A Guide to What Store-Bought Frosting is Gluten-Free

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

For individuals with celiac disease, even a tiny amount of gluten can cause an adverse reaction, with as little as 20 parts per million being enough to trigger symptoms. This makes knowing what store-bought frosting is gluten-free a critical part of safe baking.

Quick Summary

This article explores a variety of store-bought frosting brands that are explicitly labeled gluten-free or are known to be safe for those on a gluten-free diet. It highlights how to properly interpret product labels, identify potential cross-contamination risks, and choose the right frosting for celiac-safe desserts.

Key Points

Check Labels for "Gluten-Free": The most reliable way to find a safe frosting is by looking for a label or certification confirming it is gluten-free.
Popular Brands Offer Options: Many mainstream brands, including Betty Crocker and Pillsbury, have specific ready-to-spread frostings that are safe.
Dedicated Brands Offer Assurance: Brands like Simple Mills and Miss Jones Baking Co. are entirely gluten-free and/or made in dedicated facilities, minimizing risk.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Even if a frosting's ingredients are safe, gluten can be introduced through shared production lines or kitchen utensils.
Understand "May Contain" Labels: Warnings like "may contain traces of gluten" indicate a cross-contamination risk and should be avoided by those with celiac disease.
Select Speciality Lines Carefully: Brands like Duncan Hines have specific gluten-free products (e.g., Keto), but not all flavors or lines may be safe.

Understanding Gluten in Frosting

While frosting is not typically made with wheat flour, certain varieties and manufacturing processes can introduce gluten. Some older or specialty recipes, like Ermine frosting, traditionally use wheat flour as a thickener. More commonly, gluten contamination can occur through shared equipment or facilities that also process wheat-containing products. This makes careful label-reading and brand selection essential for anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.

Popular Mainstream Brands with Gluten-Free Options

Many familiar grocery store brands offer a selection of frostings that are safe for a gluten-free diet. It is important to always check the most current labeling, as ingredients and processing can change over time.

Betty Crocker: According to the company's website, many of Betty Crocker's "ready-to-spread" frostings are labeled as gluten-free. These include many of their classic rich & creamy varieties in flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and cream cheese. Look for the official gluten-free statement on the label to be certain.
Pillsbury: The Pillsbury Creamy Supreme line generally appears to be gluten-free, based on company information. Pillsbury also offers a Zero Sugar Creamy Supreme frosting that is explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Duncan Hines: Duncan Hines offers several gluten-free options, especially in their specialty lines. Their Keto-Friendly frostings are specifically noted as gluten-free and have no added sugar. For their standard creamy frostings, like chocolate and vanilla, checking the nutritional information on the company's site is recommended, as more complex flavors may contain wheat.

Dedicated and Natural Gluten-Free Brands

For those who prefer organic, natural, or certified gluten-free products, several dedicated brands offer excellent choices that minimize cross-contamination risks.

Simple Mills: This brand's entire product line, including its vanilla and chocolate frostings, is gluten-free. Simple Mills uses whole food ingredients like coconut oil and monk fruit extract for a naturally sweetened, organic option.
Miss Jones Baking Co.: Miss Jones offers organic and natural frostings that are certified gluten-free, vegan, and free from other common allergens like soy and dairy. They prioritize simple, high-quality ingredients, making them a safe and clean choice.
Cherrybrook Kitchen: This brand is a solid option for those with multiple allergies. Their ready-to-spread frostings are made in a dedicated facility and are free from the top eight allergens, including gluten.

A Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Frosting Brands


Brand	Product Line (GF)	Certification	Special Features	Where to Find
Betty Crocker	Ready-to-Spread	Labelled GF by manufacturer	Widely available, multiple flavors	Major grocery stores, Walmart, Amazon
Pillsbury	Creamy Supreme, Zero Sugar	Labelled GF by manufacturer	Zero sugar options available	Major grocery stores
Duncan Hines	Keto Friendly	Labelled GF on package	Keto friendly, 0g added sugar	Grocery stores, online retailers
Simple Mills	All Frostings	Certified Organic, GF	Organic, vegan, gum-free, non-GMO	Natural food stores, SimpleMills.com
Miss Jones	Organic Frosting	Certified Organic, GF	Vegan, soy-free, dairy-free	MissJones.co, natural grocers
Cherrybrook	Ready-to-Spread	Made in a dedicated facility	Top 8 allergen-free, dedicated equipment	Walmart, Whole Foods, online

How to Read Labels for Gluten

For optimal safety, always read the product label thoroughly, even when a brand is generally considered gluten-free. Manufacturers are required to highlight allergens like wheat in the ingredients list.

Look for the "Gluten-Free" Claim: A product labeled "gluten-free" must contain 20 parts per million or less of gluten, according to the FDA. This is the most reliable indicator.
Check the Allergen Statement: Immediately check for a "Contains: Wheat" statement, usually found near the ingredients list. If present, the frosting is not gluten-free.
Read the Ingredients List: While less common, some frostings may contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains, such as malt extract or certain starches. Be wary of vague terms like "natural flavorings" if the product isn't explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Note "May Contain" Warnings: Phrases like "made on shared equipment" or "may contain traces of gluten" indicate a risk of cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease, it's safer to avoid these products.
Look for Certification Symbols: The Certified Gluten-Free symbol or the Crossed Grain symbol indicates third-party verification that the product meets strict gluten-free standards.

Minimizing Cross-Contamination at Home

Even with a safe store-bought frosting, cross-contamination is a significant risk in shared kitchens. Careful handling can prevent gluten exposure.

Use Dedicated Utensils: Never use the same knife or spatula for gluten-free frosting that has touched a gluten-containing cake or cookie. Use fresh, clean tools every time.
Store Separately: Keep gluten-free frostings and other baking supplies in a designated area, ideally above any gluten-containing items to prevent spills from contaminating your food.
Clean Surfaces Thoroughly: Before opening your frosting, wipe down all prep surfaces with warm, soapy water to remove any potential flour dust or crumbs.
Buy New Spreads: If you use spreads like butter or margarine in your frosting recipe, use a new, unopened container to avoid crumbs from gluten-containing bread.
Educate Others: If you share a kitchen, make sure others understand the importance of avoiding cross-contamination for your health.

Conclusion

Finding a safe, delicious store-bought frosting on a gluten-free diet is straightforward with today's many options. Major brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury offer labeled choices in their classic lines, while dedicated gluten-free and organic brands such as Simple Mills and Miss Jones Baking Co. provide additional peace of mind with robust certifications. By combining careful label-reading with best practices to prevent cross-contamination, you can ensure your baked goods are not only delicious but also completely safe for your dietary needs. Always double-check labels, choose certified products when possible, and remember that with a little caution, you can enjoy frosted treats without worry. For additional reliable guidance on gluten-free living, consulting resources like the Coeliac UK website is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all canned frosting contains gluten. Many major brands like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury offer specific ready-to-spread product lines that are labeled gluten-free. However, you must always check the label, as formulations can vary and some flavors may not be safe.

The most reliable method is to look for a product explicitly labeled "gluten-free" or bearing a third-party certification symbol like the Crossed Grain mark. Also, check the allergen statement for any mention of wheat.

Duncan Hines has certain gluten-free options, including their Keto-Friendly chocolate and vanilla frostings. Their standard creamy frostings may also be free of gluten-containing ingredients, but it is best to check the nutritional information or company website for specific flavor details, as more specialized frostings can contain wheat.

The risk of cross-contamination can vary. Some products are made on shared equipment in a facility that also processes wheat, while others from dedicated gluten-free brands, like Simple Mills, carry less risk. Always read "may contain" warnings and consider products from dedicated facilities for higher sensitivity.

Pillsbury’s Creamy Supreme and Zero Sugar frostings appear to be gluten-free, according to the company's website. As with any product, it is recommended to verify the specific flavor's label before purchasing.

Most powdered sugar is stabilized with a starch, often cornstarch. Some brands may contain wheat derivatives or be processed on shared equipment. If making frosting from scratch, ensure your powdered sugar is from a gluten-free source to avoid contamination.

No. While some organic and natural brands like Simple Mills and Miss Jones are also gluten-free, it is not a guarantee. Always check the product label for an official gluten-free claim, as ingredients can differ.