Are any bouillon cubes gluten-free? Here's how to tell.

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, hidden gluten can be present in many processed foods, including certain bouillon cubes. While not all bouillon cubes contain gluten, many do, often using wheat as a binder or thickener. Navigating the grocery store for a safe bouillon requires a keen eye and knowledge of common gluten-containing ingredients.

Quick Summary

Bouillon cubes can contain hidden gluten, making careful label reading essential for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Key gluten sources include wheat flour, autolyzed yeast extract from barley, and certain natural flavors. Safe options exist, but shoppers must verify "certified gluten-free" labels and be aware of cross-contact issues in manufacturing.

Key Points

Not All Bouillon Cubes Are Gluten-Free: Many bouillon cubes contain gluten, often from ingredients like wheat flour used as a thickener or binder.
Look for "Certified Gluten-Free" Seals: The safest choice is to buy products with a third-party certification seal, like GFCO, which ensures less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Watch for Hidden Gluten Ingredients: Be cautious of ingredients such as autolyzed yeast extract (unless specified gluten-free), natural flavors, wheat, barley, and malt.
Beware of Cross-Contact: Even without explicit gluten ingredients, cross-contact can occur in manufacturing facilities. Dedicated gluten-free facilities minimize this risk.
Know Specific Brand Status: Popular brands vary in their gluten content. Better Than Bouillon is generally not gluten-free, while certain Herb-Ox and Massel varieties are safe. Always verify the specific product label.
Read Labels Every Time: Product formulations can change without notice. Make it a habit to check the ingredient list and allergen statement on every package you purchase.

The Hidden Gluten in Bouillon Cubes

For individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, a simple bouillon cube can be a source of frustration and risk. While it might seem like a straightforward, savory seasoning, many brands use wheat or other gluten-containing grains in their recipes. Wheat flour is a common thickener and binder in food manufacturing, and it can easily find its way into bouillon cubes to hold their shape. Additionally, ingredients like autolyzed yeast extract, which provides a savory umami flavor, can be derived from barley and are a common gluten culprit unless explicitly stated as gluten-free.

Common Gluten-Containing Ingredients to Avoid

To navigate the bouillon aisle safely, you must become a savvy label reader. Here are some of the ingredients to look out for on packaging, as they can indicate the presence of gluten:

Wheat: The most obvious offender. This includes wheat flour, wheat starch, and wheat protein.
Barley: Often found in the form of malt flavoring, malt extract, or within autolyzed yeast extract.
Rye: Less common but still a potential source of gluten.
Yeast Extract (unless specified gluten-free): Autolyzed yeast extract can be made from gluten-containing grains, especially barley. Always look for a clear "gluten-free" label to be sure.
Natural Flavors: This broad term can sometimes hide gluten. If the product is not explicitly labeled gluten-free, this is a red flag.

Decoding Labels and Preventing Cross-Contact

For a bouillon product to be certified gluten-free, it must meet strict standards, typically containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. The most reliable products will have a certification seal, like the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization), which provides the highest level of assurance.

However, even if ingredients appear safe, cross-contact is a significant risk. This occurs when gluten-free foods come into contact with gluten-containing foods or surfaces during manufacturing. Companies that produce both gluten and gluten-free products in the same facility carry a higher risk, even if they use separate equipment. For those with celiac disease, dedicated gluten-free facilities offer the safest option.

Comparison of Common Bouillon Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients	Risk Factors	Notes
Herb-Ox	Yes (some varieties)	Beef, chicken, and vegetable flavors often marked GF	Read the label, as formulations can change.	Hormel, the manufacturer, maintains a gluten-free list.
Better Than Bouillon	No (as of 2021)	Contains wheat in many varieties	No gluten-free claims; not safe.	Previously marketed as GF, but no longer.
Knorr	Varies by product	Many cubes contain barley in yeast extract.	High risk of cross-contact; many cubes are not GF.	Some products like Knorr Stock Pots (UK) and some vegetable bouillon cubes are GF. Always check.
Massel	Yes	Gluten-free, vegan options available	Generally safe, good for sensitive individuals.	Australian brand widely available online.
Go Bio	Yes	Organic, low-sodium, and vegan options	Reliable; certified GF.	Often found in health food stores.
Maggi	No	Beef and chicken varieties contain wheat.	Unsafe for gluten-free diets.	Read ingredients; some larger bulk powdered products may differ but should be validated.

Choosing the Safest Option

Your best bet for finding a truly gluten-free bouillon cube is to stick to brands with clear "certified gluten-free" labels. This certification means the product has been independently tested to ensure its safety. If a product is not certified, even if its ingredients list seems safe, there's always a risk of cross-contact from shared manufacturing lines. When in doubt, call the manufacturer directly to inquire about their gluten-free protocols.

For those who are extremely sensitive or prefer to control all their ingredients, making your own bouillon is a rewarding alternative. This allows complete control over the sourcing of all components, eliminating any risk of gluten exposure. Recipes for homemade bouillon cubes and powders are widely available and can be customized to your taste.

Conclusion: Read Labels, Trust Certifications, and Stay Informed

While it's disappointing that not all bouillon cubes are gluten-free, there are plenty of safe and delicious options available for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The key is to be an informed consumer. Always read the ingredient list thoroughly, seek out products with "certified gluten-free" seals, and be cautious of brands known for shared manufacturing facilities. With these strategies, you can confidently add rich, savory flavor to your meals without compromising your health.

Outbound Link: For additional guidance and comprehensive ingredient lists, consulting trusted resources like the National Celiac Association is highly recommended. https://nationalceliac.org/ingredients-people-question/

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. Many bouillon cubes contain other gluten sources, such as autolyzed yeast extract derived from barley, which may not be explicitly labeled as containing gluten. If the product isn't certified gluten-free, there's also a risk of cross-contact during manufacturing.

Autolyzed yeast extract is a flavor enhancer that can be derived from a variety of sources. When derived from barley, it is not gluten-free. Unless the label or manufacturer explicitly states it is gluten-free, it is best to avoid it on a strict gluten-free diet.

Not inherently. While some bouillon powders may be gluten-free, it is still crucial to check the ingredient list and look for a gluten-free certification. Some manufacturers produce both gluten-free powders and gluten-containing cubes, so careful reading is always necessary.

Yes, making your own bouillon is a great way to ensure it is completely gluten-free. Many recipes are available using safe ingredients like nutritional yeast, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

For packaged foods, the most reliable method is to look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" seal from a third-party organization. If this is not present, you can look for a "May contain wheat" statement, which indicates a risk. For maximum safety, contacting the manufacturer directly to ask about their cross-contact prevention protocols is the best approach.

No. Manufacturers can use different formulations for different flavors or product types (e.g., cubes versus granules). Always check the label of each individual product to confirm its gluten-free status, as ingredients can change.

If a product is not explicitly labeled gluten-free, 'natural flavors' can be a red flag, as the flavor components could be derived from gluten-containing grains. It is best to avoid the product or contact the manufacturer for confirmation.