Friday, June 12, 2009

Watch Out for Hidden Gluten


Some gluten foods are obvious (like bread and cereal). Others are harder to spot. Some foods that may contain hidden gluten include:


  • Beer and other malt beverages (made from barley)

  • Broth

  • Imitation bacon and crab

  • Luncheon meats

  • Non-dairy creamer powder

  • Salad dressings and marinades

  • Soup

  • Soy sauce (fermented with wheat)
Wheat-Free Doesn’t Always Mean Gluten-Free
Federal law requires all food labels to indicate if the food contains wheat. However, people with celiac disease also need to avoid barley, oats, and rye; the only way you can avoid those is by reading labels.


Basic Gluten-Free Flour Mix
Rice flour forms the basis for most gluten-free baking. A mixture often used as a direct substitute for wheat flour includes:


  • 2 parts white rice flour

  • 2/3 part potato starch

  • 1/3 part tapioca starch
Plus, 1 tsp. xanthan gum per cup of flour mix.

Sources: Healthwise Knowledgebase, Mayo Clinic, Nemours Foundation, Orlando Sentinel

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