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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsNon mangio glutine.
A2

Non mangio glutine.

I don't eat gluten.

Pronunciation

GLOO-tee-neh — three syllables, stress on first. The 'u' is pure Italian 'oo' sound.

When to use it

Use with the distinction between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. If you have celiac, use the more formal phrase about celiachia for stronger effect.

What it means

'Non mangio' is a simple negation with the present tense of 'mangiare'. Italy is actually very aware of gluten issues — the term 'senza glutine' appears widely on menus and packaged foods. The AIC (Italian Celiac Association) certifies many restaurants.

Variations

Sono celiaco/celiaca.

I have celiac disease.

Medical term — use if the condition is serious and requires strict avoidance.

Avete opzioni senza glutine?

Do you have gluten-free options?

Good opening question to assess the restaurant's capacity.

La pasta è senza glutine?

Is the pasta gluten-free?

Specific product check.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Sono celiaca. Avete pasta senza glutine? Cameriere: Sì, abbiamo pasta di riso. La cuciniamo in una pentola separata. Cliente: Ottimo, grazie. Posso vedere il menu senza glutine? Cameriere: Certo, eccolo.

Client: I have celiac disease. Do you have gluten-free pasta? Waiter: Yes, we have rice pasta. We cook it in a separate pot. Client: Excellent, thank you. Can I see the gluten-free menu? Waiter: Of course, here it is.

Cultural Note

Italy has one of the highest rates of diagnosed celiac disease in Europe. The AIC logo on a restaurant signals it follows strict protocols for gluten-free preparation, including separate cookware.