Is Prego Pesto Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide to Their Sauces

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Campbell's, the manufacturer of Prego, many of their sauces are certified gluten-free, but this does not apply to all products. Understanding whether is prego pesto gluten-free requires a careful look at the specific variety and its ingredient list before purchasing.

Quick Summary

Prego offers multiple pesto sauces, with ingredient differences determining gluten-free status. The Classic Basil Pesto has no gluten ingredients, but Creamy Basil Pesto contains modified food starch and is not gluten-free.

Key Points

Check the Label: The gluten-free status of Prego pesto depends entirely on the specific variety; always read the ingredient list for the one you are buying.
Classic Basil Pesto is Likely Safe: Prego's Classic Basil Pesto does not list any gluten-containing ingredients and is considered safe for most on a gluten-free diet.
Creamy Pesto is Not Gluten-Free: Prego's Creamy Basil Pesto contains modified food starch and other ingredients that make it unsafe for those avoiding gluten.
Look for the Official Claim: When in doubt, search for the official "Gluten-Free" seal on the packaging to ensure it meets FDA standards.
Consider Cross-Contamination: Even if ingredients are gluten-free, manufacturing processes can introduce risk; for severe sensitivities, consider this possibility.
Homemade is Safest: The most reliable way to ensure gluten-free pesto is to make it from scratch with simple, naturally gluten-free ingredients.

For anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the grocery store can be a challenge. While Prego has a strong reputation for offering a variety of gluten-free red pasta sauces, their pesto products require more scrutiny. Not all of the pesto varieties they offer are made without gluten-containing ingredients. The critical distinction lies between the Classic Basil Pesto and the Creamy Basil Pesto varieties, as their formulations are significantly different.

Classic Basil Pesto: An Ingredient Deep-Dive

Prego's Classic Basil Pesto sauce, typically sold in a smaller glass jar, is made with a straightforward list of ingredients. An examination of the ingredients on the official Campbell's website reveals the following: Basil, Soybean Oil, Garlic, Romano Cheese, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, along with a few minor additives like Citric Acid.

A key aspect of this ingredient list is the absence of any wheat or gluten-containing products. Reputable third-party food information services, such as Spoonful and Fig, have analyzed this product and identified it as being likely gluten-free, noting no gluten ingredients are present. This makes the Classic Basil Pesto a viable option for those on a gluten-free diet, provided they are not concerned with potential cross-contamination.

Creamy Basil Pesto: The Unexpected Gluten Source

In contrast, Prego's Creamy Basil Pesto sauce is not gluten-free and should be avoided by anyone with a gluten sensitivity. A look at the ingredients for this product reveals why. The list includes "Modified Food Starch" and "Natural Flavoring," both of which can be sources of hidden gluten, especially if derived from wheat.

Modified Food Starch: While not always derived from wheat, it's a common hidden source of gluten. Unless a product is specifically labeled gluten-free, this ingredient is a red flag. In the case of Prego's Creamy Pesto, the risk is confirmed by multiple sources.
Explicit Allergen Warning: Some retailers, including Amazon, have listed "Gluten" under the allergen information for Prego's Creamy Basil Pesto, providing clear confirmation that this product is not safe for a gluten-free diet.

Comparison of Prego Pesto Sauces

To help clarify the differences, here is a comparison table:


Feature	Prego Classic Basil Pesto	Prego Creamy Basil Pesto
Gluten-Free Status	Generally considered safe based on ingredients	Not gluten-free due to modified food starch
Key Ingredients	Basil, oils, cheese, garlic, sea salt	Water, cream, modified food starch, oil, cheese
Appearance	Bright green, oil-based sauce	Lighter, creamy, opaque texture
Allergens	Contains milk (cheese)	Contains milk (cheese), eggs, and gluten

Checking the Label: Your Best Defense

The most crucial step for anyone with gluten sensitivities is to read the ingredient label every time they purchase a product. Food manufacturers can change ingredients or formulas without warning. Relying on an old assumption is a mistake, particularly with products that have multiple variations like Prego pesto.

Here is what to look for:

The Gluten-Free Claim: Look for the official "Gluten-Free" statement, which indicates the product meets FDA standards of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
Ingredient List: Scan the ingredient list for any mention of wheat or other gluten-containing grains. Be wary of ambiguous ingredients like "modified food starch" if the product isn't explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Allergen Statement: Check for an "Allergen Information" section. For the Creamy Pesto, some retailers explicitly list "Gluten" here.

What About Cross-Contamination?

Even if a product's ingredient list is free of gluten, there is always a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Campbell's, the manufacturer, states they have a strict two-step process to verify ingredients and test finished products for gluten. However, it is essential for individuals with severe gluten allergies to consider this risk and potentially look for products with certified gluten-free labels from reputable third-party organizations.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Prego Pesto

If the different Prego varieties create too much confusion, or if the risk of cross-contamination is a concern, there are many other excellent options:

Classico Pesto: The Classico brand clearly states that its red and white sauces are gluten-free. While not specifically mentioning pesto, checking their website for the latest info is a good first step.
Homemade Pesto: Making your own pesto is a simple and delicious way to ensure it's completely gluten-free. Basic pesto consists of basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil—all naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Other Brands: Explore brands that specialize in gluten-free products, which often provide clearer labeling and greater assurance.

Conclusion

While some Prego sauces are safely gluten-free, the answer to is prego pesto gluten-free is not a simple yes or no. The Classic Basil Pesto is likely safe for most gluten-sensitive individuals, but the Creamy Basil Pesto contains ingredients that make it unsafe. Always prioritize reading the most current ingredient label on the specific jar you intend to purchase. By taking the time to check the facts, you can enjoy your meal without worry. To verify the gluten-free status of other Prego products, consult the official manufacturer website: Campbells.com Prego FAQs.

Lists of Prego Sauces

Generally Gluten-Free

Traditional Italian Sauce
Parmesan Basil Pasta Sauce
Many Classic Italian Pasta Sauces

Containing Gluten

Creamy Basil Pesto
Creamy Roasted Garlic Pesto
Some Alfredo and other cream-based sauces

Tips for Navigating Labels

Scan for the "Gluten-Free" logo: It's the most reliable indicator.
Avoid Ambiguous Ingredients: Be wary of "modified food starch" or "natural flavors" without a clear GF label.
Know the Variations: Be aware that different flavors or styles of the same product can have different gluten statuses.

Making Pesto at Home

Ingredients: Fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, extra virgin olive oil.
Process: Blend ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Benefits: Full control over ingredients, zero cross-contamination risk.

Other GF Brands

Classico: Check their range of gluten-free sauces.
Barilla: Has many gluten-free products, including pasta and sauces.
Local Health Food Stores: Often stock products with clear gluten-free certification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer Campbell's, Prego offers a range of gluten-free products, including many of its traditional red sauces. However, not all products, including some pesto variations, are guaranteed gluten-free.

The creamy varieties of Prego pesto, like the Creamy Basil Pesto, contain ingredients such as "modified food starch" that can be derived from wheat and potentially contain gluten. These specific products are not safe for a gluten-free diet.

You must read the label on the specific jar you intend to purchase. Look for the official 'Gluten-Free' claim on the packaging. For the classic basil pesto, confirm the ingredient list is free of wheat, but for creamy versions, assume they contain gluten unless explicitly certified otherwise.

Based on its ingredient list, which does not contain gluten, Prego's Classic Basil Pesto is likely safe. However, individuals with celiac disease should always consider the risk of cross-contamination and look for a certified gluten-free label for maximum assurance.

Modified food starch can be derived from a variety of sources, including corn, potato, and wheat. Unless the manufacturer specifies the source and the product is labeled gluten-free, it's best to assume it could contain gluten, especially for those with sensitivities.

Yes, many brands offer gluten-free pesto, and making your own homemade pesto is a great option. Some brands like Classico are known for offering a line of gluten-free sauces, but you should still check labels.

No, Prego's gluten-free status varies by product. Many of their red sauces are gluten-free, but their creamy and pesto varieties must be checked individually. The gluten-free status is not uniform across the entire brand.