What is gluten?
It’s important to understand gluten. Gluten is a protein found in the wheat, rye, barley and triticale (a cross between rye and barley). It works as a binding agent in the manufacturing of processed foods to give the food shape. As an ingredient gluten has two sub-proteins – glutenin and gliadin, which are natural and can be extracted, concentrated and added to food and other products to add protein, texture and flavor.
Common Uses of Gluten:
Gluten is primarily used in the milling & flour industry and in bakery products. It holds bread together, helps dough rise, gives bread its unique texture and shelf-life. It is also used in certain cold cuts, fish and pasta preparations. It can be found in plant-based foods to provide high nutritional values supplementing or partially replacing animal proteins in human nutrition.
Sources of Gluten:
•wheat
•rye
•barley
•triticale
Varieties and Derivatives of Wheat:
•wheatberries
•durum
•emmer
•semolina
•spelt
•farina
•khorasan wheat (kamut)
•einkorn wheat
•wheat starch
Malt in Various Forms:
•malted barley flour
•malted milk (milkshakes)
•malt extract
•malt syrup
•malt flavoring malt vinegar
Challenging Ingredients:
•flavors and flavor enhancers
•seasoning mixes
•blended coatings
•processing aids brewer’s yeast
Surprising Sources of Gluten:
•beauty products
•bleu cheese
•bouillon cubes
•bullion and broths
•candy
•carmel color
•cereals
•cold cuts
•condiments (ketchup, mayonnaise)
•french fries
•gravy / marinades
•hot chocolate
•ice cream
•imitation meat and seafood
•items labeled “wheat free”
•medications
•oats (unless certified gluten-free)
•pickles
•processed meats (hot dogs)
•processed cheese
•salad dressings
•sauces
•soups
•soy sauce / beverages
•veggie burgers
•vitamin supplements
A person on a gluten-free diet with celiac disease should take care in reading labels and look for food that is certified gluten-free to reduce the risk of contamination.
Disclaimer: This post is for information purposes only. Any questions or concerns regarding the information provided can be checked on the Government of Canada website here.