A rare but severe allergy: Corn
Corn is a hidden ingredient in many processed foods. Any product containing “starch”, for instance, probably contains either wheat or corn. In fact, many packages which may contain wheat or corn starch as a filler or anti-caking ingredient are not required to identify that ingredient on the label. This can be true for items such as packaged spice combinations, powdered (confectioner’s) sugar* and baking powder**.
Another commonly used ingredient which probably contains wheat or corn is vanilla extract+ because it is typically manufactured using corn or grain alcohol.
When checking the ingredients list of a packaged food, consumers should look for these corn-related words:
Caramel
Caramel corn
Corn alcohol
Cornbread
Cornflakes
Corn flour
Cornmeal
Corn muffins
Corn Oil
Cornstarch
Corn sugar
Corn sweetener
Corn syrup
Corn syrup solids
Dextrate
Dextrin
Dextrose
Grits
High-fructose corn syrup
High-fructose syrup
Hominy
Maize
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrose
Masa harina
Modified starch
Polenta
Popcorn
Sorbitol
Starch
Vegetable gum, past, protein, and starch
Hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), and textured vegetable protein (TVP) are also often corn-based. White vinegar, bleached white flour, and iodized salt may contain corn.
NOTES:
* Confectioner’s sugar contains cornstarch. To make your own, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of arrowroot or tapioca starch. Blend in a blender until finely powdered (about 1 minute).
** Baking powder can contain cornstarch. To avoid corn, replace each teaspoon of baking powder with:
¼ teaspoon baking soda combined with ½ teaspoon cream of tartar, OR
¼ teaspoon baking soda combined with 1/3 cup molasses, OR
¼ teaspoon baking soda combined with 1 teaspoon apple cider or rice vinegar
+ Click here to find out how to make allergen-free vanilla extract