Gluten-Free Grains Guide
35 items classified under standard Gluten-Free guidelines.
How do grains fare on the Gluten-Free diet? The answer depends on whether the food contains gluten from wheat, barley, or rye. This guide breaks down all 35 items in this category with their classification, nutritional data, and the reasoning behind each status.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Calories (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Amaranth | Allowed | 23kcal |
| Arrowroot Powder | Allowed | 65kcal |
| Buckwheat | Allowed | 343kcal |
| Corn | Allowed | 86kcal |
| Cornmeal | Allowed | 398kcal |
| Cornstarch | Allowed | 381kcal |
| Fried Rice | Allowed | 174kcal |
| Millet | Allowed | 378kcal |
| Quinoa | Allowed | 120kcal |
| Rice | Allowed | 392kcal |
| Rice Cakes | Allowed | 392kcal |
| Rice Crackers | Allowed | 416kcal |
| Rice Noodles | Allowed | 364kcal |
| Tapioca Starch | Allowed | 358kcal |
| Burrito | Limited | 219kcal |
| Granola Bars | Limited | 471kcal |
| Nachos | Limited | 265kcal |
| Oat Flour | Limited | 404kcal |
| Oats | Limited | 379kcal |
| Tacos | Limited | 170kcal |
| Bagel | Not Allowed | 264kcal |
| Barley | Not Allowed | 352kcal |
| Corn Flakes | Not Allowed | 44kcal |
| Croutons | Not Allowed | 407kcal |
| English Muffin | Not Allowed | 227kcal |
| Naan | Not Allowed | 311kcal |
| Pancakes | Not Allowed | 282kcal |
| Pasta | Not Allowed | 371kcal |
| Pita Bread | Not Allowed | 457kcal |
| Pizza | Not Allowed | 280kcal |
| Rye Bread | Not Allowed | 338kcal |
| Sourdough Bread | Not Allowed | 272kcal |
| Spelt | Not Allowed | 127kcal |
| Waffles | Not Allowed | 309kcal |
| Wheat Flour | Not Allowed | 332kcal |
Classification Breakdown
14 Allowed — These grains are naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. 6 Limited — These items have usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. 15 Not Allowed — These are a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten.
For celiac disease the threshold is 20 ppm, and cross-contamination matters as much as ingredients.
Allowed Grains (14)
Amaranth
AllowedWith 23kcal calories per 100g, Amaranth earns a Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Among the 35 items in this category, amaranth sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Corn Flakes at 44kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Arrowroot Powder
AllowedAt 65kcal calories per 100g, Arrowroot Powder falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. This means it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Among the 35 items in this category, arrowroot powder sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Corn at 86kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Buckwheat
AllowedAt 343kcal calories per 100g, Buckwheat falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Beyond the primary classification, buckwheat also provides 13.2g protein and 10g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Rye Bread and Barley for calories, ranking 20 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Corn
AllowedWith 86kcal calories per 100g, Corn earns a Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Among the 35 items in this category, corn sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Quinoa at 120kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Corn (raw) | 86kcal | 3.3g | 1.4g | 18.7g | 2g |
| Sweet Corn (canned) | 67kcal | 2.3g | 1.2g | 14.3g | 2g |
Cornmeal
AllowedAt 398kcal calories per 100g, Cornmeal falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.4g protein and 5.4g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Cakes at 392kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cornstarch
AllowedWith 381kcal calories per 100g, Cornstarch earns a Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Oats at 379kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Fried Rice
AllowedAt 174kcal calories per 100g, Fried Rice falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Nutritionally, it also delivers 387mg sodium per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, fried rice sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Burrito at 219kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Millet
AllowedAt 378kcal calories per 100g, Millet falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Beyond the primary classification, millet also provides 11g protein and 8.5g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Pasta and Oats for calories, ranking 25 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Quinoa
AllowedQuinoa is classified as Allowed on Gluten-Free, with 120kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Nutritionally, it also delivers 2.8g fiber per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, quinoa sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Spelt at 127kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 368kcal | 14.1g | 6.1g | 64.2g | 7g |
| Cooked | 120kcal | 4.4g | 1.9g | 21.3g | 2.8g |
Rice
AllowedAt 392kcal calories per 100g, Rice falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Beyond the primary classification, rice also provides 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornstarch at 381kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice (cooked) | 130kcal | 2.7g | 0.3g | 28.2g | 0.4g |
| Brown Rice (cooked) | 112kcal | 2.3g | 0.8g | 23.5g | 1.8g |
FAQ (3 questions)
- Is plain rice gluten-free?
- Yes. Plain rice does not naturally contain gluten, so it is generally allowed on a gluten-free diet.
- Is fried rice gluten-free?
- Not automatically. The rice itself may be gluten-free, but fried rice often includes soy sauce or other added ingredients that contain gluten.
- Are rice noodles gluten-free?
- Sometimes, but not always. Rice noodles may be gluten-free if they are made from rice and safe added ingredients, but you still need to check the label and the full ingredient list.
Rice Cakes
AllowedRice Cakes is classified as Allowed on Gluten-Free, with 392kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.1g protein and 4.2g fiber per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice at 392kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rice Crackers
AllowedAt 416kcal calories per 100g, Rice Crackers falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10g protein and 233mg sodium per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Croutons at 407kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rice Noodles
AllowedWith 364kcal calories per 100g, Rice Noodles earns a Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. It is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Beyond the primary classification, rice noodles also provides 6g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Tapioca Starch and Pasta for calories, ranking 23 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tapioca Starch
AllowedAt 358kcal calories per 100g, Tapioca Starch falls into the Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. This means it is naturally free of wheat, barley, rye, and their gluten proteins. Within this category, it falls between Barley and Rice Noodles for calories, ranking 22 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Limited Grains (6)
Burrito
LimitedWith 219kcal calories per 100g, Burrito earns a Limited classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. It also contains 11.1g protein and 8.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Fried Rice and English Muffin for calories, ranking 9 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Granola Bars
LimitedGranola Bars is classified as Limited on Gluten-Free, with 471kcal calories per 100g. This means it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. It also contains 10.1g protein and 19.8g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Pita Bread at 457kcal. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Nachos
LimitedNachos is classified as Limited on Gluten-Free, with 265kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. Nutritionally, it also delivers 7.6g protein and 15.9g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Bagel and Sourdough Bread for calories, ranking 12 of 35. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oat Flour
LimitedWith 404kcal calories per 100g, Oat Flour earns a Limited classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. It also contains 14.7g protein and 9.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Cornmeal at 398kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oats
LimitedOats is classified as Limited on Gluten-Free, with 379kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. Nutritionally, it also delivers 13.2g protein and 6.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Millet and Cornstarch for calories, ranking 26 of 35. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolled Oats (dry) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 10.1g |
| Oatmeal (cooked) | 379kcal | 13.2g | 6.5g | 67.7g | 10.1g |
FAQ (3 questions)
- Are plain oats gluten-free?
- Oats themselves do not naturally contain gluten, but plain conventional oats are often cross-contaminated during farming or processing. For a strict gluten-free diet, look for oats that are specifically labeled or certified gluten-free.
- Can people with celiac disease eat oats?
- Some can, but not everyone does well with them. Many people with celiac disease use certified gluten-free oats successfully, while others avoid oats because of avenin sensitivity or because they want to minimize any risk.
- Is oat milk gluten-free?
- Sometimes, but not automatically. The answer depends on whether the oats used are gluten-free and whether the finished product avoids cross-contact and problematic added ingredients. Always check the label for gluten-free certification.
Tacos
LimitedTacos is classified as Limited on Gluten-Free, with 170kcal calories per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usually gluten-free in plain form but commonly cross-contaminated. Nutritionally, it also delivers 6.7g protein and 9.2g fat per serving. Among the 35 items in this category, tacos sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Fried Rice at 174kcal. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Not Allowed Grains (15)
Bagel
Not AllowedAt 264kcal calories per 100g, Bagel falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Nutritionally, it also delivers 10.6g protein and 422mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between English Muffin and Nachos for calories, ranking 11 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Barley
Not AllowedAt 352kcal calories per 100g, Barley falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Beyond the primary classification, barley also provides 9.9g protein and 15.6g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Buckwheat and Tapioca Starch for calories, ranking 21 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Corn Flakes
Not AllowedAt 44kcal calories per 100g, Corn Flakes falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Among the 35 items in this category, corn flakes sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Arrowroot Powder at 65kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Croutons
Not AllowedWith 407kcal calories per 100g, Croutons earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 11.9g protein and 6.6g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Oat Flour at 404kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
English Muffin
Not AllowedWith 227kcal calories per 100g, English Muffin earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. It is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Beyond the primary classification, english muffin also provides 8.9g protein and 3.5g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Burrito and Bagel for calories, ranking 10 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Naan
Not AllowedWith 311kcal calories per 100g, Naan earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 11.1g protein and 7.3g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Waffles and Wheat Flour for calories, ranking 17 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pancakes
Not AllowedWith 282kcal calories per 100g, Pancakes earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 7.4g protein and 12.1g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pizza and Waffles for calories, ranking 15 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pasta
Not AllowedAt 371kcal calories per 100g, Pasta falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Nutritionally, it also delivers 13g protein and 3.2g fiber per serving. Within this category, it falls between Rice Noodles and Millet for calories, ranking 24 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Pasta (cooked) | 157kcal | 5.8g | 0.9g | 30.6g | 1.8g |
| Whole Wheat Pasta (cooked) | 159kcal | 5.8g | 1.5g | 31.5g | 4.6g |
Pita Bread
Not AllowedAt 457kcal calories per 100g, Pita Bread falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. The classification reflects that it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.8g protein and 15.2g fat per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for calories. The nearest lower option is Rice Crackers at 416kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Pizza
Not AllowedWith 280kcal calories per 100g, Pizza earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. It is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Beyond the primary classification, pizza also provides 11.7g protein and 12.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Sourdough Bread and Pancakes for calories, ranking 14 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Rye Bread
Not AllowedRye Bread is classified as Not Allowed on Gluten-Free, with 338kcal calories per 100g. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 10.3g protein and 15.1g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Wheat Flour and Buckwheat for calories, ranking 19 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sourdough Bread
Not AllowedWith 272kcal calories per 100g, Sourdough Bread earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 10.8g protein and 2.2g fiber, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Nachos and Pizza for calories, ranking 13 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Spelt
Not AllowedAt 127kcal calories per 100g, Spelt falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Beyond the primary classification, spelt also provides 5.5g protein and 3.9g fiber per 100g. Among the 35 items in this category, spelt sits at the low end for calories — next closest is Tacos at 170kcal.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Waffles
Not AllowedWith 309kcal calories per 100g, Waffles earns a Not Allowed classification on Gluten-Free. This means it is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. It also contains 7.4g protein and 9.5g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Pancakes and Naan for calories, ranking 16 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Wheat Flour
Not AllowedAt 332kcal calories per 100g, Wheat Flour falls into the Not Allowed category under Gluten-Free guidelines. It is a wheat, barley, or rye product, or a derivative containing gluten. Beyond the primary classification, wheat flour also provides 9.6g protein and 13.1g fiber per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Naan and Rye Bread for calories, ranking 18 of 35.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central