Distinction Between Wheat-free And Gluten-free

[Momma Bird]

I'm confused. If I am gluten intolerant, I obviously can't have wheat. So why are some things labeled gluten-free/wheat-free, and others only gluten free. Do I have to find things with both?

[Guhlia]

Gluten includes wheat, barley, rye, and oats.

Things labeled as wheat-free can still contain barley, rye, and oats. This would NOT be considered gluten free.

Things that are gluten free are always wheat free.

[tarnalberry]

exactly what guhlia said - gluten free includes three *additional* things besides being wheat free. so wheat free is *not* enough. most things marked gluten free will not say wheat free, because wheat free is just a subset of gluten free, and hence is implied with gluten free.

[Tim-n-VA]

Since gluten from wheat is the protein in the grain, it is at least theoretically possible for someone with a gluten intolerance to have the other parts of the wheat. I mention this only because there is at least one product on the market as gluten-free that has wheat fiber.

I am not advocating eating such products. There would be a high risk of cross-contamination (unless you know and have confidence in the company).

Also, gluten intolerant is a phrase that some people use to cover classic celiac as well as a classic wheat allergy as well as just a known dietary response to gluten with out a clear diagnosis of the mechanism. Some people on that spectrum could have items that are wheat-free but not gluten-free.

[debmidge]

When you see a product that only states "Wheat-Free" & doesn't state "Gluten-Free" it's a product that people who are avoiding "wheat-only" would want to buy. If you are staying away from from gluten, you must purchase products which are "gluten-free" as "wheat-free" may also contain oat, rye or barley in some form.

It's an important difference. "Wheat-free" is usually for those who have "wheat allergy" or are avoiding only wheat for some reason or another.

"gluten free" is free of wheat BUT

"Wheat free" does not mean "gluten free"

[lob6796]

Yep. My mom said the other day "oh I got Emily some cookies - they are gluten free!" I was all happy and I went to check hte bag out.. and saw WHEAT FREE in big letters. Underneath in small letters it said NOT a gluten free product. Oh well, she tried!

[zachsmom]

Only eat gluten free... ignore the wheat free and pretend its gluten... Like the posts said there are other things that are left in the mix when its still wheat free,,, ( like the stuff that makes you ill ,. ) in gluten free its all gone . go always gluten free

[Guest j_mommy]

Alot of Gluten free food is labeled....gluten free/wheat free.....a product labeled like that is gluten free...they are just adding that to make it clearer!

[hathor]

My theory is that they say "wheat free" on some gluten free items because folks who are allergic to wheat don't necessarily know what gluten is. Why would they have to? They just ("just" ) have to avoid wheat.

[zachsmom]

yeah .. wheat free doesnt mean safe... IF IT DOESNT SAY GLUTEN FREE ..... put it back ...

[psawyer]

If it says "wheat free," but does not say "gluten free," then more investigation is needed. The definition of "gluten free" has not been decided in the US, and some manufacturers are avoiding the phrase until it is. Read the ingredients carefully, and if there are any questionable ones, call the company. But the product may be fine.