Label Reading 

Label reading is especially important. Gliadin is a common additive that appears under many different names. Wheat is the first consideration. It is a major ingredient in breads, rolls, pastry, cakes, cookies, and most baked products. Noodles, macaroni, and spaghetti are typically made with wheat. Wheat starch is used in a variety of other foods, such as gravy, soup, and stew. Gluten gives texture and shape to cakes and baked products. Check all ingredient labels, and be aware that manufacturers may change ingredients without warning. Emulsifiers and stabilizers may contain gliadin. Be persistent and contact food companies to determine the gliadin content of products.

Words That May Indicate Gliadin

• Flour, self-rising flour, enriched flour

• Modified food starch

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)

• Cereals

• Malt or cereal extracts

• Malt flavoring

• Distilled vinegar

• Emulsifiers

• Stabilizers

Foods That May Contain Gluten

 

Food Categories            Remarks 

Baked goods                    Purchase pure cocoa powder and real chocolate chips when baking.

                                      Coconut and molasses are acceptable. Experiment with alternative

         flours such as potato, rice, and corn.

Beverages                        Cereal additives or malt may be added to coffee, especially

          flavored instant coffee products, milk products, and alcoholic

          beverages. Fruit juices and skim, low fat, and whole milk are

          recommended.

Cereals                             Malt from barley is a flavoring agent in cereals. Several brands of

           gliadin-free rice and corn cereals are available.

Cheese                             Processed and ‘flavored’ cheeses may contain oat stabilizers.

Desserts                           Small amounts of gluten in the form of malt may be added and not

          included on the labels of many candies. Fruits and home-prepared

          desserts are recommended.

Fruits and vegetables         Plain fruits and vegetables are gluten-free. Sauces and breadings

           may include wheat flour.

Meats                               Check processed and canned meats, lunchmeats, and hot dogs.

          Casserole dishes usually use wheat as a thickener.

Pasta                                Rice- and corn-based pastas may be mail ordered or found in

           specialty shops. Oriental stores sell a variety of rice products, such

          as rice and soybean thread noodles.

Soups                               A few canned soups are acceptable. Commercial broth/bouillon

          usually contains gliadin in the form of hydrolyzed vegetable

          proteins. Home-made soups are recommended.

Other                               Check labels of horseradish sauce, catsup, curry powder, and soy

          sauce carefully. Some are gluten-free. Medical prescriptions may

          contain wheat starch fille