Hidden Gluten in West African Fufu & Stews: What Every Gluten-Sensitive Diner Should Know

West African cuisine is beloved for its bold flavors and hearty dishes like fufu and stews, but gluten can lurk in unexpected places. For travelers and diners with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, navigating these meals safely requires awareness. Here’s how to spot hidden gluten risks and enjoy these dishes worry-free.

Is Fufu Gluten-Free?

Traditional fufu is made from starchy ingredients like cassava, plantains, or yams, which are naturally gluten-free. However, some modern preparations may blend flours or use additives containing wheat. Always confirm the base ingredients, especially if buying pre-packaged mixes or eating at restaurants that alter traditional recipes.

Stews: A Gluten Minefield?

West African stews (like egusi, groundnut, or okra soup) often use thickeners or flavor enhancers that may contain gluten. Common culprits include:

• Wheat flour in thickened soups
• Soy sauce or bouillon cubes with hidden gluten
• Malt vinegar in marinades
• Cross-contamination from shared cooking utensils

How MM Food App Simplifies Safe Dining

The MM Food app’s AI instantly translates menus to your language and cross-references dishes against your dietary profile. For example:

1. Menu Scanning: Upload a photo of a menu to identify gluten-containing ingredients in stews or fufu preparations.
2. Custom Alerts: Set notifications for additives like 'wheat flour' in local languages.
3. Restaurant Tips: Discover gluten-free certified eateries or request safer meal prep.

Pro Tips for Gluten-Free Dining

• Ask if fufu is homemade from scratch or store-bought.
• Request stews thickened with okra or cassava flour instead of wheat.
• Avoid fried side dishes that might share oil with gluten-containing items.

By combining cultural knowledge with MM Food’s technology, you can savor West Africa’s iconic dishes without compromising your health.