Wheat Free Diet Foods to Avoid

If you have a sensitivity or allergy to wheat or an allergy to gluten (a condition also known as celiac disease), a wheat-free diet will help. You must closely monitor all the foods you eat when you are avoiding wheat. Consuming hidden sources of flour or other forms of wheat can cause a host of problems from severe allergic reactions to hives to gastrointestinal upset.

Beverages

You can enjoy a wide variety of beverages on a wheat-free diet. However, do not drink prepared hot cocoa mixes or chocolate drink mixes, which often contain a starch made from wheat. Stay away from beers, ales, root beer and any other drink made with wheat products.

Pastas

Do not eat pasta, such as macaroni noodles, lasagna, spaghetti, egg noodles or ravioli, made with semolina flour while you are following a wheat-free diet. Instead, look for pastas that are made from rice, quinoa or other wheat substitutes.

Prepared Foods

Take care when choosing and consuming prepared foods. Many of them contain starches or flours made from wheat. Read labels carefully on packages of prepared meats and vegetables, and stay away from breading (it's typically made from wheat flour or bread crumbs), starches and fillers. Keep in mind that wheat flour is often used to thicken soups and gravies, so avoid these when possible. Check the ingredient labels on prepared salad dressings and meats such as hot dogs or bologna; they sometimes contain fillers derived from wheat.

Desserts and Pastries

Keep away from most desserts and pastries on a wheat allergy diet. Cakes and pies contain flour, as do doughnuts, cupcakes and cookies. Many ice creams are also made with wheat products. Check the label to be sure.

Breads, Cereals and Grains

Don't eat breads, cereals and grains on a wheat-free diet, and watch for hidden sources of wheat. Pizza crusts, stuffing, dumplings, soup noodles and cornbread all have wheat flour in them. Also, stay away from pancakes, french toast and waffles, breads and bread crumbs, crackers, pretzels and cold or hot cereals.

Milk Products

Watch your intake of milk products while on a wheat-free diet. Certain milk products, including cottage cheese, malted milk and some milk drinks, are made with wheat-based ingredients. Don't consume any prepared dairy products, coffees or coffee drinks without checking the ingredients first.