If you’ve been diagnosed with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it can be challenging to avoid gluten in your food. Gluten can be found in many foods, and it’s not always immediately obvious. To help you identify gluten-containing foods quickly and easily, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the key words and phrases to watch out for.
Wheat, barley, rye, and oats
The most common sources of gluten are wheat, barley, rye, and, to a lesser extent, oats. You should be particularly careful with wheat-based products such as bread, pasta, pastries, and cereals. If you’re looking to avoid gluten, it’s essential to be aware of any food items with these ingredients.
Modified food starch
Modified food starch is a common ingredient in many processed foods, and it is often derived from wheat. If you’re unsure about the source of modified food starch in a product, it’s always best to contact the manufacturer directly to ask.
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is used as a flavor enhancer in many processed foods, and it is sometimes derived from wheat, barley, or rye. Check the ingredient list carefully and contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about the source of hydrolyzed vegetable protein.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate derived from wheat, corn, or potatoes. If it’s derived from wheat, it will contain gluten, so it’s essential to check the source of maltodextrin if it’s on the ingredient list.
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast is a byproduct of beer brewing, and it’s sometimes used as a flavor enhancer in processed foods. Brewer’s yeast can contain gluten, so it’s important to avoid it if you’re sensitive to gluten.
Conclusion:
Spotting gluten in foods can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. By knowing the key words and phrases to watch out for, you can easily identify gluten-containing foods and make informed choices about what to eat. Remember to always read ingredient labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you’re unsure about the source of any ingredients. With a little bit of effort and awareness, you can successfully manage your gluten intolerance or sensitivity and enjoy a healthy, balanced diet.
