Does Frank's Buffalo Sauce Have Gluten? A Guide for a Gluten-Free Nutrition Diet

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Many popular sauces contain hidden gluten sources, making it a critical task for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to check labels before purchasing. When it comes to flavoring favorites like wings or dips, a key question arises for many: Does Frank's Buffalo Sauce have gluten? This guide provides the definitive answer and offers nutritional context for a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce does not contain gluten ingredients and is safe for most people on a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer, McCormick, has clear labeling practices, but those with extreme sensitivities should consider potential cross-contamination risks in the manufacturing process.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Confirmed: Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce does not list any gluten-containing ingredients in its official recipe and is widely considered safe.
Clear Labeling by McCormick: The manufacturer, McCormick, has a transparent labeling policy and will always declare gluten-containing ingredients clearly.
Distilled Vinegar is Safe: The distilled vinegar used in the sauce is safe for gluten-free diets, as the distillation process removes gluten proteins.
Potential for Cross-Contamination: Despite precautions, cross-contamination is a risk in shared manufacturing facilities, which very sensitive individuals should be aware of.
Check for Variants: Always read the ingredients list for different sauce varieties (like creamy or mild) as their formulations can differ and may contain potential allergens.
Homemade Alternative: For maximum control and zero risk, a homemade buffalo sauce using Frank's Original Hot Sauce is a perfect alternative.
Safe for Most Diets: For the majority of people on a gluten-free diet, the standard Frank's Buffalo Sauce is a reliable and safe condiment.

Frank's RedHot Buffalo Sauce: A Gluten-Free Go-To

For most individuals following a gluten-free nutrition diet, Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a safe and delicious option. The manufacturer, McCormick & Company, does not include any gluten-containing ingredients in its formulation, and this is confirmed by their ingredient declaration policy. This means the sauce is typically a reliable choice for adding a bold, spicy flavor to meals without worrying about gluten contamination from the ingredients themselves.

The All-Important Ingredients List

Understanding why a product is gluten-free requires a look at its components. The original Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is made with a simple and naturally gluten-free set of ingredients. These typically include:

Distilled Vinegar: Even if distilled from gluten-containing grains like wheat, the distillation process removes the gluten protein, making the final product safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Aged Cayenne Red Peppers: The primary source of the sauce's heat, these are naturally gluten-free.
Salt: A mineral compound with no gluten content.
Water: A naturally gluten-free liquid.
Canola Oil: A vegetable oil that is naturally gluten-free.
Paprika: A spice derived from peppers, with no gluten.
Xanthan Gum: A food additive and thickening agent. Xanthan gum is fermented from sugar, and if not from a gluten-containing source, it is gluten-free. It's safe to assume in this application that it's sourced appropriately.
Natural Flavoring: McCormick has a clear policy to always declare allergens, including gluten, if present, and does not hide them under this term. In the Buffalo Sauce, this provides the buttery, tangy notes.
Garlic Powder: A spice derived from garlic, naturally gluten-free.

Comparing Different Frank's RedHot Sauces

While the original Buffalo Wings sauce is a safe bet, it is important to remember that not all products from the same brand are created equal. It's always best practice to check the specific ingredient list for each variant. Here is a comparison of some popular Frank's RedHot products:


Sauce Variety	Gluten-Free?	Key Ingredients	Important Notes
Original Buffalo Wings Sauce	Yes	Distilled Vinegar, Aged Cayenne Peppers, Salt, Canola Oil, Paprika, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor, Garlic Powder	The standard, with a balanced butter flavor.
Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce	Yes	Aged Cayenne Peppers, Vinegar, Water, Salt, Garlic Powder	The classic hot sauce, naturally gluten-free.
Creamy Buffalo Squeeze Sauce	Varies	Water, Soybean Oil, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Dehydrated Garlic, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor	IMPORTANT: Always check the label. The `Modified Corn Starch` and `Natural Flavor` could potentially contain gluten derivatives depending on sourcing.
Mild Wings Hot Sauce	Varies	Distilled Vinegar, Water, Aged Cayenne Peppers, Salt, Canola Oil, Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, Molasses, Garlic Powder, Spices, Xanthan Gum	IMPORTANT: This sauce contains `Modified Corn Starch`, which could be derived from wheat depending on the production facility. Always check for a gluten-free label.
Hot Buffalo Wings Sauce	Yes	Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Water, Salt, Natural Flavor, Garlic Powder	This sauce is confirmed gluten-free, similar to the original buffalo wing sauce, but with extra heat.

Cross-Contamination and Manufacturing Practices

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, the risk of cross-contamination is a significant concern. McCormick, the parent company, has stated its commitment to good manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contact. Their facilities have allergen, sanitation, and hygiene programs in place, and they train employees on the importance of these procedures.

However, it's important to understand that in some large-scale manufacturing environments, products containing gluten may be produced on shared equipment or in the same facility. While McCormick's policy is to conduct thorough cleaning between runs, some very sensitive individuals have reported reactions from McCormick spices that were handled on shared equipment. The risk level is subjective and depends on individual sensitivity.

Navigating the Nutrition Diet and Condiments

Following a gluten-free diet requires diligent label reading and an understanding of potential hidden gluten sources. While most hot sauces are naturally gluten-free, some can contain additives or flavorings that are not. Frank's RedHot Buffalo Sauce is a positive example of a widely available, mass-market condiment that is transparent about its gluten-free status.

For those who are very sensitive or prefer to have complete control over their ingredients, creating a homemade buffalo sauce is always an option. This eliminates any cross-contamination risk and allows you to customize the flavors perfectly. A simple recipe involves combining Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce with melted butter and garlic powder. Since the Original Hot Sauce is also gluten-free, this makes for a completely safe and delicious homemade version.

Making Informed Choices

Choosing safe products within a gluten-free nutrition diet is a continuous learning process. Start by always reading the label, even on products you think you know. Pay attention to any “Contains:” or “May contain:” statements and declarations about shared equipment or processing facilities. When in doubt, search for manufacturer allergen statements or contact customer service for confirmation.

In the case of Frank's Buffalo Sauce, the company's commitment to clear labeling provides strong assurance for most consumers. For those with a severe sensitivity, the only way to be 100% certain is to consume products that are specifically certified gluten-free or to make them at home. The peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what you're eating is invaluable for maintaining health on a restricted diet.

Conclusion

In summary, Frank's Buffalo Sauce does not contain gluten ingredients and is widely considered safe for most people on a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer, McCormick, has robust labeling policies that clearly indicate the presence of gluten. While the risk of cross-contamination exists in any shared manufacturing facility, the company takes precautions to minimize it. For those with extreme sensitivities, homemade alternatives offer the highest level of safety. Ultimately, for the average person avoiding gluten, Frank's RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce is a flavorful and reliable choice. A key takeaway is to always read the ingredient statement and be aware of your personal sensitivity level.

For more information on living with celiac disease and finding safe foods, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources on their website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce is also gluten-free, along with the Buffalo Wings Sauce.

The main ingredients are distilled vinegar, aged cayenne red peppers, salt, water, canola oil, paprika, xanthan gum, natural flavor, and garlic powder.

Yes, distilled vinegar is safe. The distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein, even if the vinegar was originally derived from gluten grains.

The Creamy Buffalo Squeeze sauce has different ingredients, including modified corn starch. Always check the specific label, as this ingredient can sometimes be derived from wheat, though it is often from corn. The safest practice is to stick to the original Buffalo Wings sauce if a specific gluten-free label is not present.

McCormick has a clear labeling policy. They will explicitly state if a product contains gluten ingredients, and they follow good manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contact.

You should always ask the restaurant directly. Confirm that the sauce they use is gluten-free and, more importantly, that the wings are fried in a dedicated fryer to avoid cross-contamination from breaded items.

No, not all hot sauces are gluten-free. Some may contain additives like malt vinegar (which contains gluten) or use thickeners derived from wheat. It is essential to check the ingredient label on any hot sauce you plan to use.

Many of Frank's RedHot sauces, including the XTRA Hot and Chile 'n Lime, are also gluten-free. However, it is always recommended to check the specific product label to ensure you have the most up-to-date ingredient information.

McCormick handles both gluten-containing and gluten-free products, but the company states they use separate equipment for gluten-free spices where possible and clearly label all ingredients. Always check the specific product's label for allergen declarations.

Highly sensitive individuals with celiac disease should always verify a product's gluten-free status, check labels for shared equipment warnings, and consider contacting the manufacturer for clarification on manufacturing processes.