Are Primal Kitchen Products Gluten Free? An In-Depth Guide

November 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Primal Kitchen's official website, its 'full suite of products' is consciously crafted and made without gluten. This makes the brand a popular choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, but it's important to understand the nuances of their labeling and manufacturing processes.

Quick Summary

Primal Kitchen designs many products to be gluten-free, with numerous items carrying official 'Certified Gluten-Free' labels. While the company maintains strict allergen protocols, it is always crucial to check the specific product label for confirmation, particularly for those with severe sensitivities.

Key Points

Mostly Gluten-Free: The vast majority of Primal Kitchen's products are formulated and produced without gluten.
Certified Products: Many of the brand's items, including mayonnaise, dressings, and collagen, are independently 'Certified Gluten-Free' by the GFCO.
Check Labels for Safety: Individuals with celiac disease should always verify a product's label for the official certification, especially since not all products are certified.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Some products, like the Spicy Brown Mustard, are made on shared equipment that processes gluten, even with allergen control protocols in place.
Brand Philosophy: Primal Kitchen's core mission is to exclude gluten, along with other allergens like soy and dairy, from their product line.
Wide Variety: A wide range of their pantry staples, from sauces and gravies to supplements, are suitable for gluten-free diets.

Primal Kitchen’s Commitment to Gluten-Free Ingredients

Primal Kitchen was founded on the principle of creating foods made with high-quality, real ingredients. A core tenet of this philosophy is the conscious exclusion of gluten, along with other common allergens and inflammatory agents like dairy, soy, and industrial seed oils. This commitment applies to their extensive product range, which includes everything from dressings and mayonnaise to sauces, gravies, and collagen powders. For many consumers, especially those following paleo or Whole30 protocols, this upfront dietary focus is a major draw.

Understanding the Certified Gluten-Free Distinction

While the brand's mission is to be gluten-free, it is important to distinguish between products that are simply 'made without gluten' and those that are 'Certified Gluten-Free.' Certification through an independent body like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) means that a product has been rigorously tested to ensure it contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a stricter standard than the FDA's 20 ppm requirement for 'gluten-free' labeling. Primal Kitchen proudly displays the GFCO mark on many of its product labels.

Certified Products: Several popular products, including many dressings (like Ranch and Green Goddess), avocado mayonnaise, and collagen peptides, are explicitly labeled as 'Certified Gluten-Free'.
Uncertified Products: Some items may be gluten-free by ingredients but lack the official certification. The company has noted that certifying every product is not always feasible due to cost, which would be passed on to the consumer.

The Importance of Reading Labels

For individuals with celiac disease, severe gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, reading the product label is always the most critical step. While Primal Kitchen is a highly reliable brand, manufacturing processes can sometimes involve shared equipment. A Reddit thread discussing Primal Kitchen's Spicy Brown Mustard, for example, revealed that while the product itself is free of gluten-containing ingredients, it is manufactured on shared equipment that processes gluten. The company stated that it uses specific cleaning and testing protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but this information highlights the need for vigilance. Always look for the official GFCO symbol on the packaging for the highest level of assurance.

A Deeper Look at Specific Product Lines

Dressings and Marinades: The majority of Primal Kitchen's dressings and marinades, made with avocado oil, are gluten-free and often Certified Gluten-Free. This includes popular flavors like Ranch, Caesar, Green Goddess, and Italian Vinaigrette. The brand uses natural thickeners like organic gum acacia and organic guar gum instead of wheat-based alternatives.
Mayonnaise: Primal Kitchen's famous avocado oil mayo is Certified Gluten-Free, in addition to being made without soy, dairy, or sugar. This was one of the first products to help the brand gain notoriety among paleo and health-conscious communities.
Sauces: Products like their unsweetened ketchup, teriyaki sauces, and BBQ sauces are confirmed to be gluten-free. The teriyaki, for instance, is a popular 'No Soy' option that is also Certified Gluten-Free.
Gravy: Primal Kitchen offers gluten-free gravies, including a Classic Gravy with Turkey Bone Broth and a Mushroom variety, that are both Certified Gluten-Free.
Supplements: The collagen products, such as the Collagen Peptide Mix in Vanilla Coconut flavor, are also explicitly Certified Gluten-Free.

Comparison of Primal Kitchen Product Certifications


Product Category	Example Product	Gluten-Free Status	Independent Certification (GFCO)	Notes
Dressings	Ranch, Caesar	Explicitly gluten-free by ingredients	Yes	Uses avocado oil base and natural thickeners.
Mayonnaise	Avocado Oil Mayo	Explicitly gluten-free by ingredients	Yes	The first product developed by the brand.
Sauces	Unsweetened Ketchup	Explicitly gluten-free by ingredients	Yes	No cane sugar or corn syrup.
Sauces	Spicy Brown Mustard	Made without gluten ingredients	No	Processed on shared equipment with gluten; allergen protocols are in place.
Supplements	Collagen Peptides	Explicitly gluten-free by ingredients	Yes	Certified status adds an extra layer of assurance.

Conclusion: Navigating Primal Kitchen's Gluten-Free Offerings

Overall, the vast majority of Primal Kitchen products are safe for a gluten-free diet and are produced with a strong commitment to excluding gluten-containing ingredients. Many items carry the 'Certified Gluten-Free' mark from the GFCO, providing an additional layer of security for those with high sensitivity or celiac disease. However, as with any brand, it is always best practice for highly sensitive individuals to check the specific product label for certification symbols and any manufacturing advisories, as some exceptions, such as the Spicy Brown Mustard, exist. With a little due diligence, consumers can confidently incorporate most Primal Kitchen products into a healthy, gluten-free lifestyle.

For more information on their nutritional standards and product details, visit the official Primal Kitchen website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Primal Kitchen's entire mayonnaise line is explicitly gluten-free. The original avocado oil mayo, for instance, is Certified Gluten-Free and made without soy or added sugars.

Certification by the GFCO means the product has undergone third-party testing to ensure it meets strict criteria, containing less than 10 ppm of gluten. Many Primal Kitchen products carry this mark.

Yes, most, if not all, of Primal Kitchen's dressings and marinades, including Ranch, Italian Vinaigrette, and Green Goddess, are made without gluten and many are Certified Gluten-Free.

While the brand has strict allergen control protocols, some products like the Spicy Brown Mustard are produced on shared equipment with gluten. For severe sensitivities, checking the label for the GFCO certification mark is the safest approach.

Yes, Primal Kitchen's teriyaki and BBQ sauces are made without gluten, soy, or artificial sweeteners. The No Soy Teriyaki, for example, is Certified Gluten-Free.

The most reliable way is to always read the label on the individual product packaging. Look for the 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from the GFCO for the highest level of assurance.

No, Primal Kitchen opts for natural and gluten-free thickeners in its formulations, such as organic gum acacia or guar gum, to ensure its products remain gluten-free.