Is Bob's Red Mill Certified Gluten-Free? Understanding Their Standards

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Since the 1980s, when the Gluten Intolerance Group first approached them, Bob's Red Mill has been a leader in the gluten-free foods space. This decades-long dedication to producing safe products raises a key question for consumers: is Bob's Red Mill certified gluten-free, and what do their different labels mean?

Quick Summary

Bob's Red Mill operates a dedicated gluten-free facility with strict testing protocols to produce its gluten-free labeled products. Some items also carry external certifications, such as the GFCO, for added assurance.

Key Points

Dedicated Facility: Bob's Red Mill operates a separate, dedicated facility to process all products labeled 'gluten-free' to prevent cross-contamination.
Two Certifications: Bob's Red Mill labels 'gluten-free' products using its internal testing protocols (marked with a red 'GF' logo) and offers some products with third-party GFCO certification (marked with the GFCO logo).
Strict Testing: The company performs ELISA gluten testing on ingredients upon arrival, during processing, and on the final product to ensure gluten levels are below 20 ppm.
Check the Label: Not all Bob's Red Mill products are gluten-free, so consumers must look for the specific 'gluten-free' label to ensure the product is safe for those with celiac disease.
Additional Assurance: The GFCO certification provides an extra level of assurance, as its standard is even stricter, requiring gluten levels to be below 10 ppm for certified products.
Gluten-Free Oats: The company uses a purity protocol for its gluten-free oats, sourcing them from dedicated fields and performing redundant testing.

Bob's Red Mill's Commitment to Gluten-Free

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the risk of cross-contamination is a serious concern. Bob's Red Mill has invested heavily in ensuring the integrity of its gluten-free products through a multi-pronged approach that includes a separate manufacturing facility and rigorous testing. Their process starts at the source, with suppliers required to deliver grains that are already clean from gluten-containing grains.

The Dedicated Gluten-Free Facility

To prevent cross-contamination, Bob's Red Mill built a separate, 58,200-square-foot facility used exclusively for manufacturing and packaging its gluten-free products.

Segregated Production: The dedicated facility houses its own mixers, mills, and packaging lines that have never been exposed to gluten-containing products.
Separate Systems: This facility has its own air filtration and ventilation systems to prevent airborne cross-contamination.
Employee Training: Employees in the gluten-free facility are trained specifically on allergen control protocols.

The Strict Testing Protocols

Bob's Red Mill implements a thorough testing regime to ensure its gluten-free products consistently meet safety standards, going above and beyond the FDA's requirements.

Testing Process:

Ingredient Testing: Each incoming lot of raw ingredients is tested in their on-site quality control laboratory using the ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test before it is accepted into the dedicated facility.
In-Process Testing: Products are tested again during the milling and mixing process.
Final Product Testing: The finished product is tested once more before being released to the public.

This redundant testing ensures a high level of confidence in the final product's purity. The company tests to a standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm), which is the internationally recognized Codex Alimentarius standard and the threshold set by the FDA. However, according to company statements, many products test much lower than this threshold.

Understanding the Certifications

Not all gluten-free labeled products are the same, and Bob's Red Mill uses a few different labels to signify its standards. While all products labeled gluten-free follow their internal protocols, some products also carry an additional third-party certification.

Internal Certification vs. Third-Party Certification


Feature	Bob's Red Mill Internal Gluten-Free Protocol	Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
Oversight	Company-operated protocols and testing in a dedicated facility.	Independent, third-party audits and certifications by the Gluten Intolerance Group.
Product Identification	The product package displays a red 'GF' logo and a gluten-free testing statement.	The GFCO logo (a circle with 'GF' inside) appears on the product package.
Testing Threshold	Consistently tests below 20 ppm.	Products must test below 10 ppm of gluten for certification.
Scope	Applies to all products labeled with the red 'GF' logo.	Applies to select products that meet the GFCO's stricter criteria.
Reliability	Very reliable for most with celiac, thanks to dedicated facilities and testing, but relies on internal controls.	Offers an extra layer of assurance and verification from an independent group.

What to Look for on the Label

When buying Bob's Red Mill products, it's crucial to look for the correct labeling to ensure a product is gluten-free. Not all products from Bob's Red Mill are manufactured in the dedicated gluten-free facility, and therefore, not all are safe for those with celiac disease.

The Red 'GF' Logo: This indicates the product was handled exclusively in Bob's Red Mill's dedicated gluten-free facility and tested using the ELISA assay.
The GFCO Logo: This signifies that the product has also been certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, meeting their even stricter standards of less than 10 ppm gluten.
Check the Front: Only purchase products with one of these clear gluten-free labels on the front of the packaging. If it does not have the logo, it is not considered safe for celiacs, even if the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion: A Trusted Choice with Nuanced Certifications

So, is Bob's Red Mill certified gluten-free? The answer is nuanced, as it depends on the specific product. The company has its own highly reliable internal system for producing and testing all products labeled with their red 'GF' logo, which are manufactured in a dedicated facility. Additionally, some products carry a third-party GFCO certification for an extra layer of validation. For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, it is essential to look for the explicit 'Gluten-Free' labeling or the GFCO seal on Bob's Red Mill products, as not all items produced by the company are gluten-free due to their diverse product line. With their transparent testing and dedicated facilities, Bob's Red Mill remains a trusted brand within the gluten-free community. You can explore their full range of gluten-free offerings on their official website to make informed purchasing decisions.

Resources for Gluten-Free Living

Official Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Page: For a complete list of their gluten-free products and details on their manufacturing process, visit https://www.bobsredmill.com/gluten-free.

Other Relevant Information

Purity Protocol for Oats

Oats are often a topic of discussion in the gluten-free community due to the high risk of cross-contamination from neighboring fields. Bob's Red Mill uses a purity protocol for its gluten-free oats, which includes sourcing them from dedicated oat-only farms and extensive testing.

Other Allergens

It's important to note that while Bob's Red Mill has dedicated facilities for gluten-free products, other allergens are handled differently. Customers with nut or other allergies should read the packaging carefully and understand that some gluten-free products may still be produced in facilities that handle other allergens.

Product Testing Transparency

Sites like Gluten Free Watchdog provide independent test results for some Bob's Red Mill products, offering additional transparency for concerned consumers.

By staying informed about a brand's specific protocols and certifications, consumers can confidently navigate the market and find products that meet their dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not every product from Bob's Red Mill is gluten-free. The company produces both regular and gluten-free items. It is essential to check for the explicit 'gluten-free' label on the package to ensure it is safe.

Bob's Red Mill built a completely separate, dedicated gluten-free facility for milling, mixing, and packaging its gluten-free products. This facility has its own machinery, employees, and ventilation systems to prevent any cross-contact.

The red 'GF' logo indicates the product has been tested by Bob's Red Mill's internal quality control and meets their less than 20 ppm standard. The GFCO logo on certain products signifies independent, third-party verification with an even stricter standard of less than 10 ppm.

The company uses the highly sensitive ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test to check all gluten-free products multiple times: on incoming ingredients, during processing, and on the final packaged product.

Yes, Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free oats are sourced from a cooperative of farmers who use a purity protocol, which ensures they are grown in dedicated fields and tested extensively to ensure purity and safety.

Yes, the dedicated gluten-free facility does handle some other allergens, such as tree nuts and soy. The company employs Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to minimize cross-contact, but those with severe allergies to other ingredients should check labels carefully.

The most current list of gluten-free products can be found on the official Bob's Red Mill website in their 'Gluten-Free' section.