If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you can’t just pick up any ketchup off the shelf and call it good. It’s critical to understand whether ketchup contains gluten and what to look for.
Is Ketchup Gluten Free?
Safe ketchup is not too difficult to locate if you follow a gluten-free diet. Only about 20 parts per million (ppm) or less of the ketchup sold in the United States is gluten-free. Here are a few instances where this rule is not applicable, though. Gluten contamination can occur during the processing of some grains, although ketchup is unlikely to be affected. A few gluten-free individuals may react to wheat-derived distilled vinegar, even at concentrations under 20 parts per million.
US manufacturers must list wheat-based vinegar on product labels. With condiments, though, this rule is not always applicable. As a result, some ketchup manufacturers may utilize wheat-distilled vinegar without disclosing it. However, wheat-based distilled white vinegar ought to continue to test below the 20 ppm threshold.
Brand’s Gluten-Free Status
This table lists ketchup brands, their vinegar sources, and whether the manufacturer confirms the product is gluten-free. If you’re allergic to vinegar from gluten grains, choose a brand using non-gluten vinegar. Below is a list of top US ketchup brands with their gluten-free status.
Annie’s Natural Ketchup Gluten-free
Annie’s tests their organic ketchup to 20 ppm. Annie’s produces a range of items for the gluten-free market. Annie’s labels specify whether their products share a facility with wheat and whether their vinegar comes from corn or beets.
Heinz Ketchup
Heinz, the most recognized brand in the United States, is considered gluten-free up to 20 parts per million. According to a Heinz representative, their distilled vinegar comes from corn, not wheat.
Organicville Ketchup
Organicville produces organic ketchup, which they advertise as gluten-free. To meet this claim, they must test their ketchup to ensure it contains less than 20 parts per million gluten. Rachel Kruse states Organicville uses gluten-free vinegar from cane or maize.
Sir Kensington’s Ketchup
Sir Kensington’s ketchup is crafted from a simple blend of crushed red tomatoes, cane sugar, water, onion, distilled vinegar, and spices. Moreover, the brand proudly asserts its commitment to quality by offering a product that is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan-certified.
Walden Farms Ketchup
Walden Farms specializes in low-carbohydrate, purportedly “calorie-free” products, which also adhere to a gluten content of 20 ppm. Notably, the company boldly asserts on its website that their ketchup is devoid of calories, fat, carbohydrates, gluten, or any sugars. Specifically, Walden Farms ketchup comprises tomato paste, a blend of apple cider and white distilled vinegars, a medley of flavorings, xanthan gum as a thickener, and a selection of spices.
French’s Ketchup
Gluten and corn syrup content in French’s Ketchup are less than 20 parts per million. Avoid artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. French’s condiments might use wheat-based vinegar.
The product is gluten-free according to the company’s FAQ page, which states: “Product labels will always identify the presence of gluten and gluten-containing ingredients by using common names for the ingredient, such as barley, wheat, rye, oats, or triticale.” The ingredient list on your packaging should be accurate and up to date, as product formulae sometimes vary.
Hunt’s Ketchup
Conagra Brands Inc., the company that makes Hunt’s ketchup brands, has a policy of clearly labeling any components that contain gluten. Since Hunt’s doesn’t advertise as gluten-free, Conagra doesn’t consider it gluten-free.
Hunt’s claims that none of its ketchup varieties contain added gluten, but the company doesn’t conduct tests to verify this. Furthermore, Hunt’s ketchup vinegar might be derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat.
Safety Measures For Gluten-free Ketchup
Many grocery store chains make their own store-brand ketchup, although a lot of them are actually made by other companies. You will need to find out if the ketchup in your favorite shop brand is gluten-free. Thankfully, listings of gluten-free items are available at most stores. Thankfully, listings of gluten-free items are available at most stores. Most of these products only undergo testing up to 20 ppm.
There is at least one gluten-free ketchup available, so you might want to hunt for one if you’re especially sensitive to trace gluten.
