Is Marzetti Coleslaw Dressing Gluten-Free?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer and numerous retailers, Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing is naturally gluten-free. However, navigating dietary restrictions requires careful attention to detail, especially when ingredients or manufacturing processes can change over time.

Quick Summary

Yes, Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing is naturally gluten-free, according to the manufacturer's product information. It is important to always verify product labels, as manufacturing processes and ingredients can be subject to change.

Key Points

Yes, it's gluten-free: Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing is confirmed by the company to be naturally gluten-free.
Check the label: Always verify the most current product label for a "gluten-free" designation, as manufacturing processes can change over time.
Hidden gluten risks: Be mindful of other dressings and sauces that may contain hidden gluten sources, such as malt vinegar or certain modified food starches.
FDA regulations: Foods labeled gluten-free in the U.S. must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, a standard followed by reputable manufacturers like Marzetti.
DIY option: For absolute certainty, making a homemade coleslaw dressing with known gluten-free ingredients is a simple alternative.
Transparent ingredients: Marzetti's ingredient list relies on inherently gluten-free components like soybean oil and xanthan gum, rather than ambiguous starches.

Marzetti Coleslaw Dressing: A Gluten-Free Favorite

For those managing celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a general preference for a gluten-free diet, finding safe and reliable products is a priority. One common item that often raises questions is pre-packaged dressings, such as Marzetti Coleslaw Dressing. The good news for coleslaw enthusiasts is that Marzetti's Original Slaw Dressing is naturally gluten-free, with the company confirming this on its own website and through foodservice specifications.

The ingredient list for Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing, whether in retail jars or larger foodservice containers, does not contain any gluten-based ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye. The primary components are soybean oil, sugar, corn cider vinegar, and egg yolk, thickened with xanthan gum, a common gluten-free stabilizer. This transparent ingredient list, combined with the company's clear 'Gluten Free' designation, provides assurance to consumers.

Why Trust a Gluten-Free Claim?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States sets a standard for labeling products as "gluten-free". This regulation requires that a food product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This threshold is considered safe for most people with celiac disease. When a brand like Marzetti explicitly labels a product as gluten-free, they are confirming that their product meets this strict federal standard.

However, it's always a good practice to check the most current label on the product you are purchasing. Ingredient formulas and manufacturing conditions can occasionally change. Look for a clear "gluten-free" certification or declaration on the product packaging to be absolutely certain.

Potential Hidden Gluten in Condiments

While Marzetti's dressing is a safe bet, it's wise to be aware of how gluten can hide in other dressings and condiments. Understanding these common culprits helps you make informed choices about your entire meal.

Common Sources of Hidden Gluten in Dressings:

Malt Vinegar: Derived from barley, malt vinegar contains gluten. Any dressing that uses it is not gluten-free.
Soy Sauce: Many soy sauces are brewed with wheat. While Marzetti's dressings don't contain this, soy sauce is a frequent ingredient in other sauces and marinades, so always check.
Modified Food Starch: This is a tricky ingredient. If the label doesn't specify the starch's source (e.g., "modified corn starch"), it could be derived from wheat. Marzetti uses xanthan gum, a safe alternative.
Flavorings and Fillers: Vague terms like "natural flavorings" or "spices" could, in rare cases, indicate the presence of gluten. Fortunately, labeling laws often require allergens to be clearly declared.

A Quick Comparison of Coleslaw Dressings

To put Marzetti's product in perspective, here is a comparison with other common coleslaw dressing options, focusing on gluten content.


Feature	Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing	Homemade Coleslaw Dressing	Other Brands (e.g., Kraft)
Gluten-Free Status	Officially certified and labeled as gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free if using safe ingredients like gluten-free mayonnaise, cider vinegar, and sugar.	Varies by brand and product line. Requires careful label reading for ingredients like modified food starch or malt vinegar.
Convenience	High. Ready to use straight from the jar.	Low to medium. Requires gathering multiple ingredients and whisking.	High. Similar to Marzetti, but requires confirming the specific product is gluten-free.
Ingredients Control	Limited. Dependent on the manufacturer's formulation.	High. Full control over all ingredients and sourcing.	Limited. Varies by product, check labels diligently.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Low. As a mass-produced product from a brand that labels for allergens, protocols are typically in place.	Variable. Depends on the safety practices in your home kitchen.	Variable. Depends on the specific brand's manufacturing practices.

Making Homemade Gluten-Free Coleslaw Dressing

For those who prefer full control over their ingredients or enjoy making things from scratch, a homemade coleslaw dressing is a simple and reliable gluten-free option. A basic recipe includes gluten-free mayonnaise, a vinegar like apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Using a gluten-free mustard is also recommended, as some can contain gluten. This allows for complete confidence in the final product and the ability to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Conclusion

For the question, "is Marzetti coleslaw dressing gluten-free?", the answer is a clear yes. Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing is a safe and reliable choice for those following a gluten-free diet. The manufacturer explicitly labels it as such, and the ingredient list is free of gluten-containing components. While this is reassuring, remember that it's a best practice for anyone with dietary restrictions to always perform one last check of the product label at the time of purchase. By understanding common sources of hidden gluten in other products, you can confidently enjoy your meals, including a delicious bowl of coleslaw with Marzetti's dressing.

Marzetti Foodservice products also adhere to strict allergen declarations, providing another resource for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Marzetti Original Slaw Dressing is designated as gluten-free and is considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. The product is manufactured to meet FDA standards for gluten-free labeling, meaning it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

Reputable brands like Marzetti have protocols in place to prevent cross-contamination. While the risk is low, those with extreme sensitivity should always check the most current product label for any advisories.

Common ingredients that can contain hidden gluten include malt vinegar, soy sauce made with wheat, and unspecified modified food starch.

No, not all Marzetti products are gluten-free. While the Original Slaw Dressing is, the brand also makes products like pastas which do contain gluten. It is crucial to check the label of each specific product.

The most accurate information is found on the product packaging itself. You can also consult the company's official website, which includes an FAQ section addressing allergens and gluten.

Homemade coleslaw dressing is gluten-free if all the ingredients used are confirmed to be gluten-free, such as gluten-free mayonnaise, vinegar, and mustard.

Xanthan gum is a common food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer. It is fermented from a type of sugar and is generally considered gluten-free and safe for a gluten-free diet.