Are Strong Roots Products Gluten Free?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Gluten Intolerance Group, all fresh root vegetables are naturally gluten-free. However, when it comes to processed and frozen food items from a brand like Strong Roots, the natural ingredients undergo processing that can introduce gluten, so you must always check the packaging to confirm if a specific product is gluten free.

Quick Summary

Strong Roots offers many gluten-free products, but not all items are certified or safe for those with celiac disease. Shoppers must carefully examine the packaging for the certified gluten-free logo and review the ingredient list to confirm suitability before purchasing.

Key Points

Check the Logo: Always look for the certified gluten-free symbol on Strong Roots packaging to confirm if a specific item is gluten free.
Not All are Equal: Many Strong Roots products are gluten-free, but it is incorrect to assume all items are. Products with coatings require careful inspection.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Some manufacturing facilities process both gluten-free and gluten-containing products, posing a cross-contamination risk.
Ingredient Variations: Product recipes and ingredients can differ by country or region, so always check the label in your local market.
Read the Fine Print: The presence of alternative flours like rice or cornstarch does not automatically mean a product is free from gluten or cross-contamination risk; certification is key.
Specific Examples: Products like their Sweet Potato Fries and Proper Fries are reliably gluten-free when labeled, but other items may need verification.

Understanding the 'Gluten-Free' Label on Strong Roots Products

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the frozen food aisle can be challenging. The popular plant-based brand Strong Roots offers a wide variety of vegetable-based fries, hash browns, and other convenience meals. While many of their offerings are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients, others, particularly those with a breading or crumb, might be a different story. The company clearly states that consumers should always look for the official gluten-free logo on the front of the packaging, as product ingredients can differ between regions and products.

Products with a Gluten-Free Certification

Strong Roots has specifically formulated many of its products to be gluten-free, confirming this with certified logos on the packaging. These items are made with alternatives to wheat flour, such as rice flour or amaranth flour, to provide a crispy texture without compromising dietary needs. Examples often include their proper fries, sweet potato fries, and various hash browns. These products offer a safe and convenient option for those following a strict gluten-free diet.

Proper Fries: Typically made with potatoes and sunflower oil, a naturally gluten-free combination.
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries: Utilizes rice flour and cornstarch in its batter.
Cauliflower Hash Browns: Uses cornstarch and potato flakes for binding.
Mixed Root Vegetable Fries: Uses a rice flour batter.

Products to Scrutinize Closely

While the brand is transparent, it's critical to remember that not all products are made alike. Some items, particularly those with a crispy coating, might use ingredients that could cause cross-contamination or contain gluten-based flours. Strong Roots itself advises checking the packaging for the definitive gluten-free symbol. It is especially important to be cautious with products like their Veggie Masala or certain airBites if you cannot locate the certified symbol, as ingredient lists can vary by market. The 'Contains' or 'May Contain' warnings on the ingredients list are vital for anyone with a severe gluten allergy.

Comparison of Strong Roots Products: Gluten-Free vs. Requires Verification


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Products	Products Requiring Verification
Key Ingredient	Naturally gluten-free base (e.g., potato, sweet potato, cauliflower).	Base ingredient, but with a potential crumb or coating.
Batter/Coating	Uses rice flour, potato starch, or cornstarch.	Check for wheat flour or 'may contain gluten' warnings.
Certification	Clearly labeled with a gluten-free symbol on the packaging.	Does not display a certified gluten-free symbol.
Cross-Contamination	Less risk of cross-contamination due to dedicated production lines or strict protocols.	Higher risk of cross-contamination in shared facilities.
Safe For Celiacs?	Yes, if labeled and certified.	Not recommended unless explicitly verified on the current package.
Example Products	Proper Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Cauliflower Hash Browns.	Some airBites or crumbed items, depending on the market and recipe.

Why is it Important to Check the Label?

The reason for vigilant label-checking goes beyond simple brand promises. Manufacturing processes and ingredient sourcing can differ drastically between production facilities and geographic regions. A product that is gluten-free in one country might not be in another. Furthermore, some facilities that handle gluten-free products may also handle products containing gluten, leading to a risk of cross-contamination. Waitrose in the UK, for example, carries a Strong Roots Cauliflower Hash Brown product that may contain cereals containing gluten, explicitly warning that it is 'made in a factory that handles GLUTEN'. This highlights the need for careful review of every package, every time.

Conclusion: Always Verify for Safety

While the Strong Roots brand is known for its vegan and plant-based offerings, which often overlap with gluten-free diets, it is not safe to assume that all their products are gluten-free. Many of their fries and other items are explicitly labeled and certified, providing a safe option for those avoiding gluten. However, it is the shopper's responsibility to verify the certification symbol on the packaging of each specific product before consumption, especially when purchasing items that contain a batter or crumb. This diligent practice ensures that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy these convenient freezer-aisle items safely.

For more detailed information on living with celiac disease and safe food practices, consult the resources at the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Strong Roots is not a completely gluten-free brand, although they offer many gluten-free options. Consumers must check each product's packaging for the official gluten-free logo, as some items may not be or could have a risk of cross-contamination.

Yes, Strong Roots Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries are listed as gluten-free and are made with ingredients like sweet potato, rice flour, and potato starch.

Yes, Strong Roots Proper Fries are typically made with just potatoes and sunflower oil and are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on the packaging.

You should look for a certified gluten-free logo on the front of the packaging and check the ingredient list for any allergens or warnings about cross-contamination.

Yes, if you stick to the products explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free on the packaging. You must verify each item individually due to potential manufacturing and ingredient differences.

No, even though raw root vegetables are naturally gluten-free, the processing and coatings used for products like the Mixed Root Vegetable Fries can contain other ingredients, so checking the label is essential.

Yes, Strong Roots offers a Cauliflower Hash Brown product that is specifically labeled gluten-free. However, one report mentions a potential for cross-contamination in a UK factory, so always check the local packaging.