Between one half and one percent of Americans today, mostly those with celiac disease, are allergic to gluten. Gluten is a composite of proteins found in some popular grains namely wheat, barley and rye. It’s also used as a bonding agent in a wide variety of products including some types of ketchup, certain brands of ice cream, assorted types of processed meats and some brands of makeup. Gluten is often used as an ingredient in various medications, both over the counter and prescription. A person with an allergy to gluten must also be careful with certain types of diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Chinese, Japanese and Buddhist cuisine tend to use gluten-based products as a meat substitute.

There are some foods that are naturally gluten free. A list of these foods includes, but is not limited to; corn, milk, soy, eggs, taro, yeast, peas, flax, potatoes, rice, beans, most nut and gram flours, legumes and, surprisingly, buckwheat.

On the other side of the coin, there are many every day foods that one wouldn’t expect to contain gluten or gluten byproducts. Chief amongst them is bran, crisped rice, malt, soy sauce, pasta and most pre-made gravies and broths.

The vast majority of alcohol and spirits also contain gluten. One with a gluten allergy would do best to stick with cocktails comprised mostly of ingredients such as brandy, rum, gin, scotch whiskey, tequila, vodka and champagne.

Fortunately, in the past decade or so, the general populous has become more informed of those with celiac disease, gluten allergies and gluten intolerances. As a direct result of demand, food manufacturers have developed who exclusively produce foods one can trust to be completely gluten free. When seeking these brands out, look to the following brand names; Ener-G, Beech Nut, Pamela's Products, Nancy's Natural Foods, F.T. Loa Cookies and Authentic Foods, among others. These brands can be found in some mainstream stores as well as most health food establishments.

For more information or to get a gluten free foods list, stop into your local healthy living, vitamin supplement or organic foods store. And, of course, if you think you have developed celiac disease or an allergy to gluten based products, please consult a physician.