Finding the Best Gluten-Free Ketchup: A Comprehensive Guide

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

While most people assume ketchup is naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination and certain ingredients mean that's not always the case. Navigating labels is crucial for those with sensitivities or celiac disease, so we’ll explore what is the best gluten-free ketchup and why it's so important to choose wisely.

Quick Summary

A guide to finding safe, high-quality gluten-free ketchup brands. It examines key factors like certification, ingredients to avoid (especially vinegar), and manufacturing processes to help celiac and sensitive consumers make informed choices.

Key Points

Check Labels for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure ketchup is gluten-free is to look for a certified gluten-free label, which indicates testing to below 20 ppm.
Be Wary of Malt Vinegar: Avoid any ketchup containing malt vinegar, as it is made from barley and is not gluten-free.
Consider Cross-Contamination: Highly sensitive individuals should choose certified brands or those that specifically mention their manufacturing processes to minimize cross-contamination risk.
Trusted Brands are Available: Many popular brands like Heinz, Annie's, and French's are widely available and labeled gluten-free, simplifying your shopping.
Specialty Options Cater to Dietary Needs: Brands like Walden Farms offer gluten-free, low-calorie, and sugar-free options for specific dietary preferences.
Prevent Cross-Contamination in Your Kitchen: Using squeeze bottles is an easy way to prevent cross-contamination of condiments in a shared household.

Why Finding a Truly Gluten-Free Ketchup is Crucial

For many, ketchup is a staple condiment, but for individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, not all brands are created equal. While the core ingredients of ketchup—tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices—are naturally gluten-free, potential contamination can occur at several points in the production process. The primary concerns include the type of vinegar used and cross-contamination during manufacturing. A truly safe product provides peace of mind, ensuring that every dollop on your fries or burger is free from hidden gluten.

The Importance of Labeling and Certification

When shopping for gluten-free products, the label is your most important tool. The FDA requires that products labeled 'gluten-free' contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease. However, some brands go further by seeking third-party certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These certifications often involve more rigorous testing and facility audits, providing a higher degree of assurance for highly sensitive individuals. Always look for a clear 'gluten-free' label or a certification logo on the packaging.

Vinegar: A Common Concern

One of the most debated ingredients in gluten-free circles is vinegar. While most distilled vinegar in the United States, typically derived from corn or cane, is considered gluten-free, the same cannot be said for malt vinegar. Malt vinegar is made from barley, which contains gluten, and is not a distilled product, meaning it retains gluten proteins. The risk with distilled vinegar from gluten grains is minimal, as the distillation process removes gluten, but some people who are highly sensitive still prefer to avoid it. For ultimate safety, seek out brands that specify the vinegar source, such as corn, cane, or apple cider vinegar, or those that are certified gluten-free.

Cross-Contamination in Manufacturing

Cross-contamination is a risk that can occur in facilities that also process gluten-containing products. Manufacturers are not required to disclose if a product is made on shared equipment, though some will include a 'may contain' warning. Certified gluten-free brands typically have stricter protocols to prevent this, but it's another reason to rely on specific labeling rather than assuming a product is safe based on its ingredients alone. For maximum security, some celiac individuals prefer brands that use dedicated gluten-free facilities.

Top Gluten-Free Ketchup Brands

Many popular ketchup brands are safe for a gluten-free diet. Here is a breakdown of some of the best options widely available.

Heinz Ketchup

Original, Organic, and Simply Heinz: All standard varieties are labeled gluten-free.
Vinegar Source: Uses distilled vinegar from corn, not wheat.
Pros: Widely available, trusted brand, offers organic and no high-fructose corn syrup options.

Annie's Organic Ketchup

Certification: Certified gluten-free by GFCO, organic, and vegan.
Ingredients: Made with California-grown tomatoes and organic cane sugar.
Pros: High-quality, clean ingredients, strong certification for peace of mind.

French's Tomato Ketchup

Status: Labeled gluten-free in the U.S..
Ingredients: Free from high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, and flavors.
Note: While labeled GF, the vinegar source may be wheat-derived, which some highly sensitive individuals prefer to avoid, though the distillation process makes it safe for most.

Organicville Ketchup

Certification: USDA-certified organic and GFCO-certified gluten-free.
Vinegar Source: Uses certified gluten-free vinegar derived from corn or cane.
Pros: Certified organic and gluten-free, providing dual assurance.

Sir Kensington's Ketchup

Certification: Certified gluten-free and non-GMO.
Processing: Routinely tests products and has protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Pros: Strong commitment to product testing and quality ingredients.

Walden Farms Ketchup

Claim: Labeled gluten-free, calorie-free, and sugar-free.
Ingredients: Uses apple cider and distilled white vinegar.
Pros: Excellent option for those managing both gluten and sugar intake.

Comparison of Best Gluten-Free Ketchup Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certifications	Key Features	Consideration for Celiacs
Heinz	Labeled Gluten-Free	None stated on product	Classic taste, wide availability	Safe for most, vinegar from corn
Annie's Organic	Certified Gluten-Free	GFCO, USDA Organic	Made with organic cane sugar, non-GMO	High level of assurance due to certification
French's	Labeled Gluten-Free (U.S.)	Non-GMO Project Verified	No HFCS, artificial colors/flavors	Check label, potential wheat-derived vinegar
Organicville	Certified Gluten-Free	GFCO, USDA Organic	Agave-sweetened, vegan	High level of safety with certified GF vinegar
Sir Kensington's	Certified Gluten-Free	Non-GMO Certified	Quality ingredients, vegan	Good choice; tests for less than 10 ppm gluten
Walden Farms	Labeled Gluten-Free	None stated on product	Calorie-free, sugar-free, low-carb	Safe for most, good for managing sugar

Making an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the best gluten-free ketchup for you depends on your individual needs and sensitivities. If you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive to trace gluten, opting for a certified brand like Annie's Organic, Organicville, or Sir Kensington's offers the highest level of assurance. For those less sensitive, popular labeled brands like Heinz and French's are reliable choices, but always double-check the label for the most current information and potential allergens. For those watching sugar and calories, Walden Farms is a standout option. No matter your choice, ensure you store condiments in squeeze bottles to avoid cross-contamination in shared kitchens.

Conclusion

While the basic ingredients of ketchup are gluten-free, the potential for cross-contamination and ingredients like malt vinegar necessitate careful label reading for those on a gluten-free diet. The good news is that many trusted and delicious gluten-free ketchup brands exist on the market today. From household names like Heinz to organic and specialty options like Annie's, Organicville, and Walden Farms, there is a safe and tasty option for every need. By prioritizing certified labels, understanding the vinegar source, and considering manufacturing practices, you can confidently choose the best gluten-free ketchup to enjoy with your favorite meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all ketchup is gluten-free. While the base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, some brands may use malt vinegar, which is not, or they could face cross-contamination issues during processing. Always check the label for a 'gluten-free' designation.

Yes, Heinz ketchup is labeled gluten-free. The company uses distilled vinegar from corn, not wheat, and its classic varieties meet the FDA standard of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Brands that are certified gluten-free, often with a GFCO logo, include Annie's Organic, Organicville, and Sir Kensington's. These brands undergo third-party testing for extra assurance.

A 'labeled gluten-free' product meets the FDA standard of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten. 'Certified gluten-free' products have undergone third-party testing and adhere to more rigorous standards set by a certifying organization.

Malt vinegar is made from barley, a gluten-containing grain, and the distillation process does not remove the gluten. For this reason, any product with malt vinegar is not safe for a gluten-free diet.

Many store brands, like Great Value (Walmart) and Good & Gather (Target), are labeled gluten-free. However, their gluten-free status can change, so it's always best to check the label on the package for the most current information.

Using squeeze bottles for all condiments, including ketchup, is the most effective way to prevent cross-contamination from utensils that have touched gluten-containing foods.