If you’re anything like me—a busy human being and deeply committed to allergy-friendly living because of work or necessities —you probably already know how tricky it can be to spot gluten in everyday foods and other items... Running my bakery (Cultured Bakehouse), I’ve made it my mission to create baked goods that are not only delicious but also truly safe for those with dietary sensitivities.
But even with all my experience, I’m always learning new places where gluten can hide. Recently, I read in an online community: “What’s one food or product you didn’t realize has hidden gluten in it?” The responses were incredible! I felt like I uncovered a treasure trove of surprising culprits and I’m excited to share some of the answers with you. Hope it helps!
Hidden Gluten: The Unexpected List
Here are some of the most surprising places gluten might be lurking, shared by real people in social media:
- Medications: Most oral medications are gluten-free, but some may contain trace amounts. Some over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions contain gluten as a filler—always double-check with your pharmacist.
- Salad dressings: Malt barley sneaks into certain salad dressings.
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Fast food Chips / French fries: In the UK, McDonald's fries are gluten-free because they're cooked in a dedicated fryer with non-hydrogenated vegetable oil. However, the fries might not be safe for people with celiac disease if the branch uses re-filtered oil.
KFC fries aren't gluten-free because they're cooked in shared oil that can come into contact with gluten. However, they might be an option for people who avoid gluten but are okay with the risk of cross-contamination.
Check with the restaurant: Food businesses should be able to tell you if any dishes contain gluten when you order.
- Teas: Teas with added flavorings or other ingredients have a higher risk of gluten contamination. Gluten is often added to tea in the form of barley or barley malt. Certain brands add gluten to prevent caking in tea leaves. Also, tea may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing if it's made on equipment that's also used for gluten ingredients.
- Yeast extract: Some brands of dried yeast may contain wheat starch as an added ingredient, so always check the label to be sure. They can also be derived from beer brewing, so, it can contain gluten.
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Soy sauce: A common ingredient, soy sauce usually contains wheat. There are gluten-free soy sauce options available, including tamari and soy sauces made with rice instead of wheat.
- Makeup: Believe it or not, gluten can hide in cosmetics like lipstick. Gluten can be found in many cosmetics, including blush, foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. It's usually in the form of hydrolyzed wheat protein.
- Oats: Unless certified gluten-free, oats are often contaminated with gluten during processing.
- Alcoholic beverages: Beers and some spirits may not be gluten-free.
- Pre-packaged spice mixes: Gluten is sometimes used as an anti-caking agent in seasonings.
- Licorice: Traditional licorice is not gluten-free because it contains wheat flour to bind the ingredients together. Many brands use wheat flour in their recipes.
- Teriyaki sauce: Much like soy sauce, teriyaki often contains wheat. Traditionally, teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, which is not gluten-free because it contains wheat.
At Cultured Bakehouse, You’re Safe Here
Reading this list can feel overwhelming—I get it! As a mom and baker, I know how much effort it takes to protect your family from hidden allergens. That’s why at Cultured Bakehouse, we’ve gone above and beyond to ensure that everything we bake is 100% free from the 14 major allergens, including gluten. From sourcing the cleanest ingredients to carefully controlling our baking environment, you can trust that we’re as vigilant as you are.
For me, this isn’t just business—it’s personal. I know the peace of mind that comes from knowing your food is safe, and I’m joyful to offer that to families like yours.