Foods to Absolutely Avoid if You Suspect Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease

33. Cornbread & Corn Muffins: Not Always Corn-Based

Corn sounds safe—but cornbread and corn muffins often aren’t. Most recipes and store-bought mixes include a significant amount of wheat flour for structure and texture. Even “corn-heavy” versions can contain enough gluten to trigger a reaction. At restaurants or potlucks, never assume it’s gluten-free just because it’s labeled “cornbread.” Unless it's made with certified gluten-free flour blends and baked in a contamination-free kitchen, it’s a risky bite. For a safe option, bake your own using cornmeal and gluten-free flour alternatives—and always double-check ingredient labels on boxed mixes.

34. Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts: The Cold Truth

That scoop of ice cream may hide more than just cookie dough. Flavors like cookies & cream, brownie swirl, or cheesecake ripple often contain gluten-based mix-ins—but even seemingly “safe” flavors like vanilla or chocolate can be risky. Some manufacturers use wheat-derived stabilizers, and shared processing lines increase the chance of cross-contamination. Gluten can also lurk in cones, sandwich cookies, or fudge ribbons. When craving something cold, look for certified gluten-free brands or single-ingredient frozen treats like fruit-based sorbets. Because nothing ruins dessert like unexpected symptoms.