Do Naans Contain Gluten? The Definitive Answer

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 2,500 years old, naan is a soft, leavened flatbread popular across South, Central, and Southeast Asia. Traditionally, authentic naan dough is made with wheat flour, a primary source of gluten. The answer to "do naans contain gluten?" is, therefore, an important consideration for those with dietary restrictions.

Quick Summary

Traditional naan contains gluten because it's made with wheat flour, which is not suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, gluten-free alternatives and recipes exist, using substitute flours and different binders to mimic the classic texture.

Key Points

Traditional Naan Contains Gluten: Authentic naan is made with wheat flour and is not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Gluten-Free Naan Alternatives Exist: Many recipes and brands offer naan made with gluten-free flour blends, using ingredients like rice, almond, or tapioca flour.
Binding Agents Are Crucial for Gluten-Free Versions: To replicate the texture of traditional naan, gluten-free recipes use binders like xanthan gum or psyllium husk.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: In restaurants, always confirm with the staff that the naan is genuinely gluten-free and prepared without cross-contamination.
Read Labels on Store-Bought Naan: Be cautious with packaged naan, as many popular brands use wheat flour and are not gluten-free.

Do Naans Contain Gluten? An In-Depth Look

As a staple of Indian and South Asian cuisine, naan's soft, pillowy texture and versatility make it a beloved flatbread worldwide. However, for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to understand the ingredients in this popular food. The short and definitive answer is yes, traditional naan contains gluten due to its key ingredient: wheat flour. This is true for most naan served in restaurants and purchased from grocery stores. While this may be disheartening for those on a gluten-free diet, there are many excellent alternatives available today.

The Role of Wheat Flour and Leavening

Traditional naan is a leavened flatbread, which means it uses a leavening agent to rise, creating its characteristic soft and fluffy texture. This process is dependent on the gluten found in the wheat flour.

Traditional Naan Ingredients

Wheat Flour: Most recipes use all-purpose or bread flour, both of which are high in gluten. The gluten develops during kneading, creating an elastic dough that can trap gas bubbles.
Yeast: The yeast ferments the dough, producing carbon dioxide gas that gets trapped by the gluten network, causing the bread to puff up.
Yogurt or Milk: These ingredients contribute to the naan's tender texture and rich flavor. The acidity of yogurt can also aid the leavening process.
Other Ingredients: Standard recipes also include salt, sugar, and sometimes eggs.

This combination of ingredients is what gives traditional naan its unique chewiness and soft structure. The gluten is not just an incidental part of the recipe; it is central to achieving the desired texture.

The Rise of Gluten-Free Naan

With the increasing demand for gluten-free options, many brands and home cooks have developed delicious naan alternatives. These recipes replace wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flours, using specific binders to replicate the chewy, pliable texture of traditional naan.

Common Gluten-Free Naan Ingredients

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Blend: These blends often combine flours like rice, potato, and tapioca starch.
Binding Agents: Since gluten is absent, binding agents are crucial. Xanthan gum, psyllium husk, or flaxseed meal can be added to provide the necessary structure and chewiness.
Yeast or Baking Powder: Many gluten-free recipes still use yeast, while others use baking powder for a quicker, yeast-free method.
Dairy Substitutes: To make the recipe dairy-free, alternatives like coconut milk and dairy-free yogurt can be used.

Comparison: Traditional Naan vs. Gluten-Free Naan


Feature	Traditional Naan	Gluten-Free Naan
Flour Base	All-purpose or bread wheat flour.	Blends of rice, tapioca, almond, or other gluten-free flours.
Presence of Gluten	Yes, contains gluten.	No, uses alternative flours and is gluten-free.
Binding Agent	Gluten provides natural elasticity and binding.	Xanthan gum, psyllium husk, or flaxseed meal is added for binding.
Texture	Soft, fluffy, and chewy due to gluten development.	Can be soft and chewy, though may differ slightly in texture depending on the flour blend.
Dietary Suitability	Unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.	Safe for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance (ensure certified gluten-free).

Navigating Restaurants and Store-Bought Naan

When ordering at an Indian restaurant, it is safest to assume that the naan contains wheat flour unless specifically stated otherwise. Many establishments now offer gluten-free bread options, but it is always wise to double-check with the server to ensure no cross-contamination has occurred. Some restaurants may use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Commercially prepared naan, such as those by brands like Stonefire, are typically not gluten-free. Always read the ingredient label carefully and look for certified gluten-free products.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Naan Options

Ultimately, traditional naan, a delicious and time-honored flatbread, does contain gluten, making it off-limits for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The wheat flour and gluten are integral to its classic fluffy and chewy texture. However, the world of modern baking offers a wide range of accessible and flavorful gluten-free alternatives. With the right gluten-free flour blends and binders, home cooks can create their own delicious version, and many restaurants and stores now provide safe options. By being mindful of ingredients and asking the right questions, those on a gluten-free diet can continue to enjoy the experience of savoring a warm, delicious naan.

The Verdict

Traditional naan is not gluten-free, but excellent alternatives exist.

Naan and Gluten: Key Considerations

Traditional Naan Contains Gluten: Authentic naan is made with wheat flour and is unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
Gluten-Free Flour is Available: Many recipes and products use alternative flours like rice or tapioca to create a gluten-free version.
Binding Agents Are Essential for Gluten-Free Naan: Xanthan gum or psyllium husk is often added to mimic the binding properties of gluten.
Always Check Ingredients in Restaurants: When dining out, explicitly ask if a naan is gluten-free and ensure there is no risk of cross-contamination.
Read Labels for Store-Bought Naan: Don't assume commercially prepared naan is gluten-free; check the packaging for a certified gluten-free label.

Is Naan Gluten-Free?

Traditional naan is made with wheat flour and does contain gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional naan bread is made from wheat flour, yeast, yogurt or milk, salt, and sugar. Some recipes also include eggs or ghee.

No, people with celiac disease should not eat traditional naan, as it contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. They must seek out certified gluten-free alternatives.

The primary difference is that naan is a leavened bread, typically made with refined white flour, while roti is an unleavened bread made with whole wheat flour. This makes naan fluffier and thicker, whereas roti is thinner and denser.

Gluten-free naan is made by substituting wheat flour with a blend of gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca, or almond flour. Binders such as xanthan gum are used to achieve a similar chewy texture.

While it can be difficult to find gluten-free naan specifically, some grocery stores carry gluten-free pita or flatbread alternatives. Always check the packaging for a certified gluten-free label.

No, Stonefire naan bread is not gluten-free. Their ingredient list shows enriched wheat flour as the main ingredient.

You can make gluten-free naan at home using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, often with added binding agents like xanthan gum and ingredients such as yogurt and yeast or baking powder. Many recipes can be cooked on a stovetop.