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Additional Things to Beware of to Maintain a 100% Gluten-Free Diet
- By Scott Adams
- Published 07/26/1996
- Safe Gluten-Free Food List / Unsafe Foods & Ingredients
- Rating:
Scott Adams
In 1994 I was diagnosed with celiac disease, which led me to create Celiac.com in 1995. I created this site for a single purpose: To help as many people as possible with celiac disease get diagnosed so they can begin to live happy, healthy gluten-free lives. Celiac.com was the first site on the Internet dedicated solely to celiac disease, and since then it has become an invaluable resource to people worldwide who seek information about celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.
In 1998 I created The Gluten-Free Mall, Your Special Diet Superstore! which was also another Internet first—it was the first gluten-free food site to offer a shopping cart-style interface, and the ability for people to order gluten-free products manufactured by many different companies at a single Web site.
I am also co-author of the book Cereal Killers, and founder and publisher of Journal of Gluten Sensitivity.
- Rice and soy beverages because their production process may utilize barley enzymes.
- Bad advice from health food store employees (i.e., that spelt and/or kamut is/are safe for celiacs).
- Cross-contamination between food store bins selling raw flours and grains (usually via the scoops).
- Wheat-bread crumbs in butter, jams, toaster, counter, etc.
- Lotions, creams and cosmetics (primarily for those with dermatitis herpetaformis).
- Stamps, envelopes or other gummed labels.
- Toothpaste and mouthwash.
- Medicines: many contain gluten.
- Cereals: most contain malt flavoring, or some other non-GF ingredient.
- Some brands of rice paper.
- Sauce mixes and sauces (soy sauce, fish sauce, catsup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.).
- Ice cream.
- Packet & canned soups.
- Dried meals and gravy mixes.
- Laxatives.
- Grilled restaurant food - gluten contaminated grill.
- Fried restaurant foods - gluten contaminated grease.
- Ground spices - wheat flour is sometimes used to prevent clumping.
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48 Responses to "Additional Things to Beware of to Maintain a 100% Gluten-Free Diet"
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22 Oct 2007 1:00:05 AM PDT Thank you so very much for all your hard work in presenting this information.
I join all those who appreciate you! |
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22 Oct 2007 9:18:00 AM PDT Found your site to be very helpful. I am recently diagnosed and I am trying to trace a hidden gluten that I am ingesting unknowingly.
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24 Oct 2007 11:15:25 PM PDT Great additional information! Thanks for your continuing research.
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30 Oct 2007 8:31:27 AM PDT Another resouce to add to the arsenal. Thanks!
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02 Nov 2007 1:12:51 PM PDT I appreciate your reseach. Hidden gluten can be tricky.
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06 Nov 2007 12:18:30 PM PDT Excellent site. I'm newly diagnosed and have learned more here than I have at any other site.
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06 Nov 2007 3:41:42 PM PDT Diagnosed June '07, 3-month testing for anemia & celiac marker showed marked improvement. I'd been drinking Rice Milk for this past week & used up the end for gluten-free pancakes yesterday. I knew I'd been getting sicker again, but couldn't pinpoint the culprit. Saw this article last night, shocked to see Rice Milk at the top. Sure enough, when I retrieved the carton from the garbage, it was stated at the end of ingredients! I'd been so diligent all summer, how did I miss it? Just proves you should never let down your guard. I read labels throughout the grocery store, but how this got by my scrutiny, I'll never know!
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06 Nov 2007 7:51:57 PM PDT Enjoy this newsletter a lot. Not too much to take in and gives me choices of what to read.
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09 Nov 2007 9:15:36 PM PDT Very good information. I have to be more alert about what I buy.
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10 Nov 2007 10:45:20 AM PDT I have celiac disease and I am constantly worrying about different products, this is very helpful. I read labels and sometimes find it confusing. I have been on a gluten free diet since 2003. My celiac disease is called 'refractory,' but I manage. This site is very helpful...thanks.
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06 Feb 2013 7:41:10 AM PDT What do you different from other people with celiac disease since you have refractory celiac?
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11 Nov 2007 8:16:53 AM PDT Some brands of rice milk do NOT have the barley that is found in Rice Dream. Westsoy is made without using barley.
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13 Nov 2007 1:12:52 PM PDT Excellent site as I'm newly diagnosed with celiac disease, though very careful I'm not always well after going to restaurants--I insist on having only grilled meat and vegetables...
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26 Nov 2007 1:33:03 PM PDT According to the manufacturer's web site all varieties of Rice Dream non-dairy beverages and all varieties of Soy Dream non-dairy beverages are currently GLUTEN-FREE.
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01 Dec 2007 11:16:23 AM PDT Rice Dream states directly on the packaging that it is 'gluten free.' .
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21 Dec 2007 4:22:26 AM PDT I called the manufacturer of Rice Dream, and was assured that their (at least the organic variety) rice beverage was completely gluten-free. And as for malt flavoring, check with the manufacturer again, as some malt flavoring is from corn, not barley. It's annoying to have to make calls, but better safe than sorry, and sometimes you get the happy surprise that a seemingly 'unsafe' product is really safe.
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04 Feb 2008 6:17:38 AM PDT I have been diagnosed with Celiac since 2004 and never thought of the toaster oven as being a gluten carrier. Thank you so much for the tip. It's so hard to maintain a 100% gluten free diet in this high gluten society.
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22 Feb 2008 6:38:33 AM PDT What a great site, and very helpful information. My daughter who is 14 just got diagnosed last month and I also now have to read all labels and help her make sure that she is following the diet as best as she can. Thanks for the great work......
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27 Feb 2008 2:24:52 PM PDT Rice Dream irritates my stomach. I use West Soy Rice beverage, plain. It tastes like real milk. Don't forget to shake the rice containers before drinking because of settling.
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13 Apr 2008 7:17:29 AM PDT Many thanks for this column! It is a wonderful source of invaluable information.
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23 Apr 2008 8:12:59 PM PDT Your site is very helpful. Thank you for sharing all the information with us. I am newly diagnosed with this wheat gluten allergy.
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11 May 2008 9:33:06 AM PDT Thanks you for this site, it is very helpful. keep up the good work
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28 May 2008 7:19:29 PM PDT Re: Cluppins and Rice Dream irritating stomach. You're tummy may actually be bothered by the thickener used in many alternative 'milks' such as Rice Dream - carrageenan. My doctor brought this to my attention, along with problems attached to sugar substitute Chicolin. Both can cause cramping and stomach upset in general. Both don't bother my husband but they did me.
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28 May 2008 7:32:19 PM PDT Oops. I didn't realize that Rice Dream actually has barley in it. I was diagnosed AFTER I had stopped drinking it. However, my comments still stand for anybody out there regarding Chicolin and Carrageenan. Cheerio.
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20 Jul 2008 10:11:15 AM PDT Thank you so much for this! I have to use laxatives fairly regularly and never thought they might not be Gluten-Free. I also had no idea about toothpaste/mouthwash. Thanks.
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09 Aug 2008 11:39:11 PM PDT Excellent, all that you say, I've been on a gluten free diet since 2004 and all the things you say in the beginning made me sick constantly, until I realized and read in this site the horrible truth, I hope our family and friends understand these alerts too.
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04 Oct 2008 9:13:53 AM PDT Thanks for the info. Pay attention to Licorice. Every brand of licorice commonly found in the store lists wheat flour as a main ingredient. I never thought to check it because it wasn't a starchy crispy snack.
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14 Oct 2008 8:51:10 PM PDT This is really good--it was not long ago that I was told that I had to go on the gluten free diet. I get so sick when I eat food and this is a great web site that has helped me choose better foods to eat.
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14 Nov 2008 4:56:30 PM PDT West Soy and Rice Dream both have a very small amount of gluten from barley. The FDA laws allow the gluten free label for small amounts of gluten. This is bad for those who can not tolerate small amounts of gluten.
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31 Jan 2009 7:23:32 PM PDT I would like to add that some drywall may have gluten in it. I kept getting sick at work because the building is being renovated. I kept saying that it has to be the dust from the drywall as it was everywhere. No one believed me but I just read it on another site that there is gluten in drywall.
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18 Mar 2009 9:13:39 AM PDT I always wondered why I'd still feel bad after having Rice Dream (never tried the Westsoy brand). Thanks for continuing good updates and help!
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01 Dec 2009 3:49:38 PM PDT I HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT MY ALLERGIES, SYMPTOMS AND DISEASES.
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03 Jan 2010 11:35:27 AM PDT I would only drink the potato vodka as others definitely don't work for me.
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24 Jan 2010 5:37:21 PM PDT I love herbs and spices of all kinds. I don't want to give them all up because some may have wheat in them. How do I know which ground spices have wheat? None list it on the label.
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15 May 2010 2:38:59 AM PDT As a Ceoliac patient I am always very careful. Imagine my surprise when a visit to the dentist for a Crown left me unwell, no toothpaste had been used. Thanks to the practice manager who contacted all the suppliers of the products that had been used we found the culprit. So be very aware and make sure your dental practiced checks first.
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28 Jul 2010 10:12:48 AM PDT ugh! I love mayonnaise.... drat!
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18 Oct 2010 8:24:50 PM PDT Hellman's mayonnaise says it's "gluten free" on the ingredients list.
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16 Apr 2012 4:34:43 PM PDT I love mayo too and Cain's Mayonnaise (found in the New England states is gluten free) I live in Georgia and have someone I know up there send me 2-3 large jars in the cooler weather to get me thru.
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07 Aug 2010 2:26:23 AM PDT Where have you been for the past 2 years? I've been trying things hit or miss weekly. I've found if I make it it's gluten free. I'm still looking for a list of chain restaurants that have gluten-free menus.
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06 Oct 2010 10:03:37 AM PDT Interesting....
I don't have celiac (tested by endoscopy), but I certainly have IBS and a certain amount of GI gluten intolerance, so I am keeping my gluten intake very low. BTW: San J Brand Tamari soy sauce is GF and I think it's the most delicious available - better than the kinds including wheat. Mel |
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10 Dec 2011 9:35:04 PM PDT To Debbie M, a friend tipped me off to good restaurants that have gluten-free menus or are open to customize meals for various health needs, she suggested vegan restaurants. I have also found Thai and Vietnamese restaurants are good. I also have to stay away from dairy and MSG, so finding restaurants has been challenging and my work keeps me on the road a lot. Hope this helps.
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10 Dec 2011 9:44:22 PM PDT My Naturepath suggested I read Living Gluten-Free for Dummies, it is an excellent book and led me to your website. This is my first time viewing the blog and reading your information. Thank you for having this website, some very good info here. Just a note for those who have been tested for celiac by endoscopy you may want to read chapter 2 of Living Gluten-free for Dummies.
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16 Jan 2012 11:47:24 AM PDT Thanks! This site is GREAT!
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29 Feb 2012 5:16:26 PM PDT So happy to be here! Keep up the GREAT work!!
You will be with me every inch of the way healing; mentally, physically and Spiritually!! |
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22 May 2012 10:02:09 AM PDT I rushed to my rice milk to discover it looks good! Trader Joe's organic rice drink in wonderful cartons to store unopened in the pantry.
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03 Sep 2012 1:40:50 PM PDT Please be careful of liquors, also! Not because of the distillation process (which does eliminate the gluten), but from the caramel color, which is added to maintain a consistent color between batches in mass-produced liquors. I only discovered this after consistently getting sick from tequila and sherry in my own cooking. After contacting the manufacturers, I discovered the caramel color problem... I now avoid any liquor with a brown or yellow color, unless I have contacted the manufacturer and found out it is safe.
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14 Oct 2012 11:07:59 PM PDT This thing just gets more daunting.
I thought I was on top of things, I no longer get GI distress (which was my normal for about a decade). I no longer fall off the wagon with "eh, it's worth a belly ache," followed by, "well, the damage is done, since I'm headed to bathroom all night, I may as well enjoy a piece of cake." So I've been super good, I don't even have the cravings I used to have. I go to the doctor because I'm exhausted, achy, have muscle twitches and cramps... and it turns out a lot of important electrolytes are low (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and a few other are borderline low). So for lack of any other explanation, I'm thinking I must be eating these hidden glutens. So, am I going to have to quarantine a cupboard in my house and never eat at a restaurant? I don't even know if this is a question or a rant. Does anyone else here ever feel like their diet is an inconvenience for their whole family? |