Are Siete refried beans gluten-free? A Detailed Look at the Ingredients

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, reading ingredient labels is a necessity to avoid triggering symptoms. This leads to the important question: are Siete refried beans gluten-free? The answer is yes, with the company offering products that are not only gluten-free but also certified, providing a trusted and delicious option for specialized dietary needs.

Quick Summary

Siete's refried beans are certified gluten-free and crafted with clean, wholesome ingredients like organic beans and avocado oil. This detailed guide explores their key ingredients, contrasts them with traditional refried beans, highlights the importance of their gluten-free certification, and provides valuable insight for those on a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Certified Gluten-Free: Siete refried beans are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), guaranteeing less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Clean Ingredients: The recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients like organic beans, water, avocado oil, and seasonings, without any artificial additives.
Vegan and Dairy-Free: Siete uses avocado oil instead of traditional lard, making their refried beans a suitable choice for vegan and dairy-free diets.
Reduced Inflammation: For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, choosing certified gluten-free products helps reduce gut inflammation and improves nutrient absorption.
High in Fiber and Protein: Like other beans, Siete's refried beans are a good source of fiber and plant-based protein, contributing to a balanced diet.
Low Risk of Cross-Contamination: The certification process ensures that the product is processed in a way that minimizes the risk of accidental gluten exposure, which is critical for people with celiac disease.
No Artificial Thickeners: Siete achieves its creamy texture naturally by mashing and cooking the beans, avoiding the use of flour-based thickeners found in some products.

Siete's Commitment to Gluten-Free Purity

For many, refried beans are a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, but those with gluten intolerances must be cautious. The Siete family, driven by a personal journey with autoimmune conditions, created a line of products that are specifically crafted to be grain-free and gluten-free. Their refried beans are a prime example of this dedication. Unlike some conventional canned varieties that can contain flavorings or stabilizers with hidden gluten, Siete's recipe is transparent and simple. This not only assures individuals following a gluten-free diet that the product is safe but also aligns with clean-eating principles.

Certified Gluten-Free for Your Peace of Mind

The most definitive answer regarding Siete's refried beans comes from their third-party certification. You can find a clear "Certified Gluten Free" label on their products, often accompanied by the gfco.org logo. This certification means the product has been tested to meet a strict standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For someone with celiac disease, this certification is crucial, as even trace amounts of gluten can cause significant intestinal damage. The rigorous testing and dedicated manufacturing processes required for this label effectively eliminate the risk of cross-contamination from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

A Simple, Wholesome Ingredient List

Reviewing the ingredient list for Siete's refried beans reveals their commitment to simplicity and quality. For example, the Refried Pinto Beans list includes:

Prepared organic beans (organic pinto beans, water)
Water
Avocado oil
Sea salt
Organic paprika
Organic onion powder

This is a stark contrast to many traditional refried beans, which often contain lard, an animal-based fat high in saturated fats. By using avocado oil, Siete ensures their product is not only gluten-free but also vegan-friendly. The simple ingredients also benefit those with other sensitivities or who simply prefer a cleaner, less processed food option. The creamy texture of the beans is achieved by mashing and careful cooking, not by adding artificial thickeners or flour-based agents.

Siete Refried Beans vs. Standard Refried Beans: A Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here's a side-by-side comparison of Siete's refried beans and typical conventional varieties.


Feature	Siete Refried Beans	Standard Refried Beans
Gluten Status	Certified Gluten-Free (<20ppm)	Often not guaranteed gluten-free, high risk of contamination
Fat Source	Avocado oil	Often lard or processed vegetable oils
Dietary Suitability	Vegan, Dairy-Free	Often contains lard, unsuitable for vegans and some others
Primary Ingredients	Simple, organic beans and seasonings	Can include questionable additives, modified starches, and preservatives
Thickening Method	Mashing beans and simmering	Potential use of flour or other gluten-containing thickeners
Health Impact	Rich in fiber and protein, cleaner fat source	Often higher in saturated fat and sodium

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Diet for Certain Conditions

For some, a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity rather than a lifestyle choice. Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, is the most well-known condition requiring a strict gluten-free diet. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system attacks and damages the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and various digestive issues.

Additionally, non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) can cause similar, albeit less severe, symptoms like bloating, headaches, and fatigue. For these individuals, a reliable, certified gluten-free option like Siete refried beans can be a game-changer, allowing them to enjoy classic comfort foods without worry. Using products like these helps to reduce inflammation and promote better nutrient absorption for those with such conditions.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination in Your Kitchen

While Siete's products are safe from production, preventing cross-contamination in your own kitchen is still vital, especially for those with celiac disease. Here are some tips to keep your meals safe:

Use separate utensils and cookware: If you also prepare gluten-containing foods, use distinct sets of spoons, cutting boards, and pans to prevent accidental exposure.
Dedicated pantry space: Store gluten-free items on a separate shelf to avoid them being contaminated by flour or crumbs from other products.
Clean surfaces thoroughly: Before preparing Siete's refried beans, ensure countertops and other surfaces are completely clean of any gluten-containing food particles.

Conclusion: A Safe and Flavorful Choice

For anyone on a gluten-free diet, the reassurance of certified products is invaluable. Siete's refried beans stand out not only for their robust flavor and creamy texture but for their unwavering commitment to safety. By using simple, whole ingredients and a certified production process, they provide a reliable, healthy, and delicious option that honors the tradition of Mexican-American food while adhering to the needs of modern health-conscious consumers. Whether you're making a batch of nachos, a side for tacos, or a simple dip, Siete's refried beans offer a worry-free foundation for your meal.

For more information on managing a gluten-free diet, resources from organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation can be highly beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Certified Gluten-Free' label on Siete products means they have been independently verified to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the standards set by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This provides an extra layer of assurance for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.

Yes, Siete refried beans are vegan. The company uses avocado oil instead of lard, a traditional ingredient in many refried beans that is derived from animal fat.

Siete achieves the creamy texture of their refried beans by mashing and carefully simmering the organic beans. This natural process avoids the need for any gluten-containing thickeners or flour.

Yes, Siete refried beans are a healthy addition to many diets. They are a good source of fiber and protein, and their use of avocado oil instead of lard can result in a lower saturated fat content compared to some conventional options.

Yes, the Siete brand was founded on creating grain-free and gluten-free products. The company's commitment extends across their product line, including tortillas, chips, sauces, and cookies, all of which are made with the same gluten-free standards.

Due to their certification by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, Siete products are manufactured under strict protocols designed to prevent cross-contamination. This ensures a minimal risk of gluten exposure, which is vital for individuals with celiac disease.

The primary differences are Siete's guaranteed gluten-free certification, its use of avocado oil instead of lard, and its simple, high-quality, organic ingredients. This makes Siete a healthier and safer choice for people with dietary restrictions.