Understanding the "Sam's" Broth Distinction
It's a common point of confusion for shoppers: is the broth with the "Sam's" name gluten-free? The key is knowing which store the product is from. Walmart's in-house brand is Sam's Choice, while Sam's Club's brand is Member's Mark. Their chicken broth products have different formulations and therefore different allergen statements.
Sam's Choice Broth (Walmart)
Walmart's Sam's Choice Organic Chicken Bone Broth is explicitly and reliably gluten-free. The packaging for this product clearly states its USDA organic and gluten-free status, offering peace of mind for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. A reduced-sodium version also carries this gluten-free label. When purchasing, always look for the specific product name and the gluten-free claim on the carton.
Member's Mark Broth (Sam's Club)
In contrast, Member's Mark Chicken Broth is not a safe choice for gluten-free consumers. While the base ingredients might be naturally gluten-free, the product contains ingredients like "natural flavor" and "yeast extract," which are known to be potential sources of hidden gluten derived from barley. Unless a product is explicitly certified or labeled gluten-free, it's best to avoid it to prevent cross-contamination risks. This underscores the importance of scrutinizing labels for ingredients that can conceal gluten.
How to Identify Hidden Gluten in Broth
For packaged broths, including those from other brands, checking the ingredient list is vital. Gluten can be hidden in various additives and flavor enhancers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a product labeled "gluten-free" must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Ingredients to scrutinize for potential hidden gluten include:
- Yeast Extract: Unless specified as derived from a non-gluten source, yeast extract can be grown on barley, making it unsafe.
- Natural Flavors: The origin of natural flavors is not always disclosed. If not certified gluten-free, there is a risk they could be derived from a gluten-containing grain.
- Malt or Barley Malt: Any ingredient with "malt" or "barley" is a clear indicator of gluten content.
- Caramel Coloring: This can sometimes be derived from barley malt, but when used in the US, it is typically gluten-free. It’s a less common risk but worth noting.
Comparison Table: Sam's Broth Varieties
| Feature | Sam's Choice Organic Chicken Bone Broth (Walmart) | Member's Mark Chicken Broth (Sam's Club) |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Status | Yes (labeled & certified) | No (not labeled GF, contains potential hidden gluten) |
| Retailer | Walmart | Sam's Club |
| Primary Ingredients | Organic chicken stock, organic vegetables, sea salt, organic spices | Chicken broth, sea salt, natural flavors, yeast extract |
| Hidden Gluten Risk | Very Low (explicitly labeled GF) | High (ingredients like "natural flavors" and "yeast extract") |
| Key Takeaway | A safe option for gluten-free diets | Avoid for a gluten-free diet unless confirmed safe |
Choosing Safe Gluten-Free Broth Brands
If you're unsure about a product or prefer to stick with widely trusted options, several other brands offer explicitly labeled gluten-free chicken broth. Safe choices include:
- Swanson: Many Swanson chicken broth and stock products are verified gluten-free and clearly labeled.
- Pacific Foods: This brand offers a range of organic and free-range broths that are clearly marked gluten-free.
- Kettle & Fire: A popular brand known for its bone broths, all of which are gluten-free.
- Imagine Foods: Offers various broths and stocks that are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
While the answer to "Is Sam's chicken broth gluten free?" is not a simple "yes," the distinction between the Sam's Choice and Member's Mark brands makes the path forward clear. Sam's Choice Organic Chicken Bone Broth from Walmart is a safe, certified gluten-free option, while Member's Mark Chicken Broth from Sam's Club is not. As with any packaged food on a gluten-free diet, the most reliable strategy is to carefully read ingredient labels and seek out certified gluten-free products to ensure your health and safety. For further reading on navigating a gluten-free diet, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers extensive resources. [https://celiac.org/]
