Does Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats have gluten? A guide to their gluten-free options

December 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Oats are naturally gluten-free, yet according to Bob's Red Mill, their conventional products are at risk of cross-contamination from other grains. So, does Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats have gluten? The answer depends entirely on the specific product's labeling, with only certified gluten-free packages processed in a dedicated facility.

Quick Summary

Bob's Red Mill offers both regular and certified gluten-free steel-cut oats. Only the certified products are safe for a gluten-free diet due to strict processing standards that prevent cross-contamination.

Key Points

Check the Label: Always look for the explicit "Gluten Free" label and the red GF logo on Bob's Red Mill products.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Conventional Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats are not gluten-free due to the high risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.
Dedicated Facility: Certified gluten-free oats from Bob's Red Mill are processed in a separate, dedicated facility to prevent gluten exposure.
Rigorous Testing: Every batch of certified gluten-free products is tested in a lab to ensure gluten levels are below 20 parts per million.
Not All Oats are Equal: Because oats are often grown and processed alongside gluten grains, only those specifically labeled gluten-free are safe for celiac patients.
Avenin Sensitivity: A small percentage of people with celiac disease may react to avenin, a protein in oats, even if the oats are certified gluten-free.

Not All Bob's Red Mill Steel-Cut Oats Are Gluten-Free

While oats themselves do not contain gluten, they are highly susceptible to cross-contamination during farming, harvesting, and processing. Because Bob's Red Mill processes a wide variety of grains, they offer two distinct lines of products to serve different dietary needs: a conventional line and a dedicated gluten-free line. It is a common misconception that all oats are safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but this is only true for those processed under strict protocols.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination occurs when a naturally gluten-free grain, such as oats, comes into contact with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. This can happen at any stage of the supply chain:

In the Field: Farmers often rotate crops, and residual gluten grains can be left in the soil or accidentally harvested alongside oats.
Harvesting and Transport: Shared harvesting equipment and trucks can carry trace amounts of gluten from field to field or from one crop to another.
Milling and Packaging: Conventional processing facilities often mill multiple grain types on the same equipment, leading to potential mixing of grains.

For individuals with a gluten-related disorder, ingesting even a tiny amount of gluten (less than 20 parts per million) can cause a severe reaction. This is why strict separation and testing are essential.

The Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Process

To ensure the purity of their gluten-free products, Bob's Red Mill has implemented a rigorous system known as their “100% dedicated gluten-free facility”. This prevents any contact with gluten from start to finish. The process includes:

Dedicated Farming: Sourcing oats from farmers who exclusively grow and handle oats to prevent field-level contamination.
Separate Facilities: All gluten-free items, including the steel-cut oats, are processed and packaged in a facility where no gluten-containing grains are present.
Testing Protocol: Each batch of oats is tested using an ELISA Gluten Assay test in their quality control laboratory to confirm it meets the standard of less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

Bob's Red Mill oat offerings

Bob's Red Mill offers a wide variety of oat products, but only those explicitly labeled 'gluten free' are guaranteed to be safe for those avoiding gluten.

Certified Gluten-Free:
- Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats
- Gluten Free Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- Gluten Free Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats
Conventional (Not for Gluten-Free Diets):
- Standard Steel Cut Oats
- Regular Rolled Oats

Comparison of Oats

To help you identify the correct product, here is a comparison of Bob's Red Mill's oat offerings:


Feature	Bob's Red Mill Certified Gluten-Free Oats	Bob's Red Mill Conventional Oats
Processing Facility	100% dedicated gluten-free facility	Shares facilities with other grains
Cross-Contamination	Prevented by strict protocols and testing	High risk of cross-contamination
Labeling	Explicitly labeled "Gluten Free" with a red GF logo	No "Gluten Free" label or logo
Testing	Batch tested using ELISA Gluten Assay	Not tested for gluten levels
Suitable For	Most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity	Those without gluten sensitivities

What to Look for on the Label

To be certain you are purchasing the correct product, always scrutinize the packaging. Look for these key indicators:

The "Gluten Free" Banner: The product name or a prominent banner should clearly state "Gluten Free." For example, "Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats".
The Red GF Logo: Bob's Red Mill often uses a red circular logo with the letters "GF" to mark their certified products.
Certification Logos: You may also see logos from third-party certifiers like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

The Avenin Consideration

It is important to note that a small subset of individuals with celiac disease can react to a protein called avenin, which is present in even the purest of oats. This is not a reaction to gluten but to a similar protein structure. If you have celiac disease and are newly introducing certified gluten-free oats into your diet, it is wise to consult your doctor and start with a small amount to gauge your personal tolerance.

Conclusion

To answer the question, "Does Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats have gluten?"—yes, the conventional version has a high risk of containing gluten due to cross-contamination, while the certified gluten-free version does not. For anyone on a gluten-free diet, it is imperative to choose the specific Bob's Red Mill steel-cut oats clearly marked with the "Gluten Free" label and to be aware of the robust processes involved in their production. Always check the packaging to confirm you are buying the safe product. You can learn more about their entire range of offerings at the official Bob's Red Mill gluten-free page.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, only the products that are specifically labeled and certified "Gluten Free" are safe for a gluten-free diet. The conventional oat products carry a risk of gluten cross-contamination.

The certified gluten-free oats are sourced, handled, processed, and packaged in a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility and tested for purity. Regular oats are processed in a facility that also handles wheat and other grains containing gluten, risking cross-contamination.

To ensure you are buying the gluten-free version, look for the clear "Gluten Free" banner on the package and the distinct red circular logo with the letters "GF" on the front of the packaging.

Oats are often grown in rotation with wheat or barley crops and harvested using the same equipment. During transport, milling, and packaging, conventional oats can easily be contaminated with gluten-containing grains.

Bob's Red Mill batch tests every gluten-free product in their quality control laboratory using an ELISA Gluten Assay test to ensure it meets the standard of less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, consuming conventional oats is not recommended due to the potential for severe adverse reactions from cross-contamination. It is safest to stick to certified gluten-free options.

Avenin is a protein found in oats that, for a small percentage of individuals with celiac disease, can trigger a reaction similar to gluten. This is a separate issue from gluten contamination and is not addressed by gluten-free certification.