Foods to Avoid With Wheat Intolerance

Wheat intolerance is thought to affect up to 15 percent of the U.S. population. The condition occurs when the body resists a protein found in wheat called gluten. The condition goes widely undiagnosed, but can result in a slow onset of digestive health problems, joint pain, chronic fatigue, skin rashes and other problems. Those who suffer from wheat intolerance can usually cure symptoms easily by eating a gluten-free diet.

Breads and Starches

Most processed breads and starches contain wheat gluten, including wheat and flour tortillas, chips and pretzels, crackers and cereal. Wheat-intolerant eaters may choose to dine instead on rice-based bread and pasta products, corn tortillas or some homemade baked vegetable chips in olive oil. Additionally, anyone suffering from gluten intolerance should avoid all foods made from or with wheat flour, barley, spelt, oats, rye, kamut and triticale.

Dairy Products

Many dairy products contain wheat gluten and can cause a steady onset of intolerance symptoms -- not to be confused with lactose intolerance. Dairy culprits include chocolate drink mixes, ice cream, yogurt, processed cheese, pudding and malted beverages. Check all labels for specific wheat-based ingredients.

Other Sources

Many common meat products contain wheat gluten. Most of these sources are processed in some way, including deli meats, breaded meats, casseroles containing pasta or rice, imitation meats, hot dogs and canned meats, such as corned beef or canned sausages. Other wheat-containing foods include beer, malt liquor, pickled foods, some instant coffees, candy and even some herb seasonings. Some people with extreme sensitivity are surprised to find that gluten intolerance symptoms continue on a gluten-free diet due to the presence of wheat gluten in non-foods such as mouthwash, vitamins and medicines.

Thickening Agents

Any product that contains a gelatin or thickening agent is likely to contain wheat gluten. Avoid products such as jellies, jams, seasoning mixes, syrups, steak sauces, soups made from bouillon or dry soup mixes, and chip or vegetable dips. Another good rule of thumb is to avoid foods thickened or made with flour, such as gravy, fruit pies, cookies and cakes.