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Wheat

Wheat or Triticale

Wheat is listed as a priority allergen in Canada. The following section defines IgE and non-IgE mediated wheat allergy, details helpful resources, and identifies factors to consider when living with wheat allergy. The difference between wheat allergy and celiac disease will also be covered.

On this page:Statistics and data on wheat allergy >
IgE-mediated wheat allergies >
Non-IgE mediated wheat allergies >
Distinguishing wheat from gluten >
Wheat reference guide >
     Terms that may indicate the presence of wheat
     Foods that are likely sources of wheat
     Foods that are possible sources of wheat
     Possible sources of wheat in commonly used products
     Wheat replacements and cooking without wheat
Resources and wheat-free recipes >

Statistics and data on wheat allergy

  • Wheat allergy affects 0.2% of the population in Canada[i]. In most cases, wheat allergy is outgrown before adulthood[ii]
  • Wheat allergy is caused by cereal proteins, including albumins, globulins, gliadins, and glutenins.
  • Wheat allergy can be both IgE-mediated allergy and non-IgE mediated.

IgE-mediated wheat allergies

These are characterized by the production of IgE following exposure to an allergen, for example, wheat. The exposure to wheat proteins results in the release of chemical molecules (e.g. histamine) responsible for the immediate onset of allergic reaction symptoms. IgE-mediated allergies can be caused by ingesting wheat (food allergy) or by inhaling the allergenic components of the cereal (respiratory allergy).

Food allergy to wheat. This is probably the best-known allergic reaction. It manifests itself in a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, hives, and breathing difficulties. In severe cases, exposure to the allergen results in anaphylaxis.

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA). This is a rare form of allergic reaction triggered by physical activity. It is estimated that EIA accounts for 5% to 15% of reported cases of anaphylaxis[i]. Although it can be caused by physical activity alone, EIA is often associated with the prior ingestion of a particular food. The most common ones include wheat and shellfish, but several foods (apples, corn, lentils, kiwi, chicken, etc.) have been identified as triggering factors for EIA[ii]. For more information, see Other Allergens and Triggers.

Baker’s asthma. This form of respiratory allergy develops after exposure to flour from certain cereals, including wheat. It is an occupational disease that affects between 1 and 10% of individuals such as bakers and confectioners, who come into frequent and prolonged contact with cereals [i]. Baker’s asthma is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as a dry cough, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

Allergic rhinitis caused by flour inhalation. As with baker’s asthma, allergic rhinitis is a respiratory allergy that affects those who work in close contact with wheat allergens. This type of allergy affects between 15% and 20% of these workers (bakers, confectioners, etc.)[ii]. Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal allergy and can include runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, among others.

Non-IgE mediated wheat allergies

These are allergic reactions that develop independently of IgE production. They are characterized by chronic inflammation of certain parts of the digestive tract in response to the ingestion of a food trigger such as wheat. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis and eosinophilic gastroenteritis are two types of non-IgE mediated wheat allergies. They develop in both adults and children and are most frequently observed in atopic individuals with other allergic diseases such as asthma or allergic rhinitis[i]. Interestingly, there seems to be an increase in the number of diagnosis of allergic eosinophilic esophagitis in the spring, during the pollen season [ii].

Understanding the difference between wheat and gluten

The grains of wheat are the part of the cereal normally consumed. In these grains, we find carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins, as well as several proteins, some of which form gluten.

Gluten is a protein complex composed mainly of glutenins and gliadins. Gluten is found in wheat, but also in other cereals such as rye and barley.

Wheat allergy differs from celiac disease. In the case of a wheat allergy, the person will react to one or more proteins in the cereal and should avoid eating foods that contain wheat. With celiac disease, the affected person’s immune system reacts both to the gluten contained in wheat, and to its presence in other cereals such as rye and barley. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disease that occurs in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. This causes inflammation of the intestine, and can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting and nutrient malabsorption.

To learn more about celiac disease and other gluten-induced diseases, read our Interview with Marie-Eve Deschênes (in French), nutritionist at Fondation Québécoise de la Maladie Coeliaque.

Wheat REFERENCE GUIDE

Wheat REFERENCE GUIDE, PDF version (0,5 Mo) (in French)
 
Terms that may indicate the presence of wheat (non-exhaustive list)
Whole wheat flour, crushed wheat, red wheat, white wheat, enriched wheat, gluten, graham, wheat, pastry, phosphated flour, all-purpose, durum and spelt flour
EmmerFarinaWheat germ oil
AttaWheat starchHost
Wheat (soft, whole, durum, Einkorn)WheatKamut
BulgurFuWheat noodles
PretzelWheat germWheat bread
Wheat bread crustGliadinWheat pasta products
CouscousWheat glutenSeitan
Einkorn wheatGlutenCommon wheat semolina
Spelt (Farro wheat)GluteninSpelt
Soluble extracts of roasted wheatWheatgrassTriticale
Health Canada’s food allergen labelling regulations established in 2012 prohibit use of these terms. Manufacturers must clearly indicate the presence of wheat in their product using the words “Contains” or “May contain.” However, it is important to keep these terms in mind when travelling, as regulations vary from one country to another. In some cases, it may also be useful to know them when we are offered artisanal products.
Foods that are likely sources of wheat (non-exhaustive list)
AleMalt flourHydrolyzed vegetable proteins
Coated or breaded foodsParmesan fonduePasta products
BiscuitsVegetable starchPasta and pie fillings
BeerPie fillingPastries
Hot cereal drinksCakesMeals in commercial sauce
Beef or chicken brothsMalted or chocolate powderCommercial sauces and soups
BreadcrumbsMalt liquorSemolina
Broth concentrate in cubesMaltImitation bacon
Ice cream coneNoodlesBran (chicory, barley)
CroquettesBreadStout
CroutonsPorterCereal-based coffee substitute
PancakesCommercial soupsSurimi (crab-flavoured pollock)
EndospermPouddingMalt vinegar
Cereal extractsMalt powder 
Foods that are possible sources of wheat (non-exhaustive list)
Binding and filling agents (used in meat, poultry, and fish preparations)Powdered mustardPseudoglobulins
AlbuminCorn starchSalad sauces
StarchDried herbsThickened sauces
Peanuts and seasoned nutsGermSoy sauce
AromaGlobulinTamari sauce
SeasoningsVegetable gumSausages
OatsStore-bought ketchupImitation meat
CandyChemical yeastCanned soups
Deli meatsBaking powder (Chemical yeast)Icing sugar (starch)
ChocolateCurry powderCheese spreads
Crème glacéeChili powderVermicelli
FalafelNatural and/or artificial flavouring preparationCommercial dressing sauces
Possible sources of wheat in commonly used products (non exhaustive list)
Pet FoodDrugs, vitamins, and supplementsHaircare products
Homemade glueModelling paste (like PLAY-DOH©) 
Decorations (such as decorative crowns)Beauty products 
Note: To find out if common products contain wheat, it is important to read the labels and contact the manufacturer. Food allergen labelling regulations apply only to packaged foods, they do not apply to non-food products.
 
Substituting wheat flour:
  • Rice, potato or sorghum flour
  • Tapioca or potato starch
  • All-purpose wheat-free flour recipe: 4 ½ cups white rice flour + 1 ½ cup potato starch + ¾ cup tapioca flour
Substituting wheat pasta:
  • Corn pasta
  • Rice pasta
  • To substitute wheat bread:
    • Gluten-free bread
    • Wheat-free bread
Wheat-free snacks:
  • Rice cakes
  • Popcorn
  • Fruit snacks
  • Rice crackers
  • Potato or corn chips
Note: Always check the ingredient list to ensure that the food is wheat-free.

Recipes and resources for people with wheat allergies

Numerous websites offer a variety of gluten-free recipes. Note that such recipes are also suitable for individuals avoiding wheat.

Recipes

Resources

[i] Soller, S et coll. (2015). Adjusting for nonresponse bias corrects overestimates of food allergy prevalence. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 3(2), 291-293. DOI 10.1016/j.jaip.2014.11.006
[ii] Keet, C. A et coll. (2009). The natural history of wheat allergy. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 102(5):410-415. DOI 10.1016/S1081-1206 (10) 60513-3
[iii] Barg W. et coll. (2011). Exercise-induced anaphylaxis: an update on diagnosis and treatment. Current Allergy Asthma Repport, 11(1):45-51. DOI 10.1007/s11882-010-0150-y
[iv] Beaudoin, E. (2010). Anaphylaxie alimentaire induite par l’effort : épidémiologie et aspects cliniques. Revue française d’Allergologie, 50(3):184-187. DOI 10.1016/j.reval.2010.01.026[i] Cianferoni, A. (2016). Wheat allergy: diagnosis and management. Journal of Asthma and Allergy, 9:13-25. DOI 10.1247/JAA.S81550
[v] Onbasi, K. (2005). Eosinophil infiltration of the oesophageal mucosa in patients with pollen allergy during the season. Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 35(11):1423-1431. DOI 10.1111/1365-2222.2005é02351.x
[vi] Barg W. et coll. (2011). Exercise-induced anaphylaxis: an update on diagnosis and treatment. Current Allergy Asthma Repport, 11(1):45-51. DOI 10.1007/s11882-010-0150-y
[vii] Beaudoin, E. (2010). Anaphylaxie alimentaire induite par l’effort : épidémiologie et aspects cliniques. Revue française d’Allergologie, 50(3):184-187. DOI 10.1016/j.reval.2010.01.026