How to Know If Food Is Gluten Free

Gluten is a protein component of some grains and is most often associated with wheat. While most people can eat gluten all their lives, some people develop an allergy or sensitivity to the gluten. Surprisingly, a lot of the foods that we eat contain wheat and also gluten. The following steps will help you tell if a certain food is gluten free.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Know what types of grains and products have gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, buckwheat, bran, bulgur, wheat germ, millet and other grains. Gluten can also be transferred to foods that are processed or fermented using gluten-based products such as wheat flour. The best way to know if a food is gluten free is to know which ingredients contain gluten.
2. Read ingredients to ensure that the product is gluten free. Flours made from corn, coconut and rice are gluten free substitutes to wheat flour.
3. Look at packaging. Because of the popularity of gluten free foods, phrases like "gluten free" or "contains no gluten" will typically be noticeable on the packaging when something is truly gluten free. Companies cannot state that a product is gluten free unless it meets FDA guidelines.
4. Buy from a gluten free source. Some companies only provide gluten free foods, and these can often be found online. Also, many health food stores will carry product lines that are gluten free. Typically, these companies have done the research for you.
5. Make your own gluten free food. One of the best ways to tell if a food is gluten free is to make the food yourself. There are many gluten free recipes available, and you will know without a doubt what ingredients went into the food.
   

Tips & Warnings

• Not all companies who sell gluten free products are reputable. Always double check the ingredients.