Foods made with wheat are staples of the American diet; however, many people are allergic to proteins found in wheat, called gluten. If you are allergic to gluten strictly avoiding wheat and wheat products containing gluten is the only way to prevent a reaction, which can include stomach upset, eczema, hay fever, asthma, and even anaphylaxis. However, it is difficult to avoid wheat products as many foods that people do not think of as containing gluten actually do contain gluten.
Always check the label ingredients before you use a product. Many processed foods, including ice cream and catsup, may contain wheat flour. In addition, check the label each time you use the product. Manufacturers occasionally change recipes, and a trigger food may be added to the new recipe. Many wheat products are now available "gluten free" and will say so on the label.
Examples of wheat products and foods that may contain wheat include:
Wheat Products:
- Whole wheat or enriched flour
- High gluten flour
- High protein flour
- Bran
- Farina
- Graham flour
- Bulgur
- Durum
- Semolina
- Wheat malt
- Wheat starch
- Modified starch
- Starch
- Triticale (wheat and rye blend)
Wheat-Containing Ingredients:
- Gluten
- Gelatinized starch
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- Vital gluten
- Wheat bran
- Wheat germ
- Wheat gluten
- Vegetable gum
- Vegetable starch
- Natural flavoring
- Cereal extract
- Cereal filler
- Thickening agent
- MSG
- Kamut
Wheat-Containing Food:
- Many breads, cookies, cakes, and other baked goods
- Bread crumbs
- Crackers
- Many cereals
- Couscous
- Cracker meal
- Pasta
- Spelt
- Soy sauce
- Whole wheat berries
- Pizza
- Seasonings
- Imitation crabmeat
- Polenta
- Seitan (wheat meat substitute)
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
This document was last reviewed on: 11/9/2006
