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Gluten: What you need to know

By Jenilee Matz, MPH May 25, 2023 • 8 min


Chances are you know someone who is following a gluten-free diet. Maybe you've even tried gluten-free food or made gluten-free recipes. But what is gluten? And why are so many people trying to avoid it? Learn more about the basics of gluten.

What is gluten?

Gluten is the term for proteins naturally found in certain grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and a cross between wheat and rye called triticale. It helps these grains maintain their shape.

What is a gluten allergy?

"Gluten allergy" is an incorrect term. You can have celiac disease, a sensitivity to gluten or an allergy to wheat, but there is no such thing as a gluten allergy.

  • Celiac disease: People with celiac disease are considered gluten intolerant. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that reduces someone's ability to tolerate gluten. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten harms part of the small intestine and sets off a host of symptoms. Gluten intolerance symptoms can include chronic diarrhea, stomach pain, bloating, tiredness, headaches and more. If your healthcare provider suspects you have celiac disease, you'll likely have a physical exam and blood tests. There isn't just one gluten intolerance test that can show if you have celiac disease. Blood tests can check for antibodies that are common in celiac disease. To confirm the diagnosis, you will also likely need a biopsy of your small intestine. If you're diagnosed with celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet is essential for managing this disease.
  • Gluten sensitivity: Researchers are still learning about this sensitivity. People who are gluten sensitive may have unpleasant symptoms, such as stomachaches, muscle cramps and leg cramps when they eat gluten-containing foods. However, unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity doesn't appear to harm the small intestine. If your healthcare provider thinks you have gluten sensitivity, you may be tested to rule out celiac disease.
  • Wheat allergy: In a wheat allergy, your body's immune system mistakes wheat for a harmful substance. To protect you, it produces antibodies (called Immunoglobulin E or IgE) that travel to cells to release chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals trigger symptoms of an allergic reaction. Wheat allergy symptoms can include hives, stuffy or runny nose, nausea, headaches, asthma and more. Your healthcare provider may do a skin prick test or a blood test if they think you may have a wheat allergy.

What is gluten-free?

"Gluten-free" is a term for foods that are not made from gluten-containing grains. Foods that are processed to remove gluten to less than 20 parts per million can also be labeled as gluten-free according to the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA. People who eat gluten-free avoid consuming foods that contain gluten.

What is a gluten-free diet?

A gluten-free diet is a diet that omits gluten-containing foods. This diet is essential in the treatment of celiac disease and those with a gluten sensitivity.

Is gluten bad for you?

For most people, gluten isn't unhealthy or something to avoid. Only those with celiac disease or a medical condition associated with gluten need to avoid foods that contain gluten.

What foods contain gluten?

Foods made from wheat, barley, rye and triticale contain gluten. Foods with gluten include food made from these grains, like bread, pasta, pizza and crackers. Many other types of processed foods also contain gluten, such as frozen meals, processed meats and beer. Gluten-free versions of many of these products are available, including gluten-free bread and gluten-free beer. Gluten also hides in many nonfood products, such as hair care and skin care products, medicines and dietary supplements.

People often ask if the following foods contain gluten:*

Food

Is it gluten-free?

Is rice gluten-free?

Yes

Is oatmeal gluten-free?

Yes. However, oats are commonly grown or processed next to wheat, so only eat oats labeled as gluten-free.

Is quinoa gluten-free?

Yes

Are potatoes gluten-free?

Yes

Are oats gluten-free?

Yes. However, oats are commonly grown or processed next to wheat, so only eat oats labeled gluten-free.

Is ketchup gluten-free?

Depends on manufacturer. Check label.

Are lentils gluten-free?

Yes

Is whiskey gluten-free?

Yes

Is popcorn gluten-free?

Yes

Is cornstarch glute-free?

Yes

Is barley gluten-free?

No

Is wine gluten-free?

Yes

Is couscous gluten-free?

No

Is buckwheat gluten-free?

Yes

Are marshmallows gluten-free?

Depends on manufacturer. Check label.

Is chocolate gluten-free?

Depends on manufacturer. Check label.

Is risotto gluten-free?

Risotto is made using rice, which is gluten-free. However, other ingredients in the recipe may contain gluten. Check label.

Are corn tortillas gluten-free?

Yes

Is peanut butter gluten-free?

Yes

Are French fries gluten-free?

Depends on manufacturer. Check label.

Is yeast gluten-free?

Depends on the type of yeast. Baker's yeast and nutritional yeast are gluten-free. Brewer's yeast is not always free from gluten, so it's best to contact the manufacturer.

Is polenta gluten-free?

Yes

Is bourbon gluten-free?

Yes

Is bacon gluten-free?

Depends on manufacturer. Check label.

Is wheatgrass gluten-free?

Pure wheatgrass is gluten-free, but the seeds contain gluten. Check label.

Is millet gluten-free?

Yes

Is beer gluten-free?

No

Is tequila gluten-free?

Yes

Is hummus gluten-free?

Yes

Is sour cream gluten-free?

Yes

Is tofu gluten-free?

Yes

Is sourdough bread gluten-free?

No

Is tapioca gluten-free?

Yes

*If you must avoid gluten, it's important to read ingredient labels very closely. While many of these foods don't naturally contain gluten, the food may come into contact with gluten during the manufacturing process.

How to eat gluten-free

You may wonder how to go gluten-free. Keep in mind that only people with celiac disease or a gluten-related disorder like gluten sensitivity need to eat gluten-free to manage the condition.

Eating gluten-free means avoiding foods that contain gluten. Create your gluten-free foods list based on foods that are naturally gluten-free. These include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, fish and seafood, nuts, beans and legumes. Since gluten can lurk in unexpected places, it's important to read ingredient labels carefully. You'll also need to ask questions about ingredients used and how food is prepared when you dine away from home. It's also important to be aware of cross-contamination. Even ingesting a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms in some people with celiac disease.

If your healthcare provider advises you to eat a gluten-free diet to manage your health, it can be helpful to work with a registered dietitian who specializes in your condition. They can help you learn how to eat a balanced gluten-free diet so you maintain good nutrition.

Reviewed and updated May 2023 by Amy Magill, MA, RDN.

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