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What Surprisingly Has Gluten In It?

Published in Gluten-Containing Foods 2 mins read

Gluten can unexpectedly appear in a variety of foods and products, often hidden in ingredients that aren't immediately obvious sources of wheat, barley, or rye. For those managing a gluten-free diet, being aware of these less common culprits is crucial. Many processed foods and even some beverages can contain gluten due to various reasons, such as thickeners, flavorings, or brewing processes.

Unexpected Gluten Sources to Watch Out For

Here are some surprising items that commonly contain gluten:

  • Beer, Ale, and Lagers: Most traditional beers are brewed using malted barley, a primary source of gluten. While some gluten-removed or gluten-free beers exist, standard varieties are not safe for individuals avoiding gluten.
  • Bouillon Cubes and Powdered Broths: These common kitchen ingredients often use wheat flour or wheat starch as binders, thickeners, or anti-caking agents, contributing to their texture and stability.
  • Brown Rice Syrup: This sweetener can surprisingly contain gluten if it is processed with barley enzymes, which are sometimes used to break down starches during its production.
  • Candy: Many candies, especially those with chewy textures or specific coatings, can contain gluten from ingredients like malt (derived from barley), wheat flour, or modified food starch (often wheat-based).
  • Chips (Flavored Varieties): While plain potato chips are naturally gluten-free, many flavored varieties use spice blends, marinades, or coatings that contain wheat-derived ingredients or maltodextrin from wheat. Always check the ingredient list for flavored chips.
  • Communion Wafers: Traditionally, communion wafers are made from wheat flour, making them a source of gluten. Low-gluten or gluten-free alternatives are available for religious services.
  • Couscous: Often mistaken for a grain, couscous is actually a type of pasta made from semolina, which is derived from durum wheat, making it a definite source of gluten.
  • Deli Meats and Processed Meats: Some processed meats, like cold cuts, hot dogs, sausages, or even pre-marinated meats, may contain gluten from fillers, binders, flavorings, or marinades that include wheat-based ingredients or hydrolyzed wheat protein.

Understanding these less obvious sources empowers individuals to make informed choices and maintain a strict gluten-free diet when necessary. For more comprehensive information on managing a gluten-free lifestyle, exploring resources on hidden gluten is recommended.