How Do You Know If Chicken Broth Is Gluten Free? A Guide to Reading Labels

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

While basic homemade chicken broth is naturally free of gluten, many commercial varieties include additives that can contain hidden sources of the protein. For anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, knowing "How do you know if chicken broth is gluten free?" is essential for safety.

Quick Summary

Identify gluten-free chicken broth by checking for certifications and scrutinizing ingredient labels for hidden wheat, barley, yeast extract, and unverified natural flavors.

Key Points

Check for Certifications: The safest option is to choose chicken broth with a certified gluten-free seal.
Scrutinize Ingredient Lists: Carefully read labels for obvious gluten sources like wheat flour, barley, or malt.
Beware of Hidden Gluten: Exercise caution with 'yeast extract' and 'natural flavors,' as they can be derived from gluten grains unless specified as gluten-free.
Look for Allergen Warnings: Pay attention to 'may contain wheat' warnings, which indicate a risk of cross-contamination in manufacturing.
Consider Homemade Broth: For absolute certainty, making broth from scratch using fresh, whole ingredients is the safest method.
Brand Consistency Varies: Don't assume an entire brand is safe; different flavors or products from the same company may have different gluten statuses.
Avoid Glutenous Bouillon: Many popular bouillon cubes and pastes, like Better Than Bouillon, are not gluten-free and should be avoided.

The Hidden Dangers in Commercial Broth

Pure chicken, vegetables, water, and herbs are all naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, the moment you move from homemade preparations to store-bought cartons or bouillon cubes, the potential for gluten contamination increases significantly. Manufacturers often add flavor enhancers, fillers, and thickeners that may contain or be derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley. For this reason, a diligent approach to reading labels is the only way to be certain that a product is safe for a gluten-free diet.

Common Gluten Culprits to Watch For

When examining the ingredient list on a store-bought broth or stock, several items should immediately raise a red flag. These are not always obvious gluten sources and require careful scrutiny.

Wheat Flour: Sometimes added as a thickening agent to give the broth more body, this is a clear gluten source.
Yeast Extract: This can be a risky ingredient as it is often made from barley, which contains gluten. Unless the product is specifically labeled gluten-free, yeast extract should be considered a potential gluten source and avoided.
Natural Flavors: The source of "natural flavors" is often not specified on the label. While many sources are gluten-free, some can be derived from wheat or barley. The safest bet is to only consume products with this ingredient if they also carry a certified gluten-free label.
Caramel Color: Although it's less common in modern North American products, some caramel coloring can still be made with barley. The FDA requires the source to be listed if it comes from wheat, but for barley, checking for a certified gluten-free label is the safest path.
Barley and Malt: Any mention of barley, barley malt, or malt flavor indicates a gluten source and is unsafe.
Modified Food Starch: This is another thickening agent that should be avoided unless the label specifies the source (e.g., cornstarch) or the product is certified gluten-free.

The Role of Certification and Label Claims

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, relying solely on ingredient lists can still be risky due to cross-contamination. A product that is not certified may have been processed on equipment or in a facility that also handles gluten, which can lead to contamination. The best way to ensure safety is to look for specific claims and symbols.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Status

Certified Gluten-Free Seal: This is the gold standard for assurance. Certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mean the product has been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Explicit "Gluten-Free" Labeling: A clear "gluten-free" label on the package indicates the manufacturer has gone through steps to ensure it meets federal guidelines for gluten-free products. However, certification adds another layer of security.
"May Contain Wheat" Warnings: These voluntary statements from manufacturers should be taken seriously by individuals with celiac disease. It's a clear indication that cross-contamination is a possibility.

Homemade Broth: The Ultimate Control

If you want complete control over your ingredients and can eliminate all risks of cross-contamination, making your own chicken broth from scratch is the best option. It's a simple, rewarding process that guarantees a safe and delicious result. A basic recipe involves simmering chicken pieces, bones, and vegetables in water for several hours. You can add your own pure herbs and spices without worrying about hidden additives. This approach not only provides peace of mind but also often results in a richer, more flavorful broth than commercial alternatives. You can learn more about how food is regulated at Celiac.com, a trusted resource for information on managing a gluten-free diet.

Comparison of Broth Options


Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Broth	Conventional Broth	Homemade Broth
Gluten Safety	Highest - Tested and verified for low gluten content.	Risky - Likely contains hidden gluten sources or cross-contamination.	Highest - Complete ingredient control eliminates risk.
Convenience	High - Ready-to-use in cartons or cans from many brands.	Highest - Widely available and often cheaper.	Low - Requires more time and effort to prepare.
Flavor Control	Moderate - Fixed flavor profile, but certified options often use quality ingredients.	Low - Often relies on artificial or flavor enhancers.	Highest - Can be customized with fresh ingredients.
Brands	Swanson, Kitchen Basics, Kettle & Fire, Pacific Foods.	Campbell's (some products), Better Than Bouillon (bases).	N/A

Making the Safest Choice for Your Kitchen

For those living a gluten-free lifestyle, especially individuals with celiac disease, assuming any store-bought chicken broth is safe is a dangerous mistake. Always read the label. Start by looking for an official certified gluten-free seal on the packaging. If that's not present, and you see ingredients like yeast extract or natural flavors, proceed with extreme caution and research the manufacturer's practices. For ultimate peace of mind and the best flavor, preparing your own broth at home with trusted, whole ingredients remains the most reliable option. Being an informed consumer is your best defense against hidden gluten in everyday products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, products labeled 'gluten-free' by law must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This is generally a reliable indicator, but certification from a third-party organization like GFCO offers the highest level of assurance.

No, Better Than Bouillon has stated its products are not gluten-free because they are manufactured in a facility that handles wheat ingredients. It is best to choose a certified gluten-free alternative.

Cross-contamination is a significant risk in products not made in dedicated gluten-free facilities. If a broth is processed on shared equipment with products containing gluten, trace amounts can find their way into the broth.

Not always, but it is a potential hidden source of gluten. Yeast extract can be derived from barley. If a product contains yeast extract but is not labeled 'certified gluten-free,' it should be considered unsafe for a strict gluten-free diet.

Yes, homemade chicken broth made from natural chicken, vegetables, and spices is naturally gluten-free. For store-bought options, look for single-ingredient bone broths or those with a clear gluten-free label and no concerning additives.

Broth is generally easier to find in a verified gluten-free version than bouillon. Many bouillon cubes use wheat as a binder and contain other hidden gluten sources, making them a higher risk.

Yes, if the broth is not explicitly labeled 'gluten-free'. The source of 'natural flavors' is not always disclosed and could potentially come from a gluten grain. For safety, opt for products with clear ingredient sourcing or certification.