What foods are to be avoided and/or added when one needs a gluten free diet?

Foods to Avoid on a Gluten-Free Diet:

1. Wheat: All wheat-based products, including bread, pasta, crackers, and baked goods.

2. Barley: Barley is often found in soups, stews, and beer.

3. Rye: Rye is used in rye bread, rye crackers, and some types of whiskey.

4. Triticale: A hybrid of wheat and rye, triticale is sometimes used in bread and other baked goods.

5. Malt: Malt is made from barley and is used in various foods and beverages, such as malted milk powder, malt vinegar, and beer.

6. Brewer's yeast: While yeast itself is gluten-free, brewer's yeast may be contaminated with gluten due to its production process.

7. Soy sauce: Traditional soy sauce is made with wheat or barley, but gluten-free soy sauce options are available.

8. Oats: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they can be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Look for certified gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

9. Processed meats: Some processed meats, such as sausages and hot dogs, may contain gluten as a binder.

10. Seasonings and spices: Some seasonings and spices may contain gluten, either as an ingredient or due to cross-contamination. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

11. Desserts: Many desserts, such as cakes, cookies, pies, and ice cream, may contain gluten-containing ingredients.

12. Beverages: Certain beers, ales, and malt-based beverages contain gluten. Always check the labels.

Foods to Add to a Gluten-Free Diet:

1. Fruits: All fruits are naturally gluten-free.

2. Vegetables: All vegetables are naturally gluten-free.

3. Lean proteins: Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu are naturally gluten-free.

4. Gluten-free grains: Quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, and gluten-free oats (certified) can replace gluten-containing grains.

5. Gluten-free flours: Almond flour, coconut flour, rice flour, and chickpea flour can be used in place of wheat flour for baking.

6. Gluten-free pasta: Many brands offer gluten-free pasta made from alternative flours, such as brown rice, quinoa, or lentils.

7. Gluten-free bread: Various gluten-free breads made with alternative flours are available.

8. Gluten-free crackers: Gluten-free crackers made from rice, corn, or other gluten-free grains are available.

9. Gluten-free baking mixes: Pre-mixed gluten-free baking mixes for cakes, cookies, and other baked goods are available.

10. Gluten-free condiments: Many condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise, are naturally gluten-free. Always check the labels.