7 Foods With Gluten That Might Surprise You

While it’s (thankfully) getting generally more common for groceries and restaurants to offer gluten-free options and items for Celiacs, there are still some items that can sneak gluten in without anyone realizing it - even the people who sell it. You’ve already got our guide to the ingredients for gluten, but here’s a list of some of the most common foods with gluten that you might never expect - so be sure to look carefully

1. Spices

Flickr user callewaert_megane

You’d think that something so simple couldn’t possibly have gluten, right? Wrong. Many spices are processed using gluten to keep them from getting cakey. Spicely Organic Spices is a good bet for your g-free seasonings. Even better? Grown your own basil, oregano, mint, anything you can!

2. Pickles

Flickr user dierken

No, your world isn’t about to completely change - cucumbers are still gluten-free, and actually, so are most pickles. But sometimes the brine used to make them into pickles often is used with malt vinegar, which is a big no-no. Just check that label.

3. Salad Dressing

Flickr user dollen

Same goes here as for the spices - gluten is often used in store-bought dressings as a thickener. So just be sure to check that label.

4. Licorice

Flickr user The Knowles Gallery

Seriously, no kidding. Wheat is often one of the most common ingredients in this movie theater classic. You can find gluten-free options though, so don’t despair. Just watch out. Lovely Candy Co. has a great one.

5. Soy Sauce

Flickr user Creative Tools

You wouldn’t think this one would be a culprit, would you? Turns out a lot of soy sauce uses wheat in its brewing…whomp whomp. But never fear! Gluten-free soy sauce is out there. San-J and Kikkoman both make them.

6. Deli Meats

Flickr user Didriks

Another one of the foods with gluten that doesn’t really seem logical…I mean, it’s meat, right? It’s actually not uncommon for processed meats like the ones in a deli can have starches or other additives put in for flavoring. Yuck.

Bonus: Vitamins and Medication

Flickr user bradley j

Seriously?! It’s true. Especially a lot of the generic ones that you buy to feel like you’re taking care of yourself. So check that label, or better yet ask the pharmacist!

What other foods with gluten have surprised you? Tell us in the comments below!