Hidden Sources of Gluten

There are hidden sources of gluten all around us.  Here is some food for thought...

Around the home: Food & Prep

• Use a different toaster than the rest of the family who toasts gluten bread
• Have your own strainers for pasta & GF food so no gluten residue remains to contaminate your GF food
• Grilling on the same grill as those that toasted their buns on can contaminate your GF food
• Baking sheets can have gluten traces
• Be sure to use different knives than those that use theirs on food containing gluten
• Have your own GF cutting board
• Waffle makers can have gluten residue, be sure to wash well or have your own
• The oven can have flour remnants, be sure to clean it well!
• Using the same knife/utensil as those that use it on their food containing gluten [think Thanksgiving dinner & the butter knife]
• Oats 
• This has caused much debate, I purchase GF oats
• Nuts

• They can be on shared equipment when packaged [wheat]
• Wheat [and other ingredients] may be added, always read the packaging!
• Butter
• Have a separate stick of butter for yourself
• Peanut Butter jar
• Have a separate peanut butter for yourself just incase someone double dips when spreading on their bread
• Medicines/Vitamins 
• Look on the back and see if they have an allergen
• I use Target brand vitamins and I've found them to be gluten-free!
• Look out for the words "modified", "hydrogenated", "natural flavorings", "MSG", "binders", "stabilizers", and more.  These could contain gluten.
• Salad dressings often contain gluten
• Soy sauce
• Chicken broth
• I use Swanson; Cottage Inn has gluten in it
• Deli meat
• Seasonings/Spices
• Beer
• I recommend Michelob Ultra or a hard cider - I've been okay with these myself

Around the home: Products

• Some latex gloves are dusted with wheat flour
• Glue on envelopes
• This has been a great debate, sources say it is made of corn starch, just be aware
• Art supplies
• Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, soap, shave gel, tooth paste, hair products, makeup, sunblock, lotion/cream...
• Washing machine detergent

Out & About

• Make sure your waiter/waitress knows you are gluten-free, don't be embarrassed to tell them!  They can make sure your food is prepared separate from others.  Always ask if the restaurant has a gluten-free menu and if not, what can be made GF for you.  Cross-contamination can happen any time you are eating out, so be aware.  Not everyone understand what a gluten-free diet is.  Shopping at the mall and trying to find gluten-free food in the food court is very hard - I recommend bringing along snacks instead of risking it.  You are probably safer at a restaurant.  When I was at the mall & asked if a station had something gluten-free they pointed to the NO MSG sign... [here's my sign!... ok bad joke :)]
• Restaurants and eateries often have allergy lists - I've found Panera Bread and Moe's have all of their items listed out and if they contain major allergens.  Sometimes these can be found on the restaurant's website - so you can do your research before you go!

The safest way to be gluten-free is to look for products/food that contain the GF symbol above.  That way, you know there won't be any gluten in your food/product.  To be safe, if you can't read an ingredient on the food you are to eat, don't eat it!  Eat as natural and unprocessed as possible, your body will thank you!  :]

-mel