Is Pacific Foods Gluten Free? What You Need to Know

December 22, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, making gluten-free product labeling and safety a critical concern. For those with celiac or gluten sensitivity, the question, 'is Pacific Foods gluten free?' has a nuanced answer: while many products are, not every item in their lineup is guaranteed to be gluten-free.

Quick Summary

Pacific Foods offers a wide selection of gluten-free options, including many broths, soups, and plant-based milks. However, some items, most notably oat-based products, are not designated as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination. Consumers should always check individual product labels for certification and specific allergen information.

Key Points

Not all products are gluten-free: Many Pacific Foods items, such as certain broths and soups, are certified gluten-free, but others are not.
Check for the certification label: The most reliable way to identify a safe product is by looking for the official 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging.
Oat beverages are not gluten-free: Pacific Foods does not claim its oat beverages are gluten-free due to a risk of cross-contamination during crop rotation.
Company transparency is a key indicator: The brand provides clear information on its website and packaging about which products contain or may contain gluten.
Always read the ingredient list: For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, reviewing the ingredients is the safest practice, as formulations can change.
Third-party validation can be helpful: Organizations like Gluten-Free Watchdog can provide additional verification and testing information for specific products.

Pacific Foods' Gluten-Free Product Commitment

Pacific Foods has a strong commitment to offering wholesome food options, including a substantial number of gluten-free products. The company is transparent about its ingredient sourcing and processing, which helps consumers with dietary restrictions make informed decisions. However, the blanket assumption that all products from a single brand are gluten-free is a common mistake that can be harmful for those with serious sensitivities like celiac disease. Pacific Foods makes it clear on its packaging and website that while many products are certified gluten-free, some are not.

To ensure safety, the company takes steps to prevent cross-contamination during production. However, certain ingredients inherently carry a higher risk. For example, while oats are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination with wheat is a risk due to shared crop rotation practices. For this reason, Pacific Foods does not make a gluten-free claim on its oat beverages. This level of detail is crucial for consumers who rely on accurate labeling for their health.

Identifying Gluten-Free Pacific Foods Items

Navigating the product range requires vigilance. The easiest way to identify a gluten-free product from Pacific Foods is to look for the certified gluten-free label on the packaging. This label confirms that the product meets strict standards and has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, the threshold considered safe for most people with celiac disease. Many of their broths, most plant-based milks, and a variety of soups carry this certification. By contrast, products without this specific label should be considered unsafe for strict gluten-free diets. Always double-check, as product formulations can change.

Here are some examples of products that are typically gluten-free:

Broths: Organic Free Range Chicken Broth, Organic Low Sodium Beef Broth, and Organic Low Sodium Vegetable Broth are all listed as gluten-free.
Soups: Popular creamy options like Organic Butternut Squash and Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup are gluten-free.
Plant-Based Beverages: All Pacific almond milks are confirmed to be gluten-free.

The Importance of Reading Labels

Beyond just looking for the gluten-free logo, a quick check of the ingredient list is always a best practice. While Pacific Foods is diligent, labels provide the most up-to-date and specific information. Ingredients to watch out for include wheat, rye, and barley, as well as derivatives like malt. For those with celiac disease, even trace amounts can cause a reaction, so understanding the complete picture is essential.

Gluten-Free vs. Non-Gluten-Free Pacific Foods: A Comparison

This table highlights the differences between typically gluten-free and non-gluten-free products from Pacific Foods, based on information from their official website and product labels.


Feature	Gluten-Free Products	Non-Gluten-Free Products (e.g., Oat Beverages)
Certification	Clearly labeled with a 'certified gluten-free' claim on packaging.	No gluten-free claim due to risk of cross-contamination.
Primary Risk Factor	Low to non-existent for contamination.	High risk, especially due to shared crop rotation for grains.
Product Examples	Organic Butternut Squash Soup, Organic Chicken Broth, Almond Milks.	Organic Oat Beverages.
Safety for Celiacs	Generally safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but always verify the specific product label.	Unsafe for individuals on a strict gluten-free diet.
Company's Stance	Actively markets these products as a safe option for gluten-free lifestyles.	Clearly states the products are not designated gluten-free to prioritize consumer health.

Pacific Foods' Allergen Policy and Transparency

Pacific Foods has a detailed FAQ section and clear labeling on its website to address common allergen concerns, including gluten. Their policies emphasize using wholesome ingredients and avoiding unnecessary additives, which aligns with many gluten-free lifestyles. For those with severe allergies or celiac disease, the existence of a specific page or FAQ entry addressing allergens is an indicator of a company's commitment to safety and transparency.

Outbound link: For additional verification and product-specific testing data, consumers can also consult independent third-party resources like the Gluten-Free Watchdog. For example, an older post details specific test results for various Pacific Foods items.

Conclusion

Is Pacific Foods gluten free? The answer is a qualified yes: a significant portion of their product line is specifically formulated and labeled as gluten-free, including many broths, soups, and plant-based milks. However, not all products are, and consumers on a strict gluten-free diet must rely on the certified gluten-free label found on each item's packaging. For items like oat beverages, Pacific Foods explicitly warns against assuming they are gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination. As with any dietary restriction, careful label reading and product-specific verification are the most reliable methods for ensuring safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Pacific Foods soups are gluten-free, including popular options like Organic Butternut Squash Soup and Organic Creamy Tomato Soup, as well as some condensed soups. The best way to be sure is to check the specific product label for the 'certified gluten-free' logo.

Yes, many Pacific Foods broths and stocks are gluten-free. This includes many of their organic chicken, beef, and vegetable broth varieties. The packaging will clearly state if it is certified gluten-free.

No, Pacific Foods advises against assuming their oat beverages are gluten-free. They state that inherent gluten-free oats can become cross-contaminated with wheat due to regular crop rotation practices, so they do not make a gluten-free claim on these products.

Pacific Foods' official documentation emphasizes ingredient sourcing and clear labeling rather than dedicated facilities. Their commitment to labeling individual products as 'certified gluten-free' indicates a robust system for managing allergens, but consumers with severe allergies should always contact the company directly for facility information.

The most reliable method is to check the product packaging for the 'certified gluten-free' seal. This seal ensures the product meets the legal standard of less than 20 ppm gluten. If the product does not have this seal, it is not guaranteed to be gluten-free.

All Pacific almond milks are labeled as gluten-free. However, consumers should check the label for any other plant-based milks, such as oat, as the gluten status can vary.

The gluten-free status depends on the specific ingredients. Soups containing gluten-containing ingredients like pasta or other grains will not be gluten-free. Conversely, soups made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like vegetables and meat are often certified as gluten-free.