7 gluten free travel tips

Travelling with a conditions such as coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity should not stop you from seeing the world and experiencing all the fun that comes with travel. It just takes a little organisation and planning to make sure you stay healthy while you’re out enjoying your adventure.

Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity

Coeliac disease is a condition where gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye) triggers an immune response in the small intestine. This reaction causes inflammation and can damage the lining of the small intestine, resulting in poor absorption of nutrients, weight loss, bloating, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Coeliac disease is a serious medical condition that needs to be managed with a life-long gluten-free diet.

People with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity may also experience symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, and may find that a gluten-free diet provides relief.

However, research suggests that for some people these symptoms are not solely due to gluten, but caused by other fermentable sugars in the diet, known as FODMAPs. FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols) are found in many common foods, but they are poorly absorbed in some people and are thought to contribute to symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome.

Following a gluten-free diet

A gluten-free diet has different definitions in different countries. In Australia, the current definition of gluten-free is ‘no detectable gluten’ using standard methods under the food standards administered by Food Standards Australian and New Zealand (FSANZ). The gluten free standard in Australia is less than 20ppm (parts per million) of gluten.

The same gluten-free standard is adopted in the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA. Twenty ppm is a tiny amount of gluten and is believed to be a safe threshold for those with coeliac disease. These laws may change in the future as detection methods improve.

"Gluten-free has different definitions in different countries. In Australia, the current definition is ‘no detectable gluten’ under the food standards administered by FSANZ."

Tips for a gluten free trip

1. Plan ahead

If travelling by aeroplane, ensure you contact the airline and arrange gluten-free meals. If your travel includes touring via coach, train or cruise, contact them well in advance to arrange gluten free meals.

2. Look into your local options

Make enquiries at your planned destination. Find out where you will be able to purchase gluten free specialty breads, pasta and snacks. In some countries, this will be supermarkets, and others it may be limited to health food stores and pharmacies. Remember that not all countries have the same food labelling criteria as Australia. Follow the Australian guidelines for gluten free.

3. Focus on foods you CAN eat

Safe foods to eat include fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, fish and seafood, dairy foods (cheese, milk, yoghurt), nuts, beans and legumes (lentils, chickpeas), rice, corn, soy, amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, quinoa, sorghum, tapioca and millet.

Be aware that some foods (such as dried beans and nuts) are at risk of cross-contact with wheat, barley or rye. Try to buy foods labelled gluten-free to be on the safe side.

4. Bring some foods with you

If you are going to a destination with less stringent food laws, pack some gluten free food. Pack some non-perishable foods like nuts, trail mix and gluten free crackers, and avoid consuming oats, even if they are marketed as ‘gluten free’.

5. Prepare for emergencies

Take a letter from your doctor outlining your medical condition and that you require special dietary restrictions.

6. Check out Gluten Free Passport

Visit Gluten Free Passport for a list of possible restaurants and cafes around the world that cater for special diets. They also have many useful travel cards in different languages which may help you communicate your dietary needs.

7. Make a list for quick reference

Make of a list of ingredients that you must avoid when travelling. This will help you when reading food labels and in restaurants.

The following list may be useful when shopping or looking at ingredient lists. The list is not completely exhaustive and includes some of the more common foods containing gluten. It is best to try and keep to fresh foods without added sauces and seasonings.

Foods containing gluten to be aware of while travelling

• Barley
• Brewer’s yeast
• Bulgur
• Couscous
• Duram
• Einkorn
• Emmer
• Farina
• Farro
• Graham flour
• Matzo meal
• Malt
• Oats
• Rye
• Semolina
• Soups, gravies, sauces (contain thickeners)
• Spelt
• Thickeners containing wheat
• Wheat
• Wheat germ
• Wheat starch
• Wheat-based dextrins and maltodextrins

Download the free be. Gluten Guide for more tips on gluten-free living.

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References and more info

1. Coeliac Australia

2. Biesiekierski JR et al: No Effects of Gluten in Patients With Self-Reported Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity After Dietary Reduction of Fermentable, Poorly Absorbed, Short-Chain Carbohydrates; Gastroenterology; Aug 2013, Vol 45 (2) pp320-328

3. Gluten Free Passport