5 Common Baking Ingredients That Usually Contain Gluten – Heres Some Alternative Options

Gluten-free baking can be challenging, the main reason being cross-contamination. It is incredibly important to avoid cross-contamination if cooking for someone with coeliacs or other gluten sensitivities. There are many foods and baking supplies that sometimes contain gluten that you should keep an eye on when doing your grocery and baking supplies shop. If you are vigilant about checking the ingredients on these common items you should be able to avoid accidental gluten contamination. If still in doubt – consider ordering your gluten-free baked goods from a reputable bakehouse such as Gluten Free 4 U instead. Often these bakehouses are the experts in gluten-free baking and have dedicated gluten-free kitchens. 

Ingredient 1 – Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar 

Whipping up a batch of icing for your baking shouldn’t be an issue in theory – it is mostly just sugar. Very often recipes will call for powdered sugar dusted over the top, as an ingredient for icing, or an ingredient for a glaze. 

Powdered sugar typically will contain a starch of some kind to absorb moisture and prevent lumps- typically this will be cornstarch or tapioca starch. Both of these ingredients are fine and naturally gluten-free, however, they sometimes can become contaminated by gluten on factory equipment when manufacturers are producing regular gluten based products. Additionally, sometimes manufacturers may use an alternative type of starch that may not be gluten-free. While shopping make sure to check the ingredients thoroughly or look for the gluten-free symbol. 

Ingredient 2 – Oats (sometimes)

Another ingredients that are important to check thoroughly is oats. Pure oats are fine for a gluten-free diet. However, oats are often processed in the same factory as other gluten containing grains causing cross-contamination due to shared equipment. Another issue with oats is when they are grown close to other gluten-containing grains such as wheat or barley. 

A way to avoid this is to only buy from brands that use dedicated equipment for gluten-free production and grow their oats in dedicated fields away from gluten-containing crops. 

Ingredient 3 – Some Lollies and Chocolates  

Decorating cakes or cookies with lollies and chocolate can be a lot of fun, however you must be careful to check ingredients well as many of these items may contain hidden gluten. An example of this is licorice lollies which most often contain wheat flour as a binding ingredient. Another examples are chocolate bars that include wafers or biscuit pieces. 

The great thing about lollies and chocolate however is that there are so many different options available – many that are gluten-free. It is just a case of being careful about what you use. 

Ingredient 4 – Powdered Milk 

While milk is naturally gluten-free and fine for those with coeliacs or gluten sensitivity/intolerance, powdered milk often contains additives and preservatives which may contain gluten or be a victim to cross-contamination. 

There are thankfully many powdered milk varieties that are gluten-free, or sticking to fresh milk is always a great option. 

Ingredient 5 – Icecream 

Another ingredient many people do not think of as being an issue for gluten contamination is ice cream. Many ice cream varieties contain gluten because of certain additives such as biscuits or brownies or certain sauces. 

So before you top your freshly baked pie or cake with ice cream, double-check the ingredients looking out for ingredients such as wheat flour and barley malt syrup. 

Many of these items may easily go overlooked in a glutenfree kitchen, so it is important to stay informed on the ingredients gluten may be present in. The best way to do this is to keep checking ingredients if you are unsure. If you are still unsure, you may like to consider purchasing your baked goods instead. At Gluten Free 4 U, we have an expansive range of goods available – meaning we have an option to suit all of your needs..