Gluten allergy: where it hides in an ingredients list
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is almost never labeled as "gluten" in ingredients; instead, the grain or a product derived from it is listed.
Names it appears under
- wheat flour
- semolina
- bulgur
- couscous
- spelt
- farro
- kamut
- rye
- barley
- malt
- malt extract
- oats, unless labeled gluten-free
- modified wheat starch
- seitan
Where you expect it
- bread
- pasta
- baked goods
- beer
- breading
Where you do not
- sausages and hot dogs
- soy sauce
- sauces and gravies as a thickener
- instant coffee with additives
- seasoned chips
- ice cream
- certain medications and dietary supplements
Frequently asked questions
- Are celiac disease and wheat allergy the same thing?
- No. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that damages the intestine, while a wheat allergy is an immune reaction to wheat proteins. A doctor should determine the diet in both cases.
- Does oats contain gluten?
- Oats do not naturally contain gluten, but they are almost always processed on equipment shared with wheat. Therefore, the "gluten-free" label is what matters, not the oats themselves.
- What does "gluten-free" on a package mean?
- In Russia and the EU, this label is used for products with a gluten content of no more than 20 mg/kg. It is a regulated label, not a marketing claim.
- How do I check whether a product contains gluten?
- Photograph the barcode or the ingredients panel — the app reads the list and warns you if it finds anything you have flagged. Three checks are free, with no account.
- How do I avoid ordering a dish with gluten in a restaurant?
- Photograph the menu — the app reads the items and marks the ones whose name suggests an allergen you flagged. A menu carries no ingredients list, so the check is approximate: hidden ingredients are visible only in the kitchen.
Check the package rather than remember the list. Photograph the barcode and the app reads the ingredients and flags what you marked.
Other allergens: Milk · Egg · Peanut · Tree nuts · Fish · Crustaceans · Mollusks · Soy · all fourteen
This reference is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor.