Is Campbell's Broth Gluten Free? The Definitive Answer for a Safe Diet

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 Campbell's survey, nearly one in five Americans are actively avoiding gluten, making product transparency crucial. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating store shelves can be tricky, which often begs the question: Is Campbell's broth gluten free? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on the specific variety you choose.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Campbell's broth is product-specific, so consumers must check labels carefully. While some varieties, particularly under the Swanson brand and certain newer condensed products, are explicitly labeled gluten-free, many others contain gluten or have a risk of cross-contamination, making them unsafe for a strict gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Always Check the Label: The gluten-free status of Campbell's broth is not consistent across all products; you must check each specific label for the 'Gluten-Free' claim.
Swanson Is Key: Many Swanson broths and stocks, a brand owned by Campbell's, are reliably labeled as gluten-free and can be found in the gluten-free product listings.
Be Wary of Condensed Varieties: Historically, and for some current recipes, Campbell's condensed broths contain gluten ingredients or carry cross-contamination warnings, though new gluten-free versions now exist.
Understand Cross-Contamination: A 'may contain' warning indicates a risk of gluten exposure during manufacturing, which is unsafe for individuals with celiac disease.
Consider Alternatives: If brand uncertainty is a concern, many other brands like Pacific Foods and Kitchen Basics offer clearly labeled gluten-free broths.
Know the FDA Standard: For a product to be legally labeled 'Gluten-Free,' it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Try Homemade Broth: Making your own broth is the safest way to ensure a completely gluten-free product with full control over ingredients.

The Nuanced Answer: Why You Can't Assume

Not all Campbell's broths are created equal when it comes to gluten content. The brand offers a wide range of products, and the ingredients and manufacturing processes can vary significantly between them. For individuals following a strict gluten-free diet, such as those with celiac disease, assuming a product is safe without confirming its label can lead to adverse health effects. This is because gluten can appear in unexpected places, sometimes even through the use of wheat-derived ingredients or shared manufacturing equipment.

Identifying Gluten-Free Campbell's and Swanson Broths

To make an informed choice, the most reliable method is to look for the 'Gluten-Free' claim directly on the packaging. Campbell's (including its subsidiary brand, Swanson) explicitly labels certain products as gluten-free, and these products must comply with FDA regulations requiring less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

Some confirmed gluten-free options include:

Swanson Broths & Stocks: Many varieties of Swanson broths and stocks are labeled gluten-free, including their organic and lower sodium chicken broths. The company provides a dedicated section on its website listing these specific items.
Certain Campbell's Products (Canada): The Campbell's Canadian site lists specific concentrated and ready-to-use broths, such as Mushroom and Vegetable, that are gluten-free.
NEW! Campbell's Condensed Gluten-Free Soups: As of 2023, Campbell's released gluten-free versions of their popular condensed Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soups, which are suitable for recipes calling for these bases.

Why You Must Scrutinize the Label

Reading labels is paramount for a safe gluten-free diet. The presence of 'may contain traces of wheat' or other similar disclaimers indicates a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. For a person with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response. Additionally, some common broth ingredients can be derived from wheat, such as certain flavorings or thickeners like modified food starch. Always check the allergen statement, which is legally required to emphasize wheat and other common allergens.

Comparison of Campbell's and Swanson Broth Varieties


Feature	Some Campbell's Broths (Non-GF)	Labeled Gluten-Free Swanson/Campbell's Broths
Labeling	May have 'contains wheat' or 'may contain' warnings.	Explicitly labeled 'Gluten-Free'.
Gluten Risk	Contains gluten or risk of cross-contamination.	Certified to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Manufacturing	Made on shared equipment, may not be tested for gluten.	Verified ingredients and tested during manufacturing.
Ingredients	May contain wheat-derived ingredients (e.g., condensed chicken broth).	Ingredients are verified as gluten-free.
Usage	Unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.	Safe for a strict gluten-free diet.

What About the Risk of Cross-Contamination?

Cross-contamination is a serious concern for individuals with celiac disease. In food manufacturing, this occurs when gluten-containing products are processed on the same equipment or in the same facility as gluten-free items without strict separation protocols. While Campbell's states it has a two-step validation process for gluten-free products, the safest bet is to rely solely on the explicit 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging and be wary of any 'may contain' statements.

Alternative Gluten-Free Broth Brands

For those who prefer not to navigate the complexities of Campbell's labeling, there are many alternative broth brands that are reliably gluten-free. Some popular options include:

Pacific Foods: Offers a wide selection of organic, gluten-free broths and stocks.
Kitchen Basics: Known for its naturally gluten-free stocks.
Imagine Foods: Offers a variety of gluten-free broths and stocks.
Kettle & Fire: Specializes in bone broths that are certified gluten-free.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Broth

For ultimate control and nutritional value, making your own broth at home is an excellent option. Not only can you guarantee it's gluten-free, but you can also control the sodium content and add wholesome ingredients for a deeper flavor. A basic homemade broth can be made with a chicken carcass or vegetable scraps, water, and herbs. Simply simmer the ingredients for several hours and strain for a flavorful, safe broth.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to is Campbell's broth gluten free? is a conditional one. Some products are safe for a gluten-free diet, but a vast number are not. To protect your health, always check the product label for an explicit 'Gluten-Free' claim. Do not assume that the basic ingredients are free of gluten, as manufacturing processes and added flavorings can introduce it. For guaranteed safety and transparency, consider sticking to brands with clear labeling, exploring the designated gluten-free Swanson broths, or even making your own broth from scratch. When in doubt, it is always safest to choose an alternative with a confirmed gluten-free certification. For more information on celiac disease and gluten-free labeling, the Celiac Disease Foundation is an excellent resource.

Visit the Celiac Disease Foundation website for more gluten-free resources

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Swanson products are automatically gluten-free. While many varieties are explicitly labeled as such, you must always verify the 'Gluten-Free' claim on the packaging of the specific product you intend to purchase.

Broth can contain gluten for several reasons, including the use of wheat-derived ingredients like modified food starch, barley malt, or flavorings. Additionally, cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment can introduce gluten into the product, which is often indicated by a 'may contain' warning.

No, the traditional Campbell's condensed chicken broth is not gluten-free and contains wheat. However, as of 2023, Campbell's does offer a new condensed gluten-free version of Cream of Chicken Soup.

The safest way is to purchase a product that is explicitly labeled 'Gluten-Free' and does not carry any 'may contain' warnings. Relying on an official gluten-free certification, such as a third-party symbol, can provide additional assurance.

No, a 'wheat-free' label does not guarantee a product is gluten-free, as gluten is also found in barley and rye. A product must explicitly state 'gluten-free' to be considered safe for those with celiac disease.

Some varieties of Campbell's vegetable broth are labeled gluten-free, particularly those sold in Canada. As with all products, you must check the label to ensure it explicitly states 'Gluten-Free' for the specific carton you are buying.

Yes, making homemade broth from scratch is an excellent and completely safe alternative. You have full control over all the ingredients, ensuring it is 100% gluten-free, and you can also customize the flavor and sodium content.