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

57. Craft Beers and “Barley-Based” Alcohols

While it’s common knowledge that beer contains gluten, many people overlook craft brews and specialty alcohols made with barley or wheat derivatives. Even some “gluten-removed” beers aren’t safe for those with celiac disease, as they can still contain trace gluten that’s undetectable but inflammatory. Some flavored liquors or malt-based coolers also sneak in gluten through additives. Always choose spirits that are distilled (like tequila or vodka) and verified gluten-free. When it comes to alcohol, the buzz isn’t worth the backlash.

58. Drywall Dust, Joint Compound, and Powdered Adhesives (The Construction Residue)

This is a critical risk for people with Celiac Disease (CD), particularly during home renovations or working in construction areas. Many powdered building materials—most commonly drywall joint compound (mud), some tile adhesives, and ceiling texture sprays—use wheat or modified food starch as a binder, thickener, or filler to achieve a smooth texture and aid adhesion. These materials are highly aerosolized during sanding and mixing. The fine dust can settle on clothes, hair, and surfaces, leading to accidental inhalation or ingestion via hand-to-mouth contact. Since it's not a food product, this risk is universally overlooked. Always use high-quality particle masks in construction zones and thoroughly clean all surfaces, clothes, and hands afterward to eliminate this unexpected source of wheat-derived gluten.