Are Bobs Red Mill products gluten free? A Deep Dive for Your Nutrition Diet

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the company, Bob’s Red Mill built a dedicated gluten-free facility in 2004 to prevent cross-contamination for its products. This article dives into the essential question: Are Bobs Red Mill products gluten free? and explains their extensive process to ensure safety for consumers with gluten sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Many Bob's Red Mill products are gluten-free, produced in a separate facility with strict testing protocols. Look for the red 'GF' logo or GFCO certification on the packaging to identify safe items for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

Dedicated Facility: Bob's Red Mill manufactures its gluten-free products in a completely separate and dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination.
Rigorous Testing: Every batch of gluten-free ingredients and finished products is tested using the ELISA method to ensure it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Visible Labeling: Safe products can be identified by the red 'GF' logo or, for some items, the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) logo on the packaging.
Product Variety: They offer an extensive line of gluten-free options, including flours, oats, and baking mixes, to suit various dietary needs.
Flour Differences: The Gluten-Free All-Purpose and 1-to-1 baking flours are formulated for different uses, with the latter including xanthan gum for convenience in many recipes.
Consumer Responsibility: Practicing safe food handling at home is crucial to avoid cross-contamination, even when using certified gluten-free products.

Bob's Red Mill: A Pioneer in Gluten-Free Foods

Bob's Red Mill, a leader in whole grains and natural foods, has earned a reputation for providing high-quality gluten-free products. Their journey began in the early 1980s in response to consumer requests from the Gluten Intolerance Group. Recognizing a growing need for safe gluten-free options, the company embarked on a mission to offer delicious, wholesome alternatives to traditional grains.

Unlike many companies that simply label naturally gluten-free ingredients, Bob's Red Mill went a significant step further to ensure the integrity and safety of their products. This commitment is evidenced by their dedicated, 58,200-square-foot gluten-free manufacturing and packaging facility.

The Rigorous Gluten-Free Process

For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, preventing cross-contamination is critical. Bob's Red Mill has a multi-stage process to guarantee its gluten-free products are safe.

1. Ingredient Sourcing

The process begins at the source, where the company works with farmers who are also committed to delivering clean, gluten-free grains. This initial step reduces the risk of contamination even before the ingredients reach the mill.

2. Arrival and Testing

Upon arrival at the facility, every batch of potential gluten-free product is tested in an in-house quality control laboratory using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. This ensures that all incoming raw ingredients are below the 20 parts per million (ppm) FDA threshold for gluten. If a batch fails the test, it is rejected from the gluten-free processing stream.

3. Dedicated Facilities and Equipment

Once approved, ingredients are taken to a dedicated gluten-free facility. This space is entirely separate from their conventional milling operations, preventing any airborne or surface contamination from wheat or other gluten-containing grains. This facility has its own specialized equipment, including mills, mixers, and packaging lines, which are never exposed to gluten.

4. Post-Production Testing and Certification

After processing, the finished products are tested again before being released for sale. Since 2019, many of these items have also received third-party certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). You can identify GFCO-certified products by the GFCO logo on the package. Other gluten-free products still undergo Bob's Red Mill's internal testing and are marked with a red 'GF' logo.

Navigating the Product Range

Bob's Red Mill offers an extensive selection of gluten-free products, from single-grain flours to versatile baking mixes. It's crucial to check the packaging for the specific gluten-free logo, as not all products are made in the dedicated facility.

Popular Gluten-Free Products

Flours: Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, Almond Flour, White Rice Flour, Chickpea Flour
Oats: Gluten-Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, Gluten-Free Quick Cooking Rolled Oats
Mixes: Gluten-Free Pancake Mix, Gluten-Free Brownie Mix, Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Mix
Grains and Cereals: Gluten-Free Muesli, Organic Buckwheat Groats, Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal

Comparison: Gluten-Free All-Purpose vs. 1-to-1 Flour

For home bakers, Bob's Red Mill offers two main gluten-free flour blends. Understanding their differences is key to achieving the best results.


Feature	Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour	Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
Key Ingredients	Garbanzo bean flour, potato starch, whole grain white sorghum flour, tapioca flour, and fava bean flour	Sweet white rice flour, brown rice flour, potato starch, sorghum flour, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum
Xanthan Gum	Not included; must be added separately	Included in the blend, simplifying recipes
Best For	Yeast-based recipes like bread, pasta, and pizza crust, which benefit from the higher protein content	Non-yeasted recipes like cookies, cakes, brownies, and muffins
Usage	Requires adding xanthan gum based on recipe guidelines	Can often be substituted cup-for-cup for regular flour

Preventing Cross-Contamination at Home

Even with certified gluten-free products, kitchen practices are crucial for preventing accidental exposure. Here are some essential tips:

Separate Storage: Store gluten-free products above gluten-containing ones to prevent crumbs or dust from falling onto them.
Dedicated Equipment: Use separate toasters, cutting boards, strainers, and utensils for gluten-free cooking.
Clean Surfaces: Thoroughly wash and sanitize all cooking surfaces before preparing gluten-free meals.
Designated Condiments: Use separate jars of butter, jams, or spreads to avoid contamination from knives used on gluten-containing bread.

Conclusion

For those on a gluten-free diet, Bob's Red Mill provides a reliable and extensive range of products, backed by a strong commitment to safety and quality. By producing and packaging their gluten-free line in a dedicated facility and conducting multiple rounds of testing, the company offers peace of mind to consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, it is essential to always check the product packaging for the specific gluten-free logo (the red 'GF' seal or the GFCO logo) to ensure you are selecting a validated and safe option. Navigating a gluten-free diet is a long-term commitment, and products like those from Bob's Red Mill can make the journey both safer and more delicious.

For more information on the certification process, visit the official Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) website. https://gfco.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Bob's Red Mill produces a wide range of products, some of which contain gluten. This is why they use a dedicated, separate facility for all their gluten-free items to prevent cross-contamination.

The red 'GF' logo indicates that the product has been processed in Bob's Red Mill's dedicated gluten-free facility and tested to confirm its gluten-free status, adhering to the standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

The GFCO logo signifies that the product has been certified gluten-free by a third-party organization, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization. This involves a rigorous external auditing process, offering an additional layer of assurance.

Yes, Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free labeled oats are considered safe for most people with celiac disease. They source their oats from dedicated growers, process them in a dedicated gluten-free facility, and test them to ensure they are free from gluten contamination.

To prevent cross-contamination at home, use separate cutting boards, utensils, and toasters for gluten-free food. Store gluten-free items separately from other products and use designated containers for shared items like butter.

The Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour contains xanthan gum and is best for non-yeasted recipes like cookies and cakes, often substituting cup-for-cup. The Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour requires you to add xanthan gum but works well for yeasted bread recipes.

The most reliable way is to check for the distinct red 'GF' logo or the GFCO certification symbol on the product packaging. Their website also provides a complete list of all gluten-free certified products.