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

51. Seitan-Based Jerky & High-Protein Snacks

Jerky isn’t just for carnivores anymore—vegan and high-protein snack shelves are now stocked with plant-based jerky made from seitan or vital wheat gluten. The chewy texture and savory flavor may feel like a win, but for gluten-sensitive consumers, it’s a gut bomb. Even small amounts of seitan pack a massive gluten punch, as it’s literally pure wheat protein. These snacks may hide behind health-conscious branding, but they’re anything but safe. Always read beyond the front label. If you want a gluten-free protein fix, stick with dried meats, mushrooms, or lentil-based snacks clearly marked safe.

52. Artificial Crab Sushi Rolls (Again? Not Quite)

While imitation crab meat was already flagged, here’s the twist: some sushi restaurants don’t list “crab stick” explicitly and use phrases like “California roll,” “kani maki,” or just “crab” in the description. Diners often assume they’re safe, especially when the rice is gluten-free. But that quiet switch to surimi-based fillings still contains wheat. If the menu doesn’t spell it out—and the staff isn’t trained in gluten protocols—your sushi night could turn into a recovery week. Be proactive: ask for real crab or avocado-based rolls, and only trust places that know what gluten actually means.