If you are allergic or intolerant to gluten, you are in for a daunting task. For some, eating a bit of wheat or gluten will produce mild symptoms that are inconvenient at worst.
For some others, however, any amount can be dangerous. How can you be 100% sure your food is gluten and wheat free? Always read labels. No assumption is safe.
You would never imagine some foods containing wheat or gluten, yet they do. Know how to read labels. Some ingredients listed might not include the words ‘gluten’ and ‘wheat’.
The following is a list and brief description of ingredients to avoid:
Hydrolyzed plant and vegetable proteins (HPP and HVP) should be avoided. These are not acceptable because it doesn’t identify what the plant source is. Under new law, manufacturers are required to disclose the plant source.
Beware of modified food starch. There’s no requirement for identifying the plant source, but if wheat is being used, by law it needs to be labeled as Modified Wheat Starch.
Natural and/or Artificial Flavorings. Barley, rye or hydrolyzed protein could be used for flavoring. The manufacturer should be able to clarify all the ingredients.
What starches are in your food? In the US, most often corn is the starch used to thicken and fill. If other starches are present, they should be known.
Dextrin Also used as a thickener, dextrin can be made of corn, rice, tapioca, wheat or potato. If wheat is included, it should be identified on the label as wheat Dextrin.
Individual spices. A mixture of spices might need gluten as a binding agent. It should be listed on the label.
When dining out, make sure you ask plenty of questions. You can call ahead and ask for information regarding wheat and gluten free menu items, or if you’ll be eating at a well-known chain restaurant, you can check out their website for wheat and gluten free menu details.
Most restaurants have this information available for their customers. Always have gluten and wheat-free bars with you, which you can easily purchase online.
If someone invites you over, let them know that you are on a gluten and wheat-free diet. They will probably be happy to know, but they might need your help to create a safe, delightful meal.
About the author: Join enthusiast and author Brandon James to rediscover the enjoyment of fine cigars and premium tobacco products. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newcomer, you’ll enjoy these cigar samplers, Rocky Patel and cigar humidors.
