Other names for gluten ingredients in foods can be tricky. Some days it feels like gluten is in everything! It’s hard to remember ingredients that always contain gluten in foods or ones that may contain gluten in foods so I wanted to make a post about it with a printable list to make it easier. I will also post the lists to Instagram so you can screenshot them to keep in your phone if you’d like.
WHAT MAKES LABELS SO HARD TO UNDERSTAND?
IMO, the labels on food in the United States are not always clear. The FDA has regulated that all foods must disclose if an ingredient contains anything made from wheat, barley or rye, or a combination of these grains. EXCEPT if it is meat, chicken, or certain egg products. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES do not have to list the ingredients as well. Here’s the link so you can read what the FDA has written about it. It also states that the label gluten free is voluntary.
OK, so that leaves lots of room for marinated meats, broth being added to chicken, hot dogs, lunch meat, sausage, fake crab meat, and the list goes on to have other names for gluten or hidden gluten or wheat in the ingredients. As well as beer, hard alcohol or hard seltzers to have hidden wheat or gluten and not put them on the label.
HOW DO I KNOW IF SOMETHING HAS HIDDEN GLUTEN IN IT?
My first recommendation is to research the brands you like to shop. I personally like to choose brands that are certified gluten-free to reduce the risk of hidden gluten. Generally, I also avoid deli meat cuts at the meat counter in case of cross-contamination. I don’t also buy store ground beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb (or any ground meat) because they could have processed meatloaf or meatballs with breadcrumbs ahead of the ground meat. Boom…that just contaminated my meat. I buy pre-packaged ground beef, lamb, chicken, etc from sources that don’t make any meatloaf or meatballs lol.
My second recommendation is to not buy any saucy or pre-seasoned meats. Examples are turkey that is self-basting, chicken that has gravy, pre-seasoned tri-tip, kabobs that are marinated. They are on my sketchy list! They may be ok but I am not willing to be the guinea pig to try them out. I know this may cause more work for you having to make everything homemade but I think it is worth the extra work to feel better personally.
HERE’S THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS THAT ALWAYS CONTAIN GLUTEN:
HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS!
I feel like the first part of this post is heavy! Here are all the things I can’t eat.. here’s what I don’t do..etc I always try to look at the bright side.. it’s in my blood! lol! I am B Positive after all! All fruit, veggies and all unseasoned real meat, fish and eggs are gluten free. That is a lot of options on what to eat right there!
I find if I stick to the outside of the grocery store when I shop it makes eating gluten-free a lot easier! So many packaged and processed foods make it a little more tricky!
I hope these lists help you with the other names for gluten or hidden gluten ingredients in foods. I also posted them on my Instagram so you can screenshot them or save them for a quick reference.
As Always,
Best Wishes for Gluten Free Dishes!
XO,
Michelle
