Gluten intolerance, also known as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, is a condition in which the body reacts negatively to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye.

For those with gluten intolerance, even small amounts of gluten can cause symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

While avoiding obvious sources of gluten such as bread, pasta, and baked goods can help manage symptoms, gluten can also be found in many unexpected places. Here are 27 hidden sources of gluten to avoid:.

1. Beer

Beer is made from grains such as barley, which contains gluten. There are gluten-free beers available, but it’s important to read labels carefully.

2. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is made from fermented wheat and soybeans, meaning it contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free soy sauce options available.

3. Condiments

Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise may contain gluten as a thickener or stabilizer. Look for gluten-free versions or read labels carefully.

4. Deli Meats

Deli meats may contain gluten as a filler or coating. Look for gluten-free options or choose fresh cuts of meat instead.

5. French Fries

French fries may be coated in a flour-based batter or seasoned with a gluten-containing spice blend. Look for gluten-free options or make fries at home using gluten-free ingredients.

6. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese may contain gluten as a stabilizer. Look for gluten-free cheese options or choose natural cheeses.

7. Gravy

Gravy is often made with flour as a thickener, making it a hidden source of gluten. Look for gluten-free gravy options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

8. Imitation Meat

Imitation meat products such as veggie burgers may contain gluten as a binder. Look for gluten-free options or choose fresh plant-based proteins such as tofu or tempeh.

9. Salad Dressing

Salad dressing may contain gluten as a thickener or flavor enhancer. Look for gluten-free options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

10. Seasoning Blends

Seasoning blends such as taco seasoning or fajita seasoning may contain gluten-containing ingredients. Look for gluten-free versions or make your own blends using gluten-free ingredients.

11. Soup

Soup may contain flour as a thickener, making it a hidden source of gluten. Look for gluten-free soup options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

12. Stuffing

Stuffing is typically made with bread, making it a gluten-containing dish. Look for gluten-free stuffing options or make your own using gluten-free bread or grains.

13. Candy

Candy may contain gluten as a binder or filler. Look for gluten-free candy options or choose fruit or dark chocolate instead.

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14. Ice Cream

Ice cream may contain gluten as a stabilizer or flavor enhancer. Look for gluten-free ice cream options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

15. Canned or Packaged Beans

Canned or packaged beans may contain gluten as a thickener or filler. Look for gluten-free options or choose fresh or frozen beans instead.

16. Energy Bars

Energy bars may contain gluten as a binder or filler. Look for gluten-free options or choose fresh fruit or nuts instead.

17. Licorice

Licorice may contain wheat flour as a filler or to add texture. Look for gluten-free licorice options or choose other gluten-free candies instead.

18. Marshmallows

Marshmallows may contain gluten as a binder or stabilizer. Look for gluten-free marshmallow options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

19. Soy Milk

Soy milk may contain gluten as an additive or thickener. Look for gluten-free soy milk options or choose other non-dairy milks such as almond or coconut.

20. Vodka

Vodka is typically made from grains such as wheat, barley, or rye. However, some vodkas are made from gluten-free ingredients such as potato or corn.

21. BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce may contain gluten as a thickener or flavor enhancer. Look for gluten-free BBQ sauce options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

22. Curry Powder

Curry powder may contain gluten as a filler or to add texture. Look for gluten-free curry powder options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

23. Noodles

Noodles are usually made from wheat flour, making them a gluten-containing food. Look for gluten-free noodle options or choose grains such as rice or quinoa instead.

24. Salad Mixes

Pre-packaged salad mixes may contain gluten as a coating or filler. Look for gluten-free salad mixes or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

25. Sausages

Sausages may contain fillers such as bread crumbs or wheat flour. Look for gluten-free sausage options or choose fresh cuts of meat instead.

26. Instant Oatmeal

Instant oatmeal may contain gluten as a filler or to add texture. Look for gluten-free oatmeal options or choose other gluten-free grains such as quinoa or rice.

27. Toppings and Gravies

Toppings and gravies such as chocolate sauce and au jus may contain flour as a thickener, making them a hidden source of gluten. Look for gluten-free options or make your own using gluten-free ingredients.

Avoiding these hidden sources of gluten can help manage symptoms of gluten intolerance. When in doubt, always read labels carefully and choose fresh, whole foods over processed options.