Foods to Steer Clear of and Alternatives: Barley and Wheat-Based Fare

Avoiding barley and gluten: Food options to consider and substitutes identified

Barley, a common cereal grain, is not gluten-free. This means that foods containing barley, such as bread, breakfast cereals, beer, malt, malt extract, malt vinegar, and brewer's yeast, are off-limits for individuals following a gluten-free diet.

Pearl barley and malted barley also fall into this category. It's essential to be cautious when consuming foods that do not explicitly state they are gluten-free. In such cases, checking the ingredients list is crucial to ensure that no barley or other gluten-containing products are present.

Other cereals that contain gluten besides wheat include spelt (Dinkel), rye, kamut, einkorn, emmer, triticale, grünkern, and oats (Hafer). People with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid these as they may contain gluten or gluten-like proteins.

However, oats may be a suitable alternative for those on a gluten-free diet. But, it's important to check the label to ensure that they are gluten-free. Barley grass may be gluten-free, but it is considered a high-risk ingredient for people with celiac disease.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not require barley to be listed as an allergen on food labels, but food manufacturers can voluntarily label the food as gluten-free if it complies with FDA conditions. Similarly, food manufacturers can voluntarily label the food as gluten-free if it complies with FDA regulations.

There are many different gluten-free flour options available, such as rice, cassava, tapioca, chickpea, cornflour or cornmeal, flax, hemp flour, lentil, masa, potato, soy, mesquite. Additionally, alternative gluten-free grains like amaranth, buckwheat, millet, sorghum, rice, hominy, quinoa can be explored.

Moreover, nut flours, such as almond or chestnut, can be good alternatives for those following a gluten-free diet. It's always good practice for people avoiding gluten to check the ingredients listed on food items to ensure they are safe to eat.

Lastly, it's important to note that the FDA does not require food manufacturers to label foods as gluten-free, but those labeled as such must comply with the FDA regulations. Barley water is not gluten-free, and it should be avoided by individuals following a gluten-free diet.