Is On The Border Cheese Dip Gluten-Free?

November 12, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the official product information, most varieties of On The Border cheese dip, including Salsa con Queso and Monterey Jack Queso, are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. This declaration is based on the ingredients list, which does not contain any sources of gluten.

Quick Summary

The bottled On The Border cheese dips are marked gluten-free by the manufacturer, relying on ingredients like cheese, peppers, and starches from non-gluten sources. Awareness of potential cross-contamination and scrutiny of restaurant-prepared dips are still necessary.

Key Points

Bottled Dip Is Gluten-Free: The pre-packaged On The Border cheese dips, including Salsa con Queso and Monterey Jack Queso, are labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer.
Restaurant Dip Caution: Exercise extreme caution with queso served at On The Border restaurants due to potential cross-contamination in the kitchen.
Check Ingredients: The ingredients list confirms the absence of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye in the bottled product.
Modified Corn Starch is Safe: The modified corn starch in the dip is corn-based and not derived from wheat, so it is safe for a gluten-free diet.
Always Verify Labels: Product formulations can change, so always check the most current product label for a gluten-free certification or statement before consumption.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: For celiac disease, avoid sharing chips or other food items that may have come into contact with gluten-containing foods.
Consider Homemade Alternatives: Making your own queso is a surefire way to control all ingredients and eliminate any risk of gluten contamination.

What is On The Border cheese dip?

On The Border cheese dip is a popular, shelf-stable queso made by Truco Enterprises. Available in grocery stores, these dips, like the Salsa con Queso and Monterey Jack Queso varieties, are labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer. They are made with real cheeses and offer a blend of Tex-Mex flavors.

Bottled vs. Restaurant-Made Queso

It's important to distinguish between the bottled product and queso served at an On The Border restaurant. While the bottled dip is labeled gluten-free, restaurant kitchens carry a higher risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment and preparation areas. Always communicate dietary needs when dining out. For example, restaurant chips may be fried in shared oil.

Analyzing the ingredients

The gluten-free status of the bottled dip stems from its ingredients. A typical list for Salsa con Queso includes water, Monterey Jack cheese, soybean oil, maltodextrin, jalapeño peppers, modified corn starch, red bell peppers, whey protein concentrate, and other seasonings and preservatives. None of these are derived from wheat, barley, or rye. Modified corn starch is safe as it's corn-based. The company also notes the absence of artificial flavors or MSG.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Claims

For individuals with celiac disease, verifying gluten-free status is critical. Key steps include:

Read the Label: Always check the latest product label for a gluten-free mark.
Check Ingredients: Review the list for gluten sources.
Look for Allergens: The label will note major allergens like milk.
Contact the Manufacturer: For definitive information on manufacturing practices, contact Truco Enterprises.

Gluten-Free Cheese Dip Alternatives

Beyond On The Border, many other brands offer gluten-free cheese dips. Making homemade queso is another guaranteed gluten-free option, allowing control over all ingredients.

Comparison of On The Border and Homemade Queso


Feature	On The Border Bottled Queso	Homemade Queso
Gluten-Free Status	Labeled and confirmed by manufacturer.	100% guaranteed if all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Low, manufactured in a controlled facility.	None, if prepared with clean utensils and separate ingredients.
Ingredients Control	No control over ingredients or additives.	Full control over every ingredient, including cheese and spices.
Convenience	High, ready to eat after heating.	Requires time for preparation, cooking, and ingredient sourcing.
Flavor Profile	Consistent, pre-determined flavor profile.	Customizable to personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

Conclusion: A Clear Yes for the Bottled Dip

The bottled varieties of On The Border queso, such as Salsa con Queso and Monterey Jack Queso, are a safe gluten-free option, explicitly labeled as such by the manufacturer. Their ingredient list confirms the absence of gluten. However, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must always check the latest product label and be cautious of cross-contamination when consuming queso at restaurants.

ontheborderchips.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Monterey Jack Queso sold in jars is explicitly labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer.

The main ingredients include water, Monterey Jack cheese, soybean oil, maltodextrin, peppers, modified corn starch, and other seasonings, all of which are gluten-free.

Yes, the bottled versions are considered safe for individuals with celiac disease due to their gluten-free formulation and labeling. However, always check the label for the most recent information.

The risk is very low for the bottled product, as it is manufactured in a controlled facility. Any potential for cross-contamination from shared lines would be communicated on the label.

While the ingredients may be gluten-free, the restaurant environment poses a higher risk of cross-contamination from shared utensils and equipment. It's best to verify with the restaurant staff directly.

No, the manufacturer states that the cheese dip contains no artificial flavors.

Use clean, separate utensils and serving dishes for the queso. Do not use the same chip or utensil for both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods.