I am intolerant to wheat.
GRAH-no — short 'a', stress on first syllable. Intollerante: een-tol-leh-RAHN-teh.
Use when you react to wheat specifically but not necessarily all gluten sources. Distinct from celiac disease — useful for those with non-celiac wheat sensitivity.
'Al grano' uses 'a + il' = 'al'. Grano (wheat) is distinct from glutine (gluten) — wheat sensitivity and celiac disease are different conditions. This phrasing is more specific and may prompt more targeted questions from knowledgeable staff.
Sono sensibile al frumento.
I am sensitive to wheat/grain.
Frumento is a formal synonym for grano.
Evito il grano.
I avoid wheat.
Less medical phrasing, signals preference.
Avete farine alternative?
Do you have alternative flours?
Asks about rice, buckwheat, or other flour options.
Polenta, made from cornmeal, and risotto, made from rice, are naturally wheat-free Italian staples. Northern Italian cuisine relies heavily on these, making it more accessible for wheat-intolerant diners.