What is a wheat allergy?
A wheat allergy occurs when the body reacts to one or more of the proteins found in wheat.
A wheat allergy is very different from a condition known as celiac disease. With celiac disease, a person cannot tolerate gluten, a different protein found in wheat and other grains.
How serious is a wheat allergy?
Wheat allergy reactions are different for each child, but they usually happen soon after your child consumes wheat. Inhaling wheat flour can also trigger a reaction in some children.
A wheat allergy carries the risk of anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Other names for wheat
Wheat can have many names in ingredient lists. Learning these names can help you catch any hidden sources of wheat in food.
When buying packaged foods, always check the list of ingredients in the store and again when you bring the product home. It is also a good idea to check the ingredients every time you buy the food in case the recipe has changed. You can also call the manufacturer to ask about any recipe changes.
The following table lists some names for wheat. Use it when you are grocery shopping or calling food manufacturers.
| Bulgur | Couscous |
| Durum | Enriched, graham, white or whole wheat flour |
| Farina | Gluten |
| Kamut | Semolina |
| Spelt | Triticale |
| Wheat bran, wheat germ |
Possible sources of wheat
Wheat is used in a range of packaged foods. Below is a list of some of the many food products that contain wheat.
| Baked goods and baking mixes (cakes, cookies, donuts, muffins) | Baking powder, flour, icing sugar |
| Battered or fried foods | Bread, cereals, crackers, pastas |
| Canned soups (“thickened” soups) | Coffee substitutes |
| Gelatinized or modified starch | Ice cream |
| Meat, fish and poultry binders and fillers (found mainly in deli meats and hot dogs) | Natural flavouring (from malt or wheat) |
| Pie fillings | Prepared ketchup, mustard |
| Salad dressings, sauces, gravy | Seasonings, spices |
| Snack foods (candy, chocolate bars) | Soy sauce |
What do I do if my child has a wheat allergy?
Your child should see an allergist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies) who can discuss the wheat allergy with you in more detail. Children who have a wheat allergy should avoid all products that may contain wheat.
Your child’s doctor may also prescribe a medication called an epinephrine auto-injector, which can be used to treat allergic reactions, in case your child accidentally eats a food containing wheat.
Reducing the risk of cross-contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when one substance unintentionally comes in contact with another substance, for example a potential allergen. If the substances mix together, one substance taints the other substance, making it unsafe to eat.
Food allergens can contaminate other foods when, for example, the same containers, utensils or frying pans hold a range of foods.
Bulk food containers pose a high risk of cross-contamination because they are often used for different products.
Be sure to avoid using utensils or containers that may have come in contact with allergy-causing foods and ask about possible cross-contamination when eating out.
How can my child get the right mix of nutrients if they must avoid wheat?
The main nutrients in wheat include fibre, protein, B vitamins, folate, iron, magnesium and zinc. Your child can still get these nutrients even if they must avoid wheat.
Nutrients in wheat that are found in other foods
| Nutrient | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Fibre | Vegetables, fruit |
| Protein | Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk, beans, soy |
| B vitamins | Rice, milk, cheese, beef |
| Folate | Leafy green vegetables, beans (navy, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), lentils |
| Iron | Spinach, tomato puree, edamame (soy beans), lima beans, snow peas, instant oatmeal, cereal |
| Magnesium | Peas, pumpkin, squash or sesame seeds |
| Zinc | Meat, fish, poultry, vegetables |
Wheat-free bread and cereal alternatives
A wheat allergy does not mean that your child must avoid all cereals, breads, pastas or baked goods. Safe, wheat-free alternatives include products made from rice, corn, potato, sorghum, oats, barley, amaranth, buckwheat, tapioca, millet, arrowroot, soy, lentils, peas, beans and quinoa. Foods labelled “gluten free” may also be safe to eat; however, it is important to check for ingredients like wheat starch, which can contain wheat protein and thus can pose a risk of reaction. Always read the nutrition label to make sure ingredients have not changed.
When to see a dietitian for a wheat allergy
If you have removed many foods from your child's diet because of a wheat allergy, it may be a good idea to speak to a registered dietitian. The dietitian can review the foods your child still eats to decide if they are getting enough nutrients. If necessary, they can also recommend alternative foods that your child can eat safely, such as the wheat-free options above.
Will my child always have a wheat allergy?
Most children will outgrow a wheat allergy as they get older. An allergist can help you find out when to test your child and see whether they have outgrown their allergy.
When to go to the emergency room
If your child is having a severe allergic reaction to wheat, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. If your child’s doctor prescribed them an epinephrine autoinjector, administer this medication to your child right away. See Anaphylaxis: How to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction for more information.
Further information
Health Canada. Wheat & Triticale - Priority food allergens