Are any MorningStar products gluten free?

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official MorningStar Farms FAQ page, their products are not considered gluten-free and contain wheat. This is crucial information for individuals with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Most MorningStar Farms products contain gluten from sources like wheat gluten and soy sauce, and the company officially confirms they are not a gluten-free brand. Shoppers must always check product ingredient lists carefully for the most up-to-date allergen information, as formulations can change over time.

Key Points

Official Policy: MorningStar Farms officially states that its products are not gluten-free.
Common Ingredients: Wheat gluten and wheat flour are common ingredients used in many MorningStar products.
Ingredient Label: Consumers should always check the ingredient and allergen list on each package for the most current information.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The products are likely manufactured in facilities that handle wheat, posing a risk of cross-contamination for sensitive individuals.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: There are other brands and specific products available on the market that are certified gluten-free, like the Beyond Burger.

The Official Stance on MorningStar Products

MorningStar Farms is a widely recognized brand for vegetarian and vegan products, but the company is explicit about its gluten policy. As stated on their official website's FAQ, MorningStar Farms® foods are not gluten-free. This definitive statement clarifies that the brand does not produce items safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet. The presence of gluten-containing ingredients is widespread across their product line, a fact that is reinforced by independent reviews and allergen databases.

Gluten-Containing Ingredients in Popular Products

A close look at the ingredients of many popular MorningStar Farms items reveals the common inclusion of wheat and gluten. These ingredients are frequently used as binders and for texture in plant-based alternatives. Here are a few examples:

Grillers Original Burgers: Ingredients include wheat gluten and soy sauce, which contains wheat.
Original Sausage Patties: The recipe lists wheat gluten and soy sauce (containing wheat).
Original Chik'n Patties: These contain wheat flour and wheat gluten.
Spicy Black Bean Burgers: While beans are the primary ingredient, bulgur wheat and wheat gluten are also used.

The presence of wheat gluten is especially prevalent as a protein source in their meatless products. For consumers with a gluten-related disorder, this makes virtually the entire MorningStar lineup off-limits. The company advises that because recipes can change, consumers should always read the ingredient and allergen statement on each package for the most current information.

A Critical Look at Labeling and Allergen Information

For those managing food allergies or intolerances, careful label reading is non-negotiable. The official allergen statement for many MorningStar products, such as the Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burger, clearly indicates the presence of wheat and gluten. The 'Contains' section on the packaging is a quick and reliable way to identify potential allergens. While some ingredients like soy sauce might not immediately be recognized as gluten sources, the allergen statement makes the presence of wheat unambiguous. It is a best practice to avoid any product that lists wheat, wheat gluten, barley, rye, or malt as an ingredient.

Comparison: MorningStar vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives

When seeking a safe alternative, consumers must turn to other brands that specifically market and certify their products as gluten-free. Several brands have dedicated gluten-free lines, while others have naturally gluten-free products.


Feature	MorningStar Farms	Gluten-Free Alternative (e.g., Beyond Meat)
Product Availability	Broad range of vegetarian/vegan items, but none are officially gluten-free.	Offers specific gluten-free options like the Beyond Burger.
Gluten Content	Contains wheat, wheat gluten, and other gluten-containing ingredients.	Certified gluten-free, with no gluten-containing ingredients.
Best For	Individuals without gluten sensitivities who enjoy plant-based foods.	Those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies.
Labeling	Explicitly states 'Not Gluten-Free' and lists wheat as an allergen.	Clearly labeled and often certified by a third party as gluten-free.

Navigating Cross-Contamination Risks

Even if a product doesn't list a gluten ingredient, the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing remains a concern for individuals with celiac disease. MorningStar's official statement implies that their manufacturing processes are not designed to be gluten-free, increasing this risk. In shared facilities, the potential for airborne gluten particles or shared equipment means that even a product without a gluten ingredient could be unsafe. This is another reason why relying on the company's official 'not gluten-free' designation is the safest approach.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line for Gluten-Free Eaters

The verdict for the gluten-free community is clear: MorningStar Farms products are not a safe option. The company itself confirms this, and a quick inspection of product ingredient lists for their most popular items reveals the consistent presence of wheat and wheat gluten. While it can be disappointing to discover that a favorite plant-based brand is off-limits, the market for gluten-free and plant-based foods continues to expand. Thankfully, numerous alternatives exist from brands that specialize in allergen-friendly products, providing delicious and safe options. Always remember to check labels for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and consult the official source for allergen details.

For more information on MorningStar's allergen policies, visit their official FAQ page: MorningStar Farms FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, according to the official MorningStar Farms FAQ, their products are not gluten-free. The company states that consumers should always check individual product labels for the most current allergen information.

No, it is not safe for individuals with celiac disease to consume MorningStar Farms burgers. Products like the Grillers Original and Spicy Black Bean burgers contain wheat gluten, which must be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet.

Wheat gluten is often used in plant-based products like MorningStar's to act as a binder and to improve the texture and structure of the meatless items. It helps to hold the ingredients together.

Being vegetarian or vegan does not automatically mean a product is gluten-free. Most MorningStar Farms products contain gluten, including many of their items made with soy protein, wheat gluten, and other gluten-containing ingredients.

For a product to be gluten-free, it must be labeled as such and not contain any wheat, wheat gluten, rye, barley, or malt. Always check the allergen statement, which clearly lists wheat if it's present.

Several brands offer gluten-free plant-based options. For example, the Beyond Burger is confirmed to be gluten-free. You can also find gluten-free veggie burgers and plant-based sausages from other companies specializing in allergen-friendly foods.

Given that many MorningStar products contain wheat and wheat gluten, and the company does not claim to be a gluten-free brand, cross-contamination is a significant risk for highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.