Is Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup Gluten-Free?

Based on product information from Sam's Club and Instacart, the ingredients list for Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup does not include any gluten-containing items. However, the product is not labeled as 'certified gluten-free,' a key consideration for individuals with strict gluten-free needs.

Quick Summary

Analyzing the ingredients of Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup to assess its gluten status. Explaining the difference between 'gluten-free' and 'certified gluten-free' labels. Comparing it to a similar product and providing guidance for consumers with celiac disease.

Key Points

• Ingredient Check: Based on online product listings, Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup does not contain gluten ingredients.

• No Certification: The soup is not certified gluten-free by a third party.

• Cross-Contamination: Lack of certification suggests a potential risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

• Celiac Disease: Individuals with celiac disease should be cautious and may prefer certified products.

• Alternative Option: Panera Bread offers a refrigerated Autumn Squash Soup labeled as gluten-free.

• Check Labels: Always review product labels for the most current ingredient and allergen information.

Navigating Gluten-Free Options: Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup

For those adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, evaluating product labels is a critical step in maintaining their dietary needs. Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup, a popular seasonal item available at Sam's Club, presents a common question for this community: Is it gluten-free? A look at the ingredient list is the starting point for this assessment.

Ingredient Review and Potential Concerns

The ingredients for Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup are listed on the Sam's Club website and Instacart. The list includes water, butternut squash, whole milk, heavy cream, pumpkin, and various other components like spices, cream cheese, and vegetable broth concentrate. An examination of these listed ingredients reveals no obvious sources of gluten such as wheat, barley, or rye. Common thickeners used, such as corn starch and xanthan gum, are typically gluten-free. While vegetable broth concentrate could sometimes contain gluten, the description provided suggests it is vegetable-based.

However, the lack of a 'certified gluten-free' label is a significant factor. This certification, usually from a third party like the GFCO, involves rigorous testing to ensure gluten levels are below a very low threshold (often 10 or 20 ppm) and confirms that production processes minimize cross-contamination risk. A product merely made with gluten-free ingredients does not undergo this external verification, meaning there is a potential, albeit perhaps small, for cross-contamination if processed on equipment shared with gluten-containing items.

Member's Mark vs. Panera Bread: A Comparison

To provide context, comparing Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup with a product explicitly marketed as gluten-free can be useful. Panera Bread offers a refrigerated Autumn Squash Soup that is labeled gluten-free. Below is a comparison of key features:

Feature	Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup	Panera Bread Autumn Squash Soup (Refrigerated)
Gluten Status	Ingredients appear gluten-free; no third-party certification.	Labeled as gluten-free.
Availability	Sam's Club (seasonal).	Available at various grocers (potentially year-round).
Cross-Contamination	Potential risk due to lack of certification.	Panera notes use of shared facilities and equipment as a risk.
Key Ingredients	Butternut squash, milk, cream, pumpkin, vegetable broth concentrate.	Pumpkin, vegetable stock, milk, cream cheese.
Flavor	Described as sweet and autumnal.	Creamy with squash and spices.

This comparison highlights that while Member's Mark soup uses gluten-free ingredients, the Panera version offers the explicit 'gluten-free' labeling, providing a higher degree of confidence for many individuals.

The Importance of Certification for Celiac Disease

For individuals diagnosed with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause serious health issues. The potential for cross-contamination in manufacturing is a significant concern. Without the assurance of a 'certified gluten-free' label, which guarantees strict controls and testing, the risk for someone with celiac disease is elevated. Therefore, those with this condition are generally advised to select products that carry official certification or are explicitly labeled and verified through robust internal testing, like the Panera option. For individuals with less severe sensitivities, the Member's Mark soup might be acceptable, but this is a personal decision based on their risk tolerance.

Conclusion

Based on available ingredient information from Sam's Club and Instacart, Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup appears to be made with components that do not contain gluten. However, the absence of an official 'certified gluten-free' label means the product has not undergone third-party verification for low gluten levels and potential cross-contamination. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, a certified product offers a greater level of safety. Consumers should carefully consider their personal dietary needs and the importance of certification when choosing this product.

Sources

• Sam's Club. (n.d.). Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup, 32 oz., 2 pk.. Retrieved from https://www.samsclub.com/ip/Member-s-Mark-Autumn-Squash-Soup-32-oz-2-pk/13884414389
• Instacart. (n.d.). Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup. Retrieved from https://www.instacart.com/products/20225676-member-s-mark-autumn-squash-soup-32-oz
• Walmart. (n.d.). Panera Bread Gluten Free Ready-to-Heat Autumn Squash Soup, 16 oz.. Retrieved from https://www.walmart.com/ip/Panera-Bread-Gluten-Free-Ready-to-Heat-Autumn-Squash-Soup-16-oz-Soup-Cup-Refrigerated/101811464
• Panera Bread. (n.d.). Autumn Squash Soup - Nutrition & Allergens. Retrieved from https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu/products/autumn-squash-soup.html
• Open Food Facts. (n.d.). Autumn squash soup – Member's Mark. Retrieved from https://world.openfoodfacts.org/product/0193968006891/autumn-squash-soup-member-s-mark
• Instacart. (n.d.). Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup. Retrieved from https://www.instacart.com/products/20225676-member-s-mark-autumn-squash-soup-32-oz
• Instagram (samsclubfoodreview). (2023, September 16). Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup... [Video]. Instagram. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/CxQ2969vnKi/
• Blount Fine Foods. (n.d.). Autumn Squash Soup - Nutrition Facts. Retrieved from https://blountfinefoods.com/images/documents/nutritionals/Panera_16oz_Retail/Panera_16oz_AutumnSquashSoup_69013_gf_v.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?

It is made with gluten-free ingredients, but the absence of a 'certified gluten-free' label means there is a potential risk of cross-contamination.

Where can I find the ingredients list for Member's Mark Autumn Squash Soup?

The ingredients are available on the Sam's Club website and Instacart.

What does 'certified gluten-free' mean?

It means the product has been tested by a third-party organization and meets strict standards for low gluten content, minimizing cross-contamination risk.

Is Panera Bread's Autumn Squash Soup gluten-free?

Yes, the refrigerated version sold at grocery stores is labeled gluten-free, although Panera notes shared facility risks.

Should someone with celiac disease eat this soup?

Given the potential for cross-contamination without certification, individuals with celiac disease may want to choose a certified gluten-free alternative.

Are the thickeners in the soup gluten-free?

Yes, corn starch and xanthan gum used in the soup are typically gluten-free.

Does the vegetable broth concentrate contain gluten?

Based on the ingredients list, the vegetable broth concentrate appears to be vegetable and oil based, not containing gluten ingredients.