contain protein, including animal and plant sources. In addition, most are naturally gluten-free diets.

However, ingredients that contain gluten, such as soy sauce, flour, and malt vinegar, are often used as fillers or flavors. They can be added to sauces, dressings, and marinades that are usually found in protein sources.

Gluten-Free Proteins

1. Beans (beans, lentils, peas, peanuts)
2. Nuts and seeds
3. Red meat (fresh beef, pork, mutton, bison)
4. Poultry (fresh chicken, turkey)
5. Seafood (fresh fish, scallops, shellfish)
6. Traditional soy foods (tofu, thyme, edema, etc.)

Proteins to Double-Check

1. Processed meats, such as hot dogs, pepperoni, hot dogs, salami, and bacon
2. Meat substitutes, such as veggie burgers
3. Cold or cold
4. Ground meat
5. Proteins that have been added to sauces or seasonings
6. Ready-to-eat proteins, such as microwaves, are found in safe TV dinners

Proteins to Avoid

1. Any meat, poultry, or fish that is bread
2. Proteins that are mixed with wheat-based soy sauce
3. Seton

Dairy Products

Most dairy products are naturally gluten-free. However, those that are flavorful and have extra ingredients should always be double-checked for gluten.

Some common gluten-containing ingredients added to dairy products include condensate, malt, and modified food starch.

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Gluten-free Dairy Products

1. Milk
2. Butter and ghee
3. Cheese
4. Cream
5. Cottage cheese
6. Sour cream
7. Yogurt

Dairy Products to Double-Check

1. Flavored milk and yogurt
2. Processed cheese products, such as cheese sauce and spreads
3. Ice cream, which is sometimes combined with gluten-containing supplements

Fats and Oils

Fats and oils are naturally gluten-free. However, gluten-containing supplements can be added to fats and oils for flavor and thickening in some cases.

Gluten-free Fats and Oils

1. Butter and ghee
2. Olive and olive oil
3. Avocados and avocado oil
4. Coconut oil
5. Vegetable and seed oils, including sesame oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil.

Fats and Oils to Double-Check

1. Cooking spray
2. Oil with extra flavors or spices

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