Can celiacs eat tomato ketchup? A guide to safe and gluten-free condiment choices

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, a product labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, a safety standard for celiac patients. While most ketchup is naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients, concerns about cross-contamination and hidden additives are valid. This raises the critical question: Can celiacs eat tomato ketchup?

Quick Summary

Most ketchup is naturally gluten-free, but risks from cross-contamination and ingredient variations, like wheat-based vinegar, exist. Celiacs must check labels and seek certified brands to ensure product safety.

Key Points

Check Labels for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure ketchup is safe is by finding a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, which guarantees less than 20 ppm gluten.
Distilled Vinegar is Safe: In North America, the distilled vinegar used in most ketchups is made from corn and is considered gluten-free.
Avoid Malt Vinegar: Malt vinegar is derived from barley and contains gluten, making any product containing it unsafe for celiacs.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: In shared kitchens, use separate jars or squeeze bottles of ketchup to avoid transferring gluten from other utensils.
Popular Brands are Generally Safe: Ketchup from well-known brands like Heinz is widely considered gluten-free, but label-checking remains the best practice.
Modified Food Starch is Likely Safe: In the US, if a label lists 'modified food starch' without specifying wheat, it's typically derived from a gluten-free source like corn.

The Basic Ingredients of Ketchup

At its core, traditional tomato ketchup is made from naturally gluten-free components, including tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, sugar (or corn syrup), salt, spices, and onion powder. The concern for celiacs lies not in these basic ingredients themselves, but in their sourcing, processing, and potential for cross-contact with gluten-containing grains.

The Vinegar Question: Distilled vs. Malt

One of the main ingredients in ketchup is vinegar, and its source can be a point of confusion for those on a strict gluten-free diet.

Distilled Vinegar: In the United States, distilled white vinegar is almost always derived from corn and is considered gluten-free. Major brands like Heinz confirm that their distilled vinegar comes from corn, making their ketchup safe.
Malt Vinegar: This type of vinegar is made from barley, which contains gluten, and should always be avoided by celiacs. While not common in classic tomato ketchup, it's a potential risk in other condiments and sauces.

Hidden Sources and Thickeners

Beyond the primary ingredients, celiacs must be vigilant about potential hidden gluten. Common food additives can be derived from various sources, some of which may contain gluten.

Modified Food Starch: This is often used as a thickener in food products. In North America, if the source is wheat, it must be explicitly declared on the label (e.g., 'modified wheat starch'). If only 'modified food starch' is listed, it is typically derived from a gluten-free source like corn, potato, or tapioca.
'Natural Flavorings': These can be a grey area. While most manufacturers use gluten-free versions, it's best to verify with the company if a certification is not present on the label.

Identifying Safe Ketchup Brands

When standing in the condiment aisle, a celiac's best tool is the product label. It provides the most reliable information about a product's gluten status.

Reading Labels is Crucial

Look for 'Gluten-Free' Certification: The most straightforward way to ensure a product is safe is to look for a certified gluten-free label. This indicates third-party testing has confirmed the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is a safe level for celiacs.
Check Allergen Statements: The U.S. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) requires food manufacturers to declare all major food allergens, including wheat. While this doesn't cover barley or rye, it's a helpful starting point.

List of Common Gluten-Free Brands

Many popular and niche ketchup brands are safe for celiacs. Here are some options frequently cited as gluten-free:

Heinz: A well-known classic that confirms its classic ketchup is gluten-free.
Annie's Organic Ketchup: Often carries a certified gluten-free label.
Primal Kitchen: Known for its paleo-friendly products, their ketchup is typically gluten-free and unsweetened.
Fody Foods: Specializes in low FODMAP products, and their ketchup is certified gluten-free.
French's: Their tomato ketchup is labeled gluten-free in the U.S. and Canada.
Organicville: Features certified gluten-free and organic options.

Preventing Cross-Contamination: The Silent Threat

Even with a confirmed gluten-free product, cross-contamination is a significant risk, especially in shared kitchen environments.

In Your Kitchen

To ensure your ketchup remains safe, follow these best practices:

Separate Containers: Use separate jars of condiments for gluten-free and gluten-containing items. Double-dipping utensils can transfer crumbs and cause contamination.
Squeeze Bottles: A simple solution is to use squeeze bottles for shared condiments, which minimizes the risk of direct contact.
Label Everything: Clearly label any item designated for celiac use to avoid mix-ups.
Dedicated Utensils: Use a separate set of utensils for spreading or scooping gluten-free condiments.

Dining Out

When eating at restaurants, cross-contamination can be more difficult to control. Always ask the staff to confirm the gluten-free status of the ketchup and if dedicated, clean equipment is used to serve it. Request a fresh, unopened bottle of ketchup if possible to avoid any shared condiments.

Comparative Analysis of Ketchup for Celiacs


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certification	Added Sugar	Main Benefit for Celiacs
Heinz	Naturally gluten-free ingredients	Not certified	Yes (corn syrup)	Widely available, trusted brand
Annie's Organic	Uses certified GF ingredients	Yes (Often certified)	Yes (cane sugar)	Certified assurance, organic option
Primal Kitchen	Made with GF ingredients	Not specified	No added sugar	Safe, unsweetened option
Fody Foods	Made with GF ingredients	Certified	No added sugar	Certified, low FODMAP

Conclusion

For individuals with celiac disease, enjoying a common condiment like tomato ketchup is certainly possible, but it requires diligence. While most major brands, including Heinz, use naturally gluten-free ingredients, potential pitfalls like malt vinegar and cross-contamination exist. The safest approach is to always check the product label for an official 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, especially with lesser-known brands. In shared kitchen spaces, take strict precautions to prevent cross-contact by using separate utensils, squeeze bottles, or dedicated containers. By being an informed and careful consumer, you can safely enjoy ketchup as part of your gluten-free diet. For further information and resources on celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Heinz has confirmed that its classic tomato ketchup is made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, including corn-derived distilled vinegar, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease.

Distilled vinegar is typically made from corn or other gluten-free sources, while malt vinegar is derived from barley and contains gluten. It is crucial for celiacs to avoid products containing malt vinegar.

In the United States, modified food starch must be labeled to disclose if it comes from a gluten source like wheat. If the label simply says 'modified food starch,' it is likely derived from a gluten-free source and is safe.

To prevent cross-contamination, use separate, clearly labeled jars of ketchup for celiac-safe use or opt for squeeze bottles that prevent contact with gluten-containing foods. Never double-dip utensils from a communal jar.

No, while many condiments like ketchup and mustard are often naturally gluten-free, others like some BBQ sauces, salad dressings, and soy sauce can contain hidden gluten. Always check labels carefully.

A 'Certified Gluten-Free' label means that the product has been third-party tested to ensure it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard considered safe for celiac patients.

Yes, standard ketchup is often high in added sugar, with a single tablespoon containing around 3-4 grams. For those concerned about sugar intake, brands like Primal Kitchen or Walden Farms offer unsweetened or sugar-free options.