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

17. Vegetarian Meat Substitutes: The Seitan Surprise

For those embracing plant-based diets, many vegetarian meat substitutes are ironically not gluten-free. Products like seitan (often marketed as "wheat meat"), some veggie burgers, meatless sausages, and mock duck are primarily made from vital wheat gluten, which provides their chewy, meat-like texture. Even seemingly innocent veggie patties might use wheat as a binder. Always scrutinize labels for "seitan," "wheat gluten," or similar terms if you're selecting plant-based protein alternatives on a gluten-free diet.

18. Coffee Creamers & Flavored Instant Coffees: Secret Additives

Your morning brew might be a sneaky source of gluten. While black coffee is naturally gluten-free, many flavored coffee creamers, powdered coffee mixes, and instant hot beverages can contain hidden gluten. Wheat derivatives are sometimes used as anti-caking agents, thickeners, or flavor carriers (e.g., malt flavoring from barley). Always check the ingredient list for "modified food starch" (unless specified as corn/potato) or other wheat/barley-derived components in your coffee add-ins and instant drink sachets.