Does Frank's red hot sauce have gluten in it?

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

The manufacturer of Frank's RedHot, McCormick, states on its website and product pages that the Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is made without any gluten-containing ingredients. This makes the iconic sauce generally safe for people following a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce does not contain gluten ingredients, using distilled vinegar that is safe for celiac disease. McCormick labels products containing gluten clearly, but checking for cross-contamination warnings is still recommended for high sensitivity.

Key Points

Frank's Original is Gluten-Free: The manufacturer, McCormick, states that Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is made without any gluten-containing ingredients.
Distilled Vinegar is Safe: Frank's sauce uses distilled vinegar, which is a gluten-free ingredient because the distillation process removes gluten proteins.
Clear Labeling: McCormick has a transparent labeling policy, clearly indicating any gluten-containing ingredients on the product label.
Check for All Products: While the original is safe, always check the labels of other Frank's products, like specific wing sauces or seasoning blends, as their ingredients can differ.
Minimize Cross-Contamination: For individuals with severe gluten sensitivity, it is advisable to check the label for any allergen warnings, though McCormick maintains strict manufacturing practices to minimize cross-contact.
A Reliable Hot Sauce Choice: With its simple ingredient list and clear labeling, Frank's RedHot Original is a widely trusted hot sauce among those following a gluten-free diet.

A Deep Dive into Frank's RedHot Ingredients

For anyone with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, scrutinizing ingredient labels is a critical daily task. In the case of Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce, the ingredient list is reassuringly simple. The sauce is composed of aged cayenne red peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, and garlic powder. The manufacturer, McCormick, has clearly stated that this product contains no gluten-containing ingredients.

The most common point of confusion for many about hot sauce and gluten is the vinegar. Distilled vinegar is a key component in Frank's, and it's a known fact that the distillation process effectively removes the gluten proteins, regardless of the grain source from which it was made. This process is what makes distilled vinegar safe for those with celiac disease, a position affirmed by organizations like the Celiac.com forum based on manufacturer's assurances and scientific understanding.

McCormick's Gluten Labeling Policy

McCormick, the parent company of Frank's RedHot, has a strict labeling policy that helps consumers easily identify gluten content. They declare gluten ingredients on product labels using the common name of the gluten source, such as "wheat," "barley," or "rye". Importantly, McCormick does not hide allergens under generic terms like "spices" or "natural flavors". They even go a step further, specifically identifying wheat-derived ingredients like maltodextrin as "Maltodextrin (WHEAT)". This commitment to transparency is a significant reassurance for those with dietary restrictions.

The Issue of Cross-Contamination

Despite a product being made with no gluten-containing ingredients, concerns about cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities often arise, especially for individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. McCormick addresses this by having stringent allergen, sanitation, and hygiene programs in place. Employees are trained in good manufacturing practices to minimize the risk of cross-contact. While the risk is considered low for Frank's RedHot Original based on ingredient declarations, some highly sensitive individuals on Celiac.com have expressed concern, though many others report no issues. This is why always checking the label for the most recent information is the best course of action. If a specific product were to pose a risk, the label would be the most reliable source of information.

Not All Frank's Products Are Identical

It's important to remember that while the Original Frank's RedHot is gluten-free, this may not apply to every product in the Frank's lineup, especially complex blends or seasoning mixes. McCormick creates many products, and consumers with gluten concerns should always verify the ingredient list for each specific product they purchase. The Buffalo Seasoning Blend, for instance, is explicitly marketed as gluten-free on some sites, indicating that careful product-specific labeling is used.

Frank's Red Hot vs. Other Hot Sauces


Brand	Key Ingredients	Gluten-Free Status	Notes for Celiacs
Frank's RedHot Original	Aged cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, water, salt, garlic powder	Yes (per manufacturer)	Manufacturer explicitly states no gluten ingredients. Use care with other Frank's products.
Tabasco	Aged peppers, distilled vinegar, salt	Yes (inherently)	Simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Cholula	Arbol & Piquín peppers, salt, vinegar, spices	Yes (inherently)	All ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Sriracha (Huy Fong)	Chili, sugar, salt, garlic, distilled vinegar, potassium sorbate, sodium bisulfite	Yes (check label)	Distilled vinegar is safe. Ingredient list is naturally gluten-free, but always good to check.
Crystal	Aged cayenne peppers, distilled vinegar, salt	Yes (inherently)	Simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Frank's Red Hot

Based on official ingredient lists and manufacturer statements, the original Frank's RedHot Cayenne Pepper Sauce is gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The use of distilled vinegar, which is a gluten-free ingredient, and McCormick's transparent labeling practices provide a high degree of confidence. However, as with any food product, especially for those with severe sensitivities, it's always best to read the label at the time of purchase to ensure the most up-to-date information. While cross-contamination is a theoretical concern for some, most individuals on gluten-free diets report no issues with Frank's RedHot, making it a reliable choice for adding flavor and heat to your meals. You can always check the official ingredients list directly on the manufacturer's website for reassurance: Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the distilled vinegar used in Frank's Red Hot is gluten-free. The distillation process separates gluten proteins, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

No, not all Frank's products are necessarily gluten-free. While the Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is, different product lines like specialty sauces or seasonings may contain different ingredients. It is essential to check the label of each specific product.

Yes, people with celiac disease can typically eat Frank's Red Hot Original Sauce. The manufacturer confirms it's made without gluten ingredients, and the distilled vinegar is safe.

The most reliable way is to read the ingredient statement on the physical product label. For online verification, you can check the official McCormick or Frank's RedHot website, which lists current product ingredients.

Yes, McCormick has a clear policy of declaring gluten ingredients on their labels. They list the common names of gluten sources like 'wheat' and do not hide them under generic terms like 'spices'.

If you have severe gluten sensitivity, while Frank's Original is likely safe based on ingredients, you should be mindful of potential cross-contamination concerns and always check the label for any warnings. McCormick does follow good manufacturing practices to minimize this risk.

According to official statements and ingredient lists, Frank's Buffalo Wing Sauce is also formulated without gluten-containing ingredients. However, verifying the label for the specific product is always the safest method.