A. A gluten-free diet requires the exclusion of all sources of gluten in the diet. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. It is possible to follow a gluten-free diet by simply avoiding all foods containing gluten. However, to make a gluten-free diet more interesting, less restrictive and easier to comply with, there are specially manufactured products available.

A. All foods made from wheat, rye, barley and their flours must be avoided. That means cutting out many of the everyday staple foods most of us take for granted such as bread, cakes, biscuits, and pasta. Most breakfast cereals are made from these grains and must also be excluded. Many manufactured and processed foods contain gluten, for example, fish fingers, chicken nuggets and breaded or battered fish, as well as pastry, scotch eggs, and yogurts with muesli. Some beverages also contain gluten, such as malted milk drinks and barley water. Beer, lager and stout are made from barley and must be eliminated from your diet.

A. Many manufactured and processed foods contain hidden gluten. Always check carefully the ingredient lists of these types of foods as some varieties will be gluten free, whilst others will contain gluten as a mixer or filler ingredient. Suspect ingredients to watch out for include malt, rusk, thickener and modified starch, where their origin is not specified. Foods to check carefully include sausages and burgers, processed cheese and meat, instant mashed potato and pate. Some ready meals, especially those with sauces and gravies, also need to be checked. Some drinks to watch out for include herbal tea, carbonated drinks and milkshakes. An important area is medication, including vitamins, minerals, and supplements. Always check with the pharmacist that the medicine you have been prescribed is gluten-free. It is important to ensure that the information you refer to is up to date, as the ingredients for some manufactured foods may change from time to time. The Gluten-Free Food & Drink Directory (available from Coeliac UK and updated monthly), and supermarkets own gluten-free labelling will help you make a safe choice.