Yes, but with an important distinction: Is Bob's Red Mill old fashioned organic rolled oats gluten free?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

Naturally, oats do not contain gluten, but due to farming and processing methods, they are highly susceptible to cross-contamination with wheat, barley, and rye. This is why anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must be cautious, especially when selecting a product from a trusted brand like Bob's Red Mill. This article will clarify how Bob's Red Mill addresses this critical issue with their old fashioned organic rolled oats.

Quick Summary

Bob's Red Mill offers specific old fashioned organic rolled oats that are certified and labeled gluten-free, processed in a dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination. Standard organic varieties, however, are not suitable for a gluten-free diet because they are processed in a shared facility and are not tested for gluten integrity. The key is to check the packaging for the official gluten-free label.

Key Points

Certified vs. Standard: Only Bob's Red Mill organic rolled oats explicitly labeled 'Gluten Free' are safe for a gluten-free diet, not their standard organic variety.
Dedicated Facility: Bob's Red Mill processes their gluten-free products in a separate, dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.
Rigorous Testing: Every batch of certified gluten-free oats is tested using the ELISA method to ensure it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Avenin Sensitivity: A small percentage of people with celiac disease may be sensitive to avenin, a protein in pure oats, and should consult a doctor before consuming.
Check the Label: The presence of the red GF logo or GFCO certification mark is the only reliable indicator of a product's gluten-free status from Bob's Red Mill.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Standard commercial oats, even if organic, are at high risk of being cross-contaminated during harvesting or processing in shared facilities.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Oat Problem

Oats are inherently free of gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. However, the journey of an oat grain from the farm to your pantry is fraught with opportunities for contamination. This cross-contamination can happen in the field, where oats may be grown near gluten-containing grains, during harvesting, or in processing facilities that handle multiple types of grains. For someone with celiac disease, even a tiny amount of gluten can trigger a harmful immune response, making proper handling of oats essential.

Bob's Red Mill's Gluten-Free Protocol

To address this, Bob's Red Mill has developed a rigorous process to produce safe, gluten-free oats. Their commitment dates back to the 1980s, driven by requests from the Gluten Intolerance Group. This protocol involves three key measures:

Dedicated Facility: The company operates a separate 58,200 square-foot facility specifically for milling, mixing, and packaging gluten-free products. This separation ensures that gluten-free oats never come into contact with any gluten-containing products or equipment.
ELISA Testing: Bob's Red Mill tests every single batch of their gluten-free labeled products using the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test. Products must test below the FDA's standard of 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be accepted and sold as gluten-free.
Ingredient Sourcing: They source their oats from farmers who are dedicated to providing safe, gluten-free grains, minimizing the risk of contamination from the start.

The Crucial Difference: Certified Gluten-Free vs. Organic

It is vital for consumers to understand that not all organic Bob's Red Mill products are gluten-free. The organic label simply signifies that the product was grown and processed according to the National Organic Program standards, which does not regulate gluten content or prevent cross-contamination. A person with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must look for products with a specific 'Gluten Free' certification.

How to Identify Safe Oats

To ensure you are purchasing the correct product, always check the packaging. Bob's Red Mill makes it easy by using a clear 'Gluten Free' label. Some products may also carry the logo from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), a branch of the Gluten Intolerance Group, which provides an extra layer of assurance.

Here’s what to look for on the package:

The distinct red GF logo used by Bob's Red Mill.
A clear statement confirming the product was handled in their dedicated gluten-free facility.
The official GFCO certification logo for some specific products.

Avenin Sensitivity: A Rare but Important Consideration

While pure, uncontaminated oats are safe for the vast majority of people with celiac disease, a very small percentage may still react to a protein called avenin, which is structurally similar to gluten. This sensitivity, separate from gluten intolerance, affects less than 10% of those with celiac disease. Symptoms can be similar to those of a gluten reaction but do not cause intestinal damage in the same way. It is recommended that individuals with celiac disease who plan to add gluten-free oats to their diet do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional and monitor for any adverse effects.

Comparison Table: Certified GF Organic vs. Standard Organic Oats


Feature	Bob's Red Mill Certified GF Organic Rolled Oats	Bob's Red Mill Standard Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten-Free Status	Certified gluten-free; tested to less than 20 ppm	Not gluten-free; may contain traces of gluten due to cross-contamination
Processing Facility	Produced in a dedicated, separate gluten-free facility	Processed in a shared facility with gluten-containing grains
Gluten Testing	Every batch is tested using the ELISA method	No specific testing for gluten integrity
Suitable for Celiacs?	Yes, for most individuals, with caution for avenin sensitivity	No, not safe due to high risk of cross-contamination
Labeling	Features a specific 'Gluten Free' label and red GF logo	Labeled as 'Organic', but does not carry a 'Gluten Free' claim

Conclusion

In summary, Bob's Red Mill makes it possible to enjoy old fashioned organic rolled oats on a gluten-free diet, but only if you select the version explicitly marked as 'Gluten Free'. Their commitment to a separate, dedicated facility and rigorous testing protocols ensures the purity of these specific products. Always verify the packaging for the official gluten-free labeling to avoid cross-contamination. While most people with celiac disease can safely consume these certified oats, those who suspect an avenin sensitivity should consult with a healthcare provider before introducing them into their diet. The simple rule of thumb is: if it doesn't say 'Gluten Free,' it's not safe for a gluten-free diet, regardless of other labels like 'Organic'.

For more information on the company's quality control, you can visit the official Bob's Red Mill website: Our Quality: Non-GMO Project, Organic… - Bob's Red Mill.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Bob's Red Mill oats are gluten free. Only products with the specific 'Gluten Free' label on the package are safe for a gluten-free diet. Standard oats, including their organic ones, are processed in shared facilities and are not suitable due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Bob's Red Mill ensures safety by using a dedicated gluten-free facility for processing and packaging their GF-labeled products. They also batch-test incoming and finished products using the R5-ELISA test to confirm gluten levels are below 20 ppm.

Yes, a crucial one. The 'Organic' label relates to farming practices, while the 'Certified Gluten-Free' label specifically addresses processing to prevent gluten contamination. For those with celiac disease, the gluten-free certification is the only guarantee of safety.

Avenin is a protein in oats that a small number of people with celiac disease react to, causing similar symptoms to gluten exposure. If you have celiac disease and experience symptoms after consuming certified gluten-free oats, you might have an avenin sensitivity. It is best to consult a healthcare professional.

No, this is not recommended. Cross-contamination can occur much earlier in the supply chain, such as in the fields or during initial milling. The only way to guarantee a safe product for a gluten-free diet is to purchase oats explicitly labeled as 'Gluten Free'.

You can find Bob's Red Mill certified gluten-free oats at most major grocery stores, health food shops, and online retailers. Just make sure to look for the distinct 'Gluten Free' labeling on the package to ensure it is the correct product.

No, the USDA Organic symbol only certifies that a product meets organic farming and processing standards. It does not indicate or guarantee that the product is free from gluten. You must rely on the specific 'Gluten Free' certification for that information.