Questions about gluten via shutterstock

Thinking about starting a gluten-free diet? Before you do, make sure all your questions are answered. Going gluten-free doesn’t have to be confusing – and you can eat gluten free for cheap. Be informed before you fill your shopping cart to save money and your health.

Top 10 questions and answers about gluten-free foods.

So you want to go gluten-free but don’t know much about this diet. I’ve been navigating the gluten-free world for a dozen years now. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What is gluten? 

   Gluten is the protein found in wheat, oats, barley and rye.

2. Is rice gluten-free? 

   Yes. The exception is rice that may be mixed with grains – like rice pilaf.

3. Is corn gluten-free?

   Yes. In fact you can buy both corn pasta and rice pasta. Trader Joe’s sells both.

4. What about quinoa?

   Quinoa is not actually a grain, but a seed. It is an excellent grain substitute that is very versatile.

5. Is oatmeal gluten-free?

   Yes and no. Oats themselves do not contain gluten but are almost always grown with and/or processed with wheat, therefore are tainted with gluten. Bob’s Red Mill offers a gluten-free version of oats as does Glutenfreeda (my son’s favorite) and Chex has a gluten-free oatmeal as well.



Glutenfreeda instant oatmeal

6. Does gluten-free beer exist?

   Yes! In fact, I saw it on the menu recently at Rock ‘n’ Brews, which is a growing chain of restaurants. Want to bring some beer home? Bon Appetit has a list of 10 Gluten-Free Beers That Actually Taste Good.

7. What about gluten-free bread? 

   You can find this almost everywhere now, including Trader Joe’s. I have even bought a top-name brand of gluten-free bread at the 99 Cents Only Store! Overall, GF bread tends to be denser and drier than most breads. You may have to try several different brands before deciding on one you like best.

8. What are the most delicious gluten-free desserts?

   I had the most amazing GF flourless chocolate cake that was like eating pure ganache, last week at Evo Kitchen in Hollywood. My advice: avoid gluten all together and go with ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt and flourless cakes and tortes. But be sure to read the labels, just in case gluten is hiding in there somewhere!



Rich, chocolate gluten-free dessert

9. What are the most common foods that contain gluten?

   Bread, cereal, pasta, cake, donuts, flour, some alcohol, bouillon, some vinegar and sauce thickeners. It is also very common in medicines, vitamins, lotions and lip balms.

10. What are the most common ingredients that contain gluten?

    Gluten is in many ingredients. The list is too long to list here, but you can access it at the TACA website.

Are you thinking of going gluten-free?