Gluten can hide in very unexpected places. In fact, when it comes to becoming gluten free, your food is not the only thing that needs to change. Below is a list of 6 non-food products you should switch now. These items are not kept in your kitchen pantry, but oddly enough they still can contain gluten.

Surprised? I know. Until I knew I had a sensitivity to gluten, I could never figure out why licking envelopes would give me such a headache. Or why my skin would be in a contestant state of adult acne. These 6 non-food products you should switch now will help you eliminate even the smallest possibility for gluten to enter your diet.

I hardly ever wear lip gloss when I am with my kids anymore for the shear fact that their kisses are more beautiful than adding color to my lips. 

I love beauty products as much as anyone, maybe even more. But these days, I would rather have my kids touch my hair and face and give me open mouth kisses all they want. Their safety is so important and the fact that at such a young age they constantly have their hands in their mouths, makes me extra cautious.

Also beware of the sensory bins in preschool and kindergarten. Those were nothing but stress for me as the teachers insisted on filling them with flour and oatmeal because it was cheap and provided hours of entertainment. That, my friends, is every allergy mom’s worst nightmare. Some teachers will go out of their way to make it safe and buy the GF stuff but because of budgets that is not always possible.

I will admit that I was thrilled when my oldest graduated from the sensory bin years. I am dreading those days again as my little one is heading into school in a couple of years.

Now on to the list, review it, study it and commit it to memory so that the next time you find yourself at the store to buy these items you can make sure you are not accidentally exposing yourself or your kids to gluten.

6 non-food products you should switch now

1. Medicine/cough syrup/allergy meds/dietary supplements– click here for some things you should know when taking any of these things.
2. Toothpaste/Mouthwash– since these are both things that enter the mouth, you should check with the manufacturer to know if your brand is gluten free.
3. Shampoo/Conditioner- is this absolute necessary? No! But some people may develop a skin rash, itchy scalp and even eczema from the use of gluten containing products. It is a little tricky to actually find gluten in the list of ingredients. I personally look for a gluten free label to make it easier.
4. Lotion/Sunscreens/Soaps- is another one that may not have to be gluten free. However, it may prevent you from developing a rash or eczema. Also, since facial moisturizer is used so close to the mouth, gluten free may be the best way to go. With little ones, this is another assurance that they will not accidentally get “glutened” if their fingers are in their mouths.
5. Makeup/lipstick/gloss– liquid makeup and lipgloss are the the biggies here because we are constantly touching our face and licking our lips.
6. Stamps/Envelopes– the buzz around these items is beginning to change. Even though these days they are saying the glue on stamps and envelopes is now derived from corn, I would still be very careful when letting this formula into your mouth. When in doubt use water.

So What’s Next?

Is it absolutely necessary for you to switch these products? Well it kind of depends on your level of sensitivity. This information is simply a guide to help you eliminate gluten in even the unlikeliest of places. Why work so hard to eliminate gluten in your life, only to have it sneak in anyway?

When it comes to gluten free living, we often only think about our food. That, my friends, is a huge mistake. I hope you find this list helpful and that you were able to make at least one new discovery.

Do these products in your home currently contain gluten? Comment below.