One of the biggest hurdles to starting a gluten free diet is all the new information you must acquire. But let me assure you, this is not as difficult as it looks. Basically, you need to know what gluten is, where it hides, and avoid it. We are not doctors or dietitians, and can’t give you dietary advice, so before we get started, please read our Disclaimer.
Gluten Free Guides
For those attempting a gluten free diet for the first time, these guides, written by experts, are a great place to start. They are all free and contain loads of useful information.
Jump Start Your Gluten Free Diet! Living With Celiac/Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance
Gluten‑Free Diet Guide for Families
Quick Start Gluten Free Diet Guide for Celiac Disease & Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
For more FREE books on the gluten free diet, click HERE.
What is Gluten Anyway?
What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in certain cereal grains, namely, wheat, rye, barley, and a hybrid grain called triticale. If you are gluten intolerant or celiac, gluten will cause you all kinds of misery and should be strictly avoided in every form. Unfortunately, wheat masquerades under many other names and you have to know those as well. Take the time to check this out. It is essential information for the uninitiated.
Wheat/Gluten – Other Names:
Barley, barley malt or extract, bran, bulgur, couscous, durum, einkorn, emmer, farina, faro, graham flour, kamut, matzo flour or meal, orzo, Panko aka bread crumbs, rye, seitan, semolina, spelt, triticale, udon, wheat, wheat bran, wheat germ, wheat starch, oats unless labeled gluten free.
Potential Hidden Sources of Gluten:
Now for all the places gluten might be lurking. These are products where gluten may be hiding, so be extra careful to read labels on these items. And if you’re not sure, avoid the product until you can contact the manufacturer and confirm gluten free status.
Alcoholic beverages, ales, beer, lagers, breading or coating, communion wafers, croutons, some candies, lunch meat, broth cubes or powder, pasta, prepared sauces, prepared soups, poultry (self-basting), imitation bacon, imitation seafood, soy sauce, condiments, marinades, herbal supplements, vitamin supplements, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, lipstick, balm, gloss, flavorings, caramel color, seasonings, spice mixes.
Reading Food Labels
A thorough knowledge of how to read food labels is essential for any gluten free foodie.To simplify the process of finding foods suitable for a gluten free diet, read these free food labeling guides, also written by the experts.
Simplified guide to reading food labels, #1 (gluten.org)
Simplified guide to reading food labels, #2 (celiaccentral.org)
Food Labeling Laws (FDA)
Understanding the laws that govern food labeling is very helpful as you try to sort out what is safe and what is not. Visit the FDA website for the most up-to-date information.
Complete explanation of gluten free labeling laws, FDA website
So that takes us to the next big question. WHAT CAN I EAT!? Follow me and I’ll help you with that.
Next up: A short primer on what foods are gluten free in What Can I Eat?
Can’t wait to get right to the good stuff? We have a list of suppliers for shopping gluten free in GF Suppliers.
OR If you’re just looking for baking advice find that in Baking.