Foods That Contain Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in many foods. It helps food keep its shape. Gluten is found in most grains and preservatives like MSG. Some types of alcohol contain gluten.

Foods Containing Gluten

• Wheat, wheat germ, wheat grass, rye, barley, bulgar, couscous, farina, graham flour, kamut, matzo, seitan, semolina and spelt all contain gluten. Oats are OK unless prepared around contaminated materials.

Check Labels

• The Food and Drug Administration doesn't require manufacturers to list gluten as part of a food's ingredients. Double check the labels of imitation meats, sauces, thickeners, pastas and breads. Gluten-free labels are not always accurate. Do your homework. Read labels for the grains and foods you know to contain gluten.

Alcohol

• Most alcohol is made from gluten, but the distilling process removes it. Beer, ale and lager still contain gluten.

Other items

• Play-Doh, some lipsticks and some toothpastes also contain gluten.

Gluten intolerance

• Celiac disease is when the body cannot digest gluten. Monitoring your diet is the only treatment. Read labels carefully. Avoid cross contamination while handling food.