Processed Foods and Ingredients That May Contain Wheat, Rye and Barley

For individuals with certain health conditions, it can be extra important to learn about ingredients in foods. People with celiac disease, for example, must avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Many packaged foods may contain gluten, even if the ingredient list doesn't specifically state these three ingredients. That’s because gluten can appear in ingredients such as modified food starch, malt or soy sauce. The following are some common items that may contain gluten.

• Beer
• Bouillon cubes
• Brown rice syrup
• Candy
• Cold cuts, hot dogs, salami, sausage
• Communion wafers
• French fries
• Gravy
• Imitation fish
• Malt (malt syrup, malt extract, malted milk and malt vinegar)
• Matzo
• Medicines and supplements (see below)
• Modified food starch
• Rice mixes
• Sauces
• Seitan
• Soups
• Soy sauce

There are gluten-free versions of many foods on this list. When in doubt, check the ingredient list and consult with the food manufacturer.

This is not a complete and comprehensive list. People with celiac disease should discuss gluten-free food choices with a registered dietitian nutritionist or physician who specializes in celiac disease. Use the Find a Nutrition Expert tool to locate a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area. People with celiac disease should always read food ingredient lists carefully to make sure that the food or beverage does not contain gluten.

Medications and Supplements

Some medications and supplements may use fillers made from wheat and rye. Check with your physician or pharmacist.