Is Great Value Sweet Relish gluten-free? A Detailed Look at Walmart's Labeling

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

While the core ingredients in sweet relish—cucumbers, vinegar, and sugar—are naturally gluten-free, a 2019 poll found that many consumers remain cautious about store brands due to conflicting labeling and cross-contamination risks. This article addresses the critical question: Is Great Value Sweet Relish gluten-free, and what should celiac sufferers know before adding it to their cart?

Quick Summary

This guide examines Great Value Sweet Relish's gluten-free status, analyzing its ingredients and the brand's history of inconsistent labeling. It details potential cross-contamination concerns during manufacturing and provides a comprehensive approach for safe label verification.

Key Points

Not Guaranteed Safe: Despite inherently gluten-free ingredients, Great Value Sweet Relish is not certified, and past labeling issues indicate potential cross-contamination risks.
Read the Label: Always check the most current packaging for an official 'gluten-free' claim and any allergen advisories before consuming.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Because Great Value products may be processed in facilities that also handle wheat, celiac patients should be cautious even if no gluten ingredients are listed.
Look for Certification: For peace of mind, seek out relish products with third-party gluten-free certification, such as the GFCO logo.
Safe Alternatives Exist: Many other brands, like Mt. Olive and Best Maid, offer explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free relish options.
Ingredients Alone Aren't Enough: Relying on the ingredient list alone is insufficient; the manufacturing environment is also a critical factor for gluten safety.

Is Great Value Sweet Relish Truly Gluten-Free?

Determining whether Great Value Sweet Relish is safe for a strict gluten-free diet requires more than a simple ingredient check. While the basic formulation contains no gluten-derived ingredients, Walmart's store brand has a documented history of inconsistent and, at times, confusing allergen labeling. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, this means caution is necessary and relying solely on an assumed gluten-free status is not advised. The safest approach is always to check the most current product label for definitive 'gluten-free' claims and specific allergen warnings.

Great Value Sweet Relish Ingredients Analysis

Based on recent ingredient lists for Great Value Sweet Relish, typical components include cucumbers, high fructose corn syrup, distilled vinegar, water, salt, xanthan gum, and natural flavors. None of these standard ingredients are derived from gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye. Distilled vinegar, even if made from a grain, is generally considered safe for gluten-free diets because the distillation process effectively removes gluten proteins. Similarly, xanthan gum is a common gluten-free thickener. However, ingredients listed as 'natural flavors' can sometimes mask hidden gluten sources, making it a point of concern for some consumers. The absence of explicitly gluten-containing ingredients in the formulation is a good starting point, but it does not guarantee a product is safe from cross-contamination.

The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune reaction. This is where the manufacturing process, and not just the ingredient list, becomes critical. Online forums and historical complaints indicate that Walmart's Great Value products have sometimes been produced in facilities that also process wheat-containing items. In the past, this led to contradictory labeling, with some products carrying a 'gluten-free' claim on the front but a 'may contain wheat' advisory on the back. Although Walmart corporate has addressed these issues, the history highlights the potential risk. Without a dedicated gluten-free facility or a reputable third-party certification, such as the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization), the risk of cross-contamination persists.

How to Safely Read a Great Value Label

To ensure the relish you purchase is safe, follow these steps with every new jar, as manufacturing processes can change:

Look for an official 'gluten-free' label: The FDA requires that any product labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is a safe level for most with celiac disease. If this claim is absent, proceed with caution.
Scrutinize the ingredient list: Read the list carefully, looking for wheat, barley, rye, or malt. Pay special attention to the bolded allergen statement, as these are required by law to highlight major allergens like wheat.
Check for 'may contain' warnings: A voluntary advisory statement like 'may contain wheat' or 'processed in a facility that also handles wheat' is a red flag. For sensitive individuals, these products should be avoided.
Look for third-party certification: The most reliable indicator is a certification logo, such as the GFCO's 'Certified Gluten-Free' mark, which signifies a rigorous, third-party audited process to ensure safety.

Certified Gluten-Free Relish Alternatives

For those who need a guaranteed gluten-free option, several brands offer explicitly certified relish products. Some examples include:

Best Maid Sweet Relish
Mt. Olive Relish (all varieties labeled GF)
Bubbies Kosher Dill Relish (labeled GF)
McClure's PICKLE Relish (all varieties labeled GF)
SWEET CREEK Organic Sweet Relish (labeled GF)

These products provide peace of mind, as their manufacturers have taken extra steps to ensure their items meet strict gluten-free standards. The availability of these alternatives makes choosing a safe relish easier for individuals managing a restricted diet.

Great Value Sweet Relish vs. Certified Gluten-Free Relish


Feature	Great Value Sweet Relish	Mt. Olive Sweet Relish (Labeled GF)
Ingredients	Standard relish ingredients; no obvious gluten, but watch for 'natural flavors'.	Standard relish ingredients; no obvious gluten.
Gluten Status	Ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but manufacturing risks exist without certification.	Explicitly labeled 'GF,' guaranteeing less than 20ppm gluten.
Cross-Contamination	Potential for cross-contamination due to shared facilities based on historical reports.	Lower risk due to dedicated lines or stricter protocols; label indicates safety.
Consumer Trust	Relies on careful label reading and interpretation; history of confusing labeling.	Higher consumer confidence due to explicit 'GF' label and potential certification.
Suitability for Celiacs	Risky without an official 'gluten-free' claim on the current label and knowledge of production site.	Safe choice due to clear 'GF' labeling.

Conclusion

While the ingredients in most Great Value Sweet Relish are inherently gluten-free, the product is not guaranteed safe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity without an explicit 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging. The brand's history of past labeling confusion and the potential for cross-contamination in shared manufacturing facilities makes it a product that requires careful scrutiny every time it is purchased. For maximum safety and peace of mind, consumers are better off choosing a product with a clear 'gluten-free' label from a trusted manufacturer or a third-party certification. Always check the current label and any allergen statements before consumption. For general guidance on interpreting food labels, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources.

Note: Product information can change without notice. Always verify the most current label before consuming.

Lists

Common Gluten-Containing Grains to Look For:

Wheat
Barley
Rye
Malt
Brewer's Yeast
Triticale

Red Flags on Food Labels:

'May contain wheat' or similar advisory statements.
No 'gluten-free' claim on a processed food product.
Vague ingredient descriptions, such as 'natural flavors' without further clarification.
Absence of a third-party gluten-free certification logo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Great Value Sweet Relish is not guaranteed safe for celiac disease. Its ingredients are likely gluten-free, but a lack of certification and potential cross-contamination risks during manufacturing mean it should be approached with caution. Always check the current label.

The most common ingredients listed, such as cucumbers, vinegar, corn syrup, and spices, do not contain gluten. However, ingredients labeled 'natural flavors' could be a source, and cross-contamination is a key concern.

Distilled vinegar is considered safe for a gluten-free diet, even if produced from gluten grains. The distillation process effectively removes the gluten protein, making the final product gluten-free.

According to discussions on celiac forums, Great Value products may be produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains like wheat. In the past, this has led to conflicting allergen labels. Sensitive individuals should assume a risk exists unless stated otherwise.

To find a truly gluten-free relish, look for products that are explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' and, ideally, carry a third-party certification logo like GFCO. Brands like Mt. Olive and Best Maid are often cited as certified options.

If a Great Value product has a current, explicit 'gluten-free' label, it must legally meet the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, given the brand's history, it's wise to read all labels carefully for 'may contain' warnings, which some past products had despite a 'gluten-free' claim.

Not all store-brand condiments are unsafe. However, without a clear, certified 'gluten-free' label, the risk of cross-contamination is often higher compared to dedicated gluten-free brands. Always verify the label for every product and new purchase.