What bear doesn't have gluten? Unpacking the Famous Riddle

January 13, 2026 •

4 min read

Over 75% of riddles rely on a play on words to be solved, and the popular query "What bear doesn't have gluten?" is no exception. This trick question uses homophones to misdirect the listener, leading them to think about furry mammals instead of the simpler, pun-based answer.

Quick Summary

This article explains the linguistic trick behind the riddle "What bear doesn't have gluten?", revealing the solution and the common misconception caused by homophones. It also covers actual gluten-free foods and beverage options, distinguishing them from the riddle's wordplay.

Key Points

Riddle Solution: The answer to "What bear doesn't have gluten?" is a play on words, referencing a "bare" or empty stomach.
Homophone Trick: The riddle works by using the homophone of "bear"—the word "bare"—to create a misleading but humorous puzzle.
Gluten-Free vs. Reduced: True gluten-free products are made from non-gluten grains, while gluten-reduced products start with gluten and are treated with enzymes, making them potentially unsafe for celiacs.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Many whole foods like fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meat, and pure honey are naturally free of gluten.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination: For severe gluten sensitivities, it's crucial to check for certification seals and be aware of potential cross-contamination in processing facilities.
Reading Labels: Always read ingredient labels carefully, as gluten can be hidden in unexpected places like flavorings and additives.
Focus on Whole Foods: A balanced gluten-free diet emphasizes naturally gluten-free whole foods over processed substitutes.

The Puzzling Homophone: Unveiling the Answer

At first glance, the riddle "What bear doesn't have gluten?" seems like a question for a zoologist or a nutritionist specializing in animal diets. The initial impulse is to consider the species of bear, such as a grizzly, black, or polar bear. However, the query is a classic example of a wordplay riddle, and the answer has nothing to do with the animal at all.

The key to solving the puzzle lies in the homophone for "bear"—the word bare. Therefore, a bare stomach has no gluten. The riddle is designed to confuse and elicit a laugh from the listener once the simple solution is revealed. This is similar to other popular riddles, such as "What do you call a bear with no teeth?"—a gummy bear.

Deconstructing the Wordplay

The trick in this riddle is the linguistic similarity between two words with completely different meanings:

Bear: A large, carnivorous mammal, which in its natural state, consumes a diet of fish, berries, and other non-gluten-containing foods. But the question is not about the animal.
Bare: An adjective meaning uncovered, unclothed, or empty. The riddle leverages this word, and the correct phrasing becomes, "What bare doesn't have gluten?" The answer is, literally, a stomach that is empty of food—or bare.

The Importance of Context

This kind of riddle highlights how context and subtle word choices can completely change the meaning of a sentence. It also demonstrates a clever use of language that can be found in many jokes and puns. While the answer is a humorous play on words, it’s important to remember the distinction between the riddle and the reality of a gluten-free diet for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Gluten in the Real World: Beyond the Riddle

For people who actually need to avoid gluten, the wordplay is far less important than understanding what foods truly are gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and it is a common ingredient in many processed foods. Navigating a gluten-free diet requires careful label reading and knowledge of which foods are naturally free of gluten.

Naturally Gluten-Free Foods

Fruits and Vegetables: All are naturally gluten-free.
Meat and Poultry: Unprocessed meats and poultry are gluten-free. The animal's diet, even if it includes grains, does not affect the gluten content of the meat due to the digestive process.
Eggs and Dairy: Plain eggs and dairy products are naturally gluten-free.
Honey: Pure, unfiltered honey is naturally gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Versus Gluten-Reduced

Not all products marketed as low in gluten are safe for individuals with celiac disease. The brewing industry is a prime example where this distinction is crucial.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Reduced


Feature	Gluten-Free	Gluten-Reduced (Gluten-Removed)
Ingredients	Uses naturally gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat.	Starts with gluten-containing grains like barley and wheat.
Processing	Brewed in dedicated facilities or with strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.	Treated with enzymes during fermentation to break down gluten proteins.
Certification	Often carries a certified gluten-free label (under 20 ppm).	Some may not meet the <20 ppm standard for certification and are not safe for those with celiac disease.
Safety	Considered safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.	Safety is debated for celiac sufferers; not universally recommended.

The Takeaway: More Than Just a Riddle

The viral riddle "What bear doesn't have gluten?" is a clever piece of wordplay that hinges on the phonetic similarity of "bear" and "bare." The solution—a bare stomach—is a lighthearted answer to a deceptively simple question. However, the conversation it sparks around gluten-free diets is a serious one for millions of people. Understanding the real-world implications of a gluten-free diet, from distinguishing safe foods and beverages to the risks of cross-contamination, is a critical part of managing a health condition like celiac disease. This playful question serves as a reminder that language can be tricky, and so can navigating dietary restrictions.

How to Tell if a Product is Truly Gluten-Free

Look for Certification Seals: Many countries have official certification programs that guarantee a product is produced under controlled conditions and contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard for safety.
Read the Ingredients List: Check for obvious gluten sources like wheat, barley, and rye. Also, be mindful of hidden gluten in flavorings, additives, and malt-derived ingredients.
Be Cautious of Cross-Contamination Warnings: Phrases like "manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat" are red flags for those with severe sensitivities.

Conclusion: The Riddle's Legacy

Ultimately, the riddle of the gluten-free bear is an entertaining distraction from the very real challenges faced by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It teaches a valuable lesson about careful listening and the power of puns. While the answer to the joke is a quick and simple laugh, the path to a truly gluten-free lifestyle requires diligence, education, and attention to detail. So the next time you hear this riddle, you can offer both the punchline and some helpful, real-world advice.

Note: While pure, unprocessed meats, vegetables, and fruits are naturally gluten-free, always be cautious of cross-contamination when preparing meals, especially in shared kitchens. Always check labels on processed goods.

Additional Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

The riddle relies on the homophone for the word "bear," which is "bare." A bare, or empty, stomach contains no food and, therefore, no gluten.

No. Gluten is a protein found in specific grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Since bears are wild animals, not consuming processed foods containing these grains, they do not have gluten in their systems. Additionally, the animal's digestive process breaks down any consumed grain proteins.

Not necessarily. Products labeled "gluten-free" must meet a legal standard of under 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, those with high sensitivity should also be mindful of products that may have cross-contamination from shared manufacturing facilities.

Gluten-free beer is brewed entirely from non-gluten grains like sorghum or millet. Gluten-removed beer is made with traditional gluten-containing grains and then treated with an enzyme to break down the gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten-removed beer may still pose a risk.

Yes, it can. While natural meat is gluten-free, processed versions can have added gluten in marinades, fillers, or seasonings. It's important to check the ingredient label for gluten sources or look for certified gluten-free products.

Yes, pure, unprocessed honey is naturally gluten-free. However, flavored honeys or honey processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products could be at risk for cross-contamination. Always check labels or opt for certified gluten-free honey if you are highly sensitive.

To avoid getting stumped by wordplay riddles, listen carefully for homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings), and don't overthink the question. The most obvious, literal interpretation is often a red herring.