Gluten is Vegetarian, isnt it?

Question

Why is it that I often see vegetarians and vegans say they cannot eat products with gluten? Everything I read says gluten is a vegetable product primarily from wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is used to make vegetarian protein products. Some people may be allergic or sensitive to gluten, but that is not why they say they don't eat products with gluten. Are they misinformed, or what?

I just don't understand why some people on here say they cant have gluten because they are vegan or vegetarian. It bothers me that they are mis-informed (or maybe just ignorant?).

Answer 1

Yes, gluten is vegetarian. It is a plant protein. You're right that a lot of people are allergic or sensitive to it, and that's why they would avoid it. If you see another vegetarian or vegan that avoids it, ask them.
But for the rest of us, I don't see a problem with it.

Answer 2

I recently went on a Gluten-free diet and spoke with my Dr's about it (I'm off the diet now btw) There are no animal products in Gluten so I have no idea why someone would say it's a vegan or vegetarian choice to be gluten-free. Gluten is in a variety of foods (some peanut butters, all breads, gravy, etc) so maybe some don't realize that it's in the things it's in and think of it as a gravy or meat related thing.
Also many people are gluten sensitive - a lot of people don't even realize it. Those who do will go on a gluten-free diet and may also be vegetarian so maybe it's a case of doing two things at once and them not really being related.
Unless you have a sensitivity I wouldn't worry about if you are eating gluten.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Gluten is from wheat many people have a sensitivity to gluten including myself. I have never heard or read anyone saying they can't eat it for any other reason.

I have also read that going gluten free can benefit even those without a sensitivity to it. According to the article you will have more energy by cutting it out of your diet. Sadly this is not an easy task. I find it more difficult then when I needed to cut out dairy. Gluten is in sooooo many things even some toothpaste.

Answer 4

If your gluten intolerance has been medically diagnosed you can get a consult with a dietitian who can give you TONS of information on what to eat to avoid gluten. she/he can give you lists of foods to stay away from, what to look for when reading food labels, etc. It can be in products you never considered, like that ice cream you ate... Gluten is in most anything made with wheat and other grains so stick to rice instead of pasta, no breads, pie(the crust and perhaps the filling) cookies, cake, pastries. Canned soups often use flour to thicken so then often have gluten too. Start with eliminating the gluten first and then when you understand that completely, then go for the meat. Avoiding meat is easier than avoiding all gluten.

Answer 5

Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley and to my knowledge Vegan. However, there are some ppl who are Vegans by choice AND who have Celiac Disease (or gluten intolerance) and CANNOT eat gluten. Thus they dont eat products made with gluten bc their bodies cannot tolerate it.

For more info on Celiac Disease, try these sites:
www.csaceliacs.org
www.celiac.com
www.celiac.org

Answer 6

GLUTEN is VEGAN so also Vegetarian.
I have Celiac Disease (Gluten Allergy), so can not eat gluten without serious long term repercussions.
There are many recent studies speaking out against eating Gluten Products for health reasons. The idea is you do not have to be allergic to Gluten for it to do ill things to your body, immune system & general health. Many people are finding their over all health improves when they drop things like wheat from their diets.

Answer 7

Gluten is indeed vegan--seitan is a product of wheat gluten and is often called "wheat meat." The veg*ans who avoid gluten do so for health reasons.

Answer 8

Actually gluten is only made from wheat. Although gluten intolerant people may be sensitive to the proteins in rye and barley, they are not true gluten proteins.

Answer 9

Gluten is in just about everything especially in rice which is both vegetarian and vegan they might be thinking of something else like gelatin or something animal based though.

Answer 10

I know people who have gluten sensitivities or don't eat it for whatever reason, but I've never seen or heard someone say they don't eat it BECAUSE they're vegetarian.