Is Canned Shredded Chicken Gluten-Free?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, nearly 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the question, "Is canned shredded chicken gluten-free?" requires careful attention to ingredients and labeling.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of canned shredded chicken depends on the specific brand and its ingredients, as some manufacturers add gluten-containing fillers or flavorings. While plain chicken is naturally gluten-free, always check the product label for certified gluten-free claims or specific ingredients like modified food starch.

Key Points

Always Check the Label: The gluten-free status of canned shredded chicken is not universal and varies by brand and ingredients.
Watch for Hidden Gluten: Be vigilant for potential gluten sources listed on ingredient labels, such as unspecified 'modified food starch' or some 'natural flavors'.
Look for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to look for a third-party certification mark on the packaging, like GFCO.
Some Brands Are Safer: Specific brands, including Swanson, Kirkland, and Great Value, have confirmed gluten-free options, but ingredients can change.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: For individuals with high gluten sensitivity, a product processed in a facility that also handles wheat may pose a risk, so check for warnings.
Plain Chicken is Safe: Remember that plain, unprocessed chicken is naturally gluten-free; the risk comes from additives in the canning process.

Understanding the Basics: Why Canned Chicken Isn't Always a Safe Bet

Naturally, plain chicken is a gluten-free food. The issue arises when meat is processed, and this is where canned products require extra scrutiny. Canned shredded chicken is convenient, but the canning process can introduce additional ingredients for flavor, moisture retention, or as a binding agent. Some of these additives may contain gluten, turning a naturally safe protein source into a potential risk for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Deciphering the Label: Key Ingredients to Watch For

The key to determining if a canned shredded chicken product is safe is to meticulously read the ingredient label. Manufacturers are required to list all ingredients, and a careful eye can spot potential sources of gluten. Here are some common ingredients that can indicate a gluten risk:

Modified Food Starch: This is a common thickener. If the source isn't specified, it could be derived from wheat. For a product to be certified gluten-free, the modified food starch must come from a gluten-free source like corn or potato.
Broth: Broths can sometimes contain seasonings or flavorings that are not gluten-free. While many brands now use gluten-free broths, it's essential to confirm.
Natural Flavors: The term "natural flavors" is broad and can sometimes mask gluten-containing components. For foods regulated by the FDA, any wheat-containing natural flavor must be disclosed, but this may not apply to other gluten sources like malt. For absolute certainty, look for a gluten-free certification.
Wheat or Other Grains: Always check the ingredient list for any mention of wheat or other gluten-containing grains.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Some labels will explicitly state if the product was processed in a facility that also handles wheat, which is a risk for those with high sensitivity.

The Role of Gluten-Free Certification

For the highest degree of safety, look for a certified gluten-free label. These certifications, such as the one from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or NSF International, indicate that the product and its manufacturing process have been independently audited to ensure they meet strict standards for gluten content. This often means the product contains less than 10-20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten and that precautions are taken to prevent cross-contamination.

Brand Comparison: Gluten-Free Canned Shredded Chicken

To help you navigate the options, here is a comparison of popular canned shredded chicken brands and their gluten-free status. Remember that recipes and suppliers can change, so always verify the most current label before purchasing.


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Noteworthy Information	Verified Source
Swanson	Confirmed Gluten-Free	Many Swanson products, including their canned chicken, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free.	Campbell's Foodservice
Kirkland (Costco)	Confirmed Gluten-Free	Often labeled or verified as gluten-free. Some users on celiac forums confirm it's safe.	Celiac.com forums
Valley Fresh	Often Labeled Gluten-Free	A commonly recommended brand in the celiac community, though verification of current labeling is always wise.	Celiac.com forums
Great Value (Walmart)	Confirmed Gluten-Free	The brand offers a "Premium Chunk Chicken Breast In Water" that is confirmed gluten-free.	Instacart
Member's Mark (Sam's Club)	Check Ingredients	Some celiac users report using it safely, noting the simple ingredients (chicken, water, salt). However, it is not consistently marked as certified gluten-free, so caution is advised.	Reddit (r/Celiac)

Making an Informed Decision

For those with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, being an informed consumer is paramount. While many brands of canned shredded chicken are indeed gluten-free, assuming all are is a mistake. The extra step of reading the label or looking for a certified gluten-free mark is a small price to pay for peace of mind and health. When in doubt, stick to brands with a clear, certified label or contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their sourcing and processing practices. This diligence will ensure that your meal remains a safe and delicious one.

Conclusion

In conclusion, canned shredded chicken can be a safe, gluten-free option, but it's not universally guaranteed. The safety of the product depends entirely on the brand, its ingredients, and its manufacturing process. For the most assurance, always choose products that are explicitly labeled or certified as gluten-free. This practice minimizes the risk of consuming hidden gluten sources like unspecified modified food starch or cross-contamination from shared facilities, allowing you to enjoy your food worry-free. A few minutes spent checking the label can save you from potential health issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all canned chicken is gluten-free. While plain chicken is naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers add gluten-containing ingredients like modified food starch or flavorings during processing. You must always check the specific product's ingredient list and labeling.

Modified food starch is a thickening agent. If the source of the starch is not specified, it could be derived from wheat. For a product to be labeled gluten-free, the starch must come from a gluten-free source like corn or potato.

Several brands, such as Swanson, Kirkland (Costco), and Great Value (Walmart), offer gluten-free canned shredded chicken. However, recipes can change, so it's best to always verify the gluten-free claim on the current packaging.

The most reliable method is to look for a certified gluten-free label from an organization like GFCO. This indicates that the product has undergone third-party testing and meets strict standards for gluten content.

Yes, for highly sensitive individuals, there is a risk of cross-contamination if the product is processed in a facility that also handles wheat. Some brands include warnings on their labels, but a certified gluten-free product offers the highest assurance of safety.

The term 'natural flavors' can sometimes refer to flavorings that contain gluten. For products regulated by the FDA, any wheat must be declared, but other gluten sources like barley or malt may not be. For complete safety, it is best to choose a certified gluten-free product.

Yes, alternatives include cooking and shredding fresh chicken, or purchasing canned meat from brands known to be gluten-free, such as specific fish or beef products. It's always best to check labels on any processed meat products.