Avoid Hidden Gluten By Learning To Read Food Labels

Gluten is often used as an additive in processed foods. Gluten serves many roles – it can be a thickener, an emulsifier, or a stabilizer in many packaged foods.

Our guide to finding hidden gluten in prepared foods will get you well on your way to learning what to avoid. Please note, however, than gluten can be found hidden in the most curious of places. So if you are not absolutely certain what is in a particular food, contact the food manufacturer to determine whether it is gluten free.

Fortunately, new food labeling statutes regarding allergens will make detecting gluten in prepared foods much easier for gluten-free cooks.

Beware of the following words on food labels. Any mention of these is an indication the food contains gluten:

starch

hydrolyzed plant protein

emulsifiers

flavorings

natural flavorings

stabilizers

HVP (Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein)

TVP (Texturized Vegetable Protein)

The following prepared foods and beverages containing gluten:

baked beans

baking powder

beer

breadings and coating mix

brown rice syrup

canned meats in broth

canned fish in broth

caramel color – this is normally made from corn but it never hurts to check

cheese sauces

shredded cheeses

condiments such as mustard, oriental sauces, or ketchup

deli meats

breaded fish

breaded meat

pre-packaged meats

hot dogs

dextrin – this is normally made from corn but it never hurts to check

dry roasted nuts

frozen french fries in the coating

gravy – all types including dry packets, cubes, canned, and processed

buillion cubes

imitation meats, fish, or cheeses

instant mixes for coffee and cocoa

licorice – both red and black

matzo meal

malted vinegars, barley, milk products, etc.

modified food starch

monoglycerides or diglycerides

pickles and pickled foods

salad dressing

soy sauce

self-basting chicken and turkey

flavored snack foods including flavored corn chips and potato chips

soups, broths, and stock

spice blends

herb blends

rice products with seasoning packets

Bottom Line: Read labels thoroughly and don’t hesitate to call food manufacturers to be certain foods are gluten free. Always check over processed sauce labels. Everything from ice cream toppings to barbecue sauce could possibly contain gluten.