What Does 'Certified Gluten-Free' Mean for Bare Bones?
Bare Bones offers a range of bone broths and instant mixes that are widely marketed as gluten-free. The company's commitment to accommodating various dietary needs is evident in its ingredient selection and certifications. Many of their products, such as the Classic Chicken and Beef Bone Broths, are explicitly labeled as Certified Gluten-Free. This certification provides a higher level of assurance for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities compared to products that are simply labeled 'gluten-free' without third-party verification. The certification process ensures that the products meet stringent standards for gluten content, typically below 20 parts per million (ppm).
Beyond just being gluten-free, Bare Bones' products also cater to other dietary restrictions, including keto and paleo diets, further showcasing their dedication to clean, high-quality ingredients. This makes them a versatile option for people with diverse nutritional needs.
A Deep Dive into Bare Bones Product Ingredients
To fully understand why Bare Bones products are gluten-free, it's helpful to look at the ingredients used in their different offerings. The company prioritizes natural, high-quality components, which naturally exclude gluten-containing grains.
Here is a list of common ingredients found in their bone broths, highlighting the absence of gluten sources:
- Water
- Chicken Bones, Necks, and Feet (in chicken broths)
- Grass-fed Beef Bones (in beef broths)
- Vegetables: Onions, carrots, celery
- Spices and Herbs: Various blends depending on the flavor
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Often used to help extract minerals from bones
- Sea Salt
- Collagen: A natural byproduct of the slow-simmering process
- Prebiotic Fiber (from tapioca): Used in instant mixes
Even in their more complex flavors, like the Ramen instant mix, Bare Bones ensures gluten-free compliance by using gluten-free soy sauce. However, a notable exception found in a product listing for their Lemonade Elevated Drink Mix mentioned a 'may contain gluten' warning. This underscores the critical importance of reading the label on each specific product, as ingredients and processing can vary across a brand's different lines.
Nutritional Comparison: Liquid vs. Instant Broths
Bare Bones offers its broths in both ready-to-pour liquid pouches and instant powdered stick packs, each with a slightly different nutritional profile. Here is a comparison of their key varieties.
| Product | Protein (per serving) | Calories (per serving) | Sodium (per serving) | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Chicken Broth | 10g | 40 | 270mg | Certified Gluten-Free |
| Instant Chicken Mix | 10g | 50 | 530mg | Certified Gluten-Free |
| Classic Beef Broth | 10g | 40 | 270mg | Certified Gluten-Free |
| Instant Beef Mix | 10g | 50 | 460mg | Certified Gluten-Free |
| Ramen Instant Mix | 10g | 50 | 610mg | Certified Gluten-Free |
As the table shows, all of the featured broth products are confirmed to be gluten-free, but it is important to note the variation in sodium content, particularly in the instant mixes, which tend to have a higher amount.
Navigating Cross-Contamination and Allergen Risks
While Bare Bones makes strong claims about their gluten-free status, it is always wise for individuals with severe allergies to investigate further. The company website and product labels are the best sources for the most current information. Some retailers include disclaimers about potential cross-contamination in their facilities, which, while not a reflection on Bare Bones itself, is a general caution for consumers with allergies. For example, the Attane Health online store lists some Bare Bones broths as free from dairy, eggs, fish, nuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.
For those with celiac disease, verifying the certified status on the packaging of each item is the safest approach. The use of gluten-free soy sauce in the Ramen mix demonstrates an awareness of gluten sensitivities and intentional formulation to avoid it. However, the case of the Lemonade mix shows that not all products in the brand's wider portfolio may follow the same strict allergen protocol. Always perform due diligence.
Conclusion: Is Bare Bones Gluten-Free?
Based on product labeling, third-party certifications, and ingredient lists, the definitive answer is that Bare Bones bone broths are reliably gluten-free and suitable for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals. The company demonstrates a clear commitment to these dietary standards, even using gluten-free soy sauce in specialized products like their ramen instant mix. However, as with any dietary restriction, consumers should always examine the specific product's packaging for certifications and potential allergen warnings, as evidenced by some specialized drink mixes within the brand's offerings. By following these simple steps, you can confidently enjoy Bare Bones' nutritional benefits as part of a safe, gluten-free diet.
For additional guidance on living gluten-free, consult the National Celiac Association.
