Can someone with celiac disease eat Ezekiel bread?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Affecting an estimated 1% of the population worldwide, celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten. A common point of confusion arises with so-called “flourless” or sprouted grain products, prompting the question: Can someone with celiac disease eat Ezekiel bread?

Quick Summary

Ezekiel bread contains gluten-containing grains such as wheat and spelt and is not safe for individuals with celiac disease. The sprouting process does not remove the harmful gluten protein, making it essential for celiacs to choose certified gluten-free alternatives for a strict diet.

Key Points

Ezekiel bread is not gluten-free: It is made with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and spelt and is unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.
Sprouting does not eliminate gluten: The sprouting process does not remove the gluten protein from grains, and the bread still contains harmful amounts for celiacs.
Strict avoidance is essential: Even trace amounts of gluten can trigger an autoimmune response and cause intestinal damage in someone with celiac disease.
Certified gluten-free alternatives exist: Brands like Food For Life also offer certified gluten-free products made with alternative grains, which are safe for celiacs.
Always check labels for certification: To ensure safety, individuals with celiac disease should look for products with a recognized gluten-free certification mark.
The severity of celiac disease differs from gluten sensitivity: Unlike gluten sensitivity, celiac disease involves autoimmune-triggered intestinal damage, requiring strict gluten avoidance.

Celiac Disease and the Strict Gluten-Free Mandate

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune condition triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This leads to damage to the small intestine's villi, impacting nutrient absorption. Even small amounts of gluten can cause significant health problems for individuals with celiac disease, making a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet the only effective treatment. This differs from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which doesn't involve intestinal damage.

The Truth About Ezekiel Bread's Ingredients

Ezekiel 4:9® Sprouted Grain Bread by Food For Life is not gluten-free. Its ingredients, inspired by a biblical verse, include organic sprouted wheat, barley, millet, lentils, soybeans, and spelt, along with organic wheat gluten, yeast, and sea salt. The presence of wheat, barley, and spelt means it contains gluten.

Sprouting Does Not Remove Gluten

A common myth is that sprouting grains removes gluten, making Ezekiel bread safe for celiacs. This is incorrect. While sprouting may aid digestion for those without celiac disease, it does not eliminate gluten. The remaining gluten is still harmful to individuals with celiac disease, and any product containing wheat, barley, or rye is not gluten-free, regardless of sprouting. Celiacs should always check labels and not rely on potentially misinformed advice.

The Risks of a Mistake

Accidental gluten consumption for someone with celiac disease can lead to:

Intestinal Damage: Gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine, impairing nutrient absorption.
Symptoms: This can cause diarrhea, bloating, pain, and fatigue.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Chronic damage can result in malnutrition and related health issues.
Long-Term Complications: Untreated celiac disease increases risks for other health problems, including certain cancers.

Comparison: Ezekiel Bread vs. Gluten-Free Bread

Here's a comparison highlighting the key differences:


Feature	Ezekiel 4:9® Sprouted Grain Bread	Certified Gluten-Free Bread	Why it Matters for Celiacs
Gluten Content	Contains gluten	Contains less than 20 ppm of gluten	Any gluten is unsafe.
Grains Used	Wheat, barley, spelt, etc.	Rice, buckwheat, quinoa, etc.	Safe grains are crucial.
Sprouting Process	Sprouted; does not remove gluten	Varies; process ensures gluten-free ingredients.	Sprouting is irrelevant to celiac safety.
Certification	Not certified gluten-free	Tested and certified	Certification provides safety assurance.
Digestibility	Can be easier for non-celiacs	Varies, but always celiac safe.	Digestion for non-celiacs is not a celiac safety factor.

Finding Safe and Delicious Bread Alternatives

Many safe and tasty gluten-free bread options are available. Food For Life offers certified gluten-free lines. Look for these in the freezer section:

Certified Gluten-Free Breads: Check for a certification label like GFCO.
Naturally Gluten-Free Grains: Choose breads made from rice, quinoa, sorghum, buckwheat, or corn.
Sprouted Gluten-Free Options: Some brands offer sprouted gluten-free breads.

Practicing Vigilance: The Importance of Reading Labels

Reading labels is vital for celiacs. Do not confuse terms like "flourless" or "sprouted" with "gluten-free". Always check for wheat, barley, rye, or malt in the ingredients. If unsure, choose a certified gluten-free product. Also, be mindful of cross-contamination with shared utensils or appliances.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Ezekiel Bread

Ezekiel bread is not safe for individuals with celiac disease because it contains gluten. The sprouting process does not remove gluten. Celiacs must avoid Ezekiel bread and choose explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free products to maintain their health. Diligent label reading and choosing certified products are essential for a safe diet.

For more information on celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation: https://celiac.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Ezekiel bread contains gluten. Its ingredients include sprouted wheat, barley, and spelt, which are all gluten-containing grains.

The misconception arises because Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted, 'flourless' grains, and the sprouting process is sometimes incorrectly believed to eliminate gluten. This is a myth, as sprouting does not make the product gluten-free.

Consuming Ezekiel bread can cause an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, pain, and malabsorption of nutrients. Continuous exposure can cause serious long-term health problems.

Yes. While Ezekiel bread is not gluten-free, Food For Life produces several other certified gluten-free products, such as their 'Sprouted for Life' bread line, which is safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet.

No, there are no versions of Ezekiel bread that are safe for celiacs, as the formula itself contains gluten-containing grains. For a truly gluten-free sprouted option, look for a separate product line specifically certified as gluten-free.

Individuals with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may tolerate Ezekiel bread better than highly processed bread because of the sprouting process, but it still contains gluten. It is a personal matter, and some with this sensitivity may still react negatively.

Look for products explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free, typically found in the freezer section of grocery stores. Check the ingredients for naturally gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, and buckwheat.