Yes, bananas are 100% naturally gluten free. Bananas are not related to any gluten related grains so therefore bananas do not contain any gluten in their natural form.

If you have issues while eating bananas, it may be due to certain proteins found in bananas. We cover these proteins in detail below!

Are Bananas Gluten Free?

Bananas, in their natural, unprocessed state, are entirely gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. However, some individuals may still experience discomfort due to proteins such as chitinase and profilin present in bananas, which can trigger an allergic response. To learn more about these proteins and their potential effects, consult our comprehensive guide on banana allergies and gluten-free diets here on our website.

Are Bananas Gluten Free?
Are Bananas Gluten Free?

You may find yourself asking, do bananas have gluten? Well no worries, there is absolutely no gluten in bananas, and they are perfectly safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to eat (in their natural form).

Gluten & Bananas – A Quick Glance:

  • Are bananas gluten free? Yes, bananas are 100% gluten free in their natural form
  • Banana proteins can irritate those with latex allergies
  • Bananas can be used as a substitute in many gluten free recipes

What Allergens Do Bananas Have?

Although bananas are gluten free, unfortunately bananas are not free of all allergens. If you are allergic to latex, you may also be allergic to banana proteins, so avoid eating bananas if you have a latex allergy. Additionally, some people who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome may find that they react to certain types of fruit, including bananas, so it’s best to eat them in moderation if you have IBS.

So bananas themselves are gluten free, but can a person with Celiac disease or a gluten intolerance still have issues with bananas?

Yes, there is a small chance that someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance could have a reaction to bananas. This is because bananas are a high-fiber food, and some people with these conditions may not be able to digest fiber well. If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance and you experience problems after eating bananas, try avoiding them for a while and see if your symptoms improve. If they do, you may just need to limit your intake of high-fiber foods.

The first issue with bananas is the protein they contain, lectin. Lectin is found in many night shades which can irritate people with autoimmune diseases. Since lectin is similar to gluten, it can cause an autoimmune response since the body can become confuse lectin and gluten. Some studies have even concluded that what was suspected to be a gluten intolerance is actually a lectin allergy.

Bananas also contain a protein calledĀ chitinase. Chitinase requires specific enzymes to break down. If the chitinase protein cannot be broken down once consumed, an autoimmune response can be triggered and may cause several gastrointestinal discomfort and abdominal pain. As often seen with those with unhealed Celiac, the necessary enzyme needed to break down chitinase is missing.

Additional symptoms of not being able to break down chitinase include, but are not limited to:

  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Bloating
  • Excessive gas
  • Constipation
  • Flushing of the skin
  • Headaches
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Numbness and tingling of the mouth

Bananas as a Gluten Free Substitution

Did you know you can use bananas as the main ingredient in pancakes? A very popular pancake recipe is simply mashed banana, egg, and a little pinch of cinnamon blended together. You can add a little almond flour for binding if you find the mixture too runny. A quick fry in some grass fed butter or coconut oil and then drizzle a little syrup on top, and you have a wonderful substitution for pancakes! Low carb, gluten free, and SO good for you!

Gluten Free Banana Bread

We love a good hunk of warm banana bread, especially one with chocolate chips! We wanted to share one of our favorite gluten free recipes with you. Hop on over to our gluten free banana bread recipe to discover one of the best banana bread recipes! This is a favorite amongst the gluten free and gluten eaters in our house!

TLDR; – Are Bananas Gluten Free?

Are bananas gluten free? Yes – bananas are gluten free. However, there is a small chance that someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance could have a reaction to them. Additionally, bananas can be a problem for people with conditions like IBS, so it’s best to eat them in moderation if you have those conditions. If you have a gluten sensitivity and find bananas are upsetting your stomach, the best option is to eliminate them from your diet to see if your condition improves.

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