Is Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce Gluten Free?

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer's official website, Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce is not labeled as gluten-free. This is an important distinction for anyone managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as some ingredients and processing methods may introduce cross-contamination risk.

Quick Summary

Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce is not labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer, despite some ingredients being naturally gluten-free. Potential cross-contamination or undeclared gluten-containing flavorings pose a risk for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Safer, certified gluten-free alternatives exist for achieving rich, brown color and flavor in cooking.

Key Points

Not Labeled Gluten-Free: Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce explicitly states on its official product page that it is not labeled gluten-free.
Ingredient Ambiguity: The sauce contains 'flavorings' and 'spices' which can be hidden sources of gluten or susceptible to cross-contamination.
Brand Offers Safe Alternatives: Savoie's sells other products like their Instant Roux Mix and Brown Gravy Mix that are specifically labeled and safe for gluten-free diets.
High Celiac Risk: Due to the manufacturer's disclaimer, the product is unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or serious gluten sensitivities.
Use Certified GF Brands: Safe alternatives exist from other brands, such as Gravy Master, or can be made at home with verified gluten-free ingredients.

Understanding the Ingredients and Labeling

For those on a gluten-free diet, deciphering product labels is critical. In the case of Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce, the manufacturer's own website provides the most direct and crucial information: it is not labeled as gluten-free. This statement is the final word for anyone with a gluten-related disorder, as it signals a risk of potential cross-contamination or the presence of non-disclosed gluten sources.

The Role of Caramel Coloring and Flavorings

One of the primary ingredients in browning sauces is caramel coloring. While most caramel coloring produced in North America is made from corn-based products and is considered gluten-free, some production methods can use wheat. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) mandates that any wheat-based source must be disclosed. However, manufacturers are not required to specify the source of the caramel coloring if it is not wheat-based. Similarly, the 'flavorings' and 'spices' listed in the ingredients can sometimes contain hidden gluten, and if the final product is not certified gluten-free, there is an unstated risk. The inclusion of 'spices' and 'flavorings' on the label, without further clarification, leaves an element of uncertainty for those with celiac disease.

Why Not Take a Risk?

For someone with a serious gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the risk of consuming a product that isn't explicitly labeled gluten-free is simply too high. Cross-contact can happen at any stage of manufacturing, and with a product like browning sauce, which contains potentially ambiguous ingredients, it's safer to avoid it entirely. The good news is that many certified gluten-free browning sauces and thickening agents are readily available. Savoie's even offers its own certified gluten-free alternatives for specific uses, such as their Instant Roux Mix and Brown Gravy Mix, demonstrating their capability to produce gluten-free products when they intend to.

Savoie's Gluten-Free Alternatives

To be clear, Savoie's does produce other products that are specifically labeled gluten-free. This creates a confusing situation where one product is safe, but the browning sauce is not. Here's a quick look at some gluten-free options offered by Savoie's:

Savoie's Gluten-Free Instant Roux Mix: This product is certified gluten-free and uses potato flour and cornstarch as its base. It's a fantastic thickening agent for gumbos and gravies without any gluten concern.
Savoie's Gluten-Free Brown Gravy Mix: This mix is also explicitly labeled gluten-free and contains no gluten ingredients. It uses cornstarch and other non-gluten ingredients for thickening and flavor.

This shows that when Savoie's wants a product to be gluten-free, they label and formulate it accordingly. The absence of such a label on their Flavoring and Browning Sauce speaks volumes.

Comparing Savoie's Browning Sauce with a Gluten-Free Option


Feature	Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce	Alternative (e.g., Gravy Master - Gluten Free)	Commentary
Gluten-Free Status	NOT LABELED GLUTEN FREE	Labeled Gluten Free	Crucial distinction for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Ingredients	Water, Caramel, Flavorings, Spices, etc.	Vegetarian, made with ingredients verified to be gluten-free	Savoie's contains ambiguous 'flavorings' and 'spices' which can be a concern.
Usage	Adds brown color and flavor to stews, gravies, and more	Adds color and flavor, suitable for grilling, braising, and gravies	Both serve similar culinary purposes, but only one is safe for a GF diet.
Allergen Info	'THIS ITEM IS NOT LABELED AS GLUTEN FREE'	'No Gluten' clearly stated	Clear labeling provides safety and peace of mind for consumers.

Safe Alternatives for Gluten-Free Browning

For those needing a gluten-free browning agent, several reliable options exist outside of Savoie's specific sauce:

Certified Gluten-Free Brands: Look for brands that explicitly state 'gluten-free' on their browning sauce labels, such as Gravy Master, which is specified as vegetarian and gluten-free.
Homemade Roux: If you're using a roux to thicken and brown, make your own using a gluten-free flour blend and oil. This ensures full control over the ingredients.
Liquid Amino Acids or Tamari: Both can provide a rich, dark flavor. Ensure they are certified gluten-free, as some versions can contain wheat.
Cocoa Powder: For a non-traditional but effective solution, a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder can deepen the color of savory dishes like chili or stews.

Conclusion

While the search for a safe and flavorful browning sauce is important for those on a gluten-free diet, Savoie's Flavoring and Browning Sauce is not the answer. The manufacturer clearly states that the product is not labeled gluten-free, a significant red flag due to undisclosed ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks. Fortunately, the market offers several trustworthy, certified gluten-free alternatives, including products from Savoie's own line, allowing you to achieve the desired rich color and flavor in your cooking without compromising your health and dietary needs. Always double-check labels and choose products with a clear 'gluten-free' certification for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

While caramel coloring is often gluten-free in North America, the manufacturer has not provided a gluten-free certification for this specific sauce. Given the 'not labeled gluten-free' warning, it's best to assume a risk of gluten or cross-contamination from the overall product, regardless of the caramel coloring source.

Savoie's Browning Sauce is not labeled gluten-free due to undisclosed ingredients and manufacturing processes. In contrast, Savoie's Gluten-Free Instant Roux is specifically formulated with gluten-free ingredients, like potato flour, and is certified for safe consumption by those with gluten sensitivities.

It is not recommended to use Savoie's browning sauce if you have any degree of gluten intolerance. The manufacturer's explicit statement that the product is 'not labeled gluten-free' means the risk of gluten exposure is present and should not be ignored.

No, not all browning sauces are gluten-free. Some may contain wheat-based ingredients or be produced in facilities with cross-contact risk. Always check the label and look for explicit 'gluten-free' certification to ensure safety.

Certified gluten-free browning sauces can be found from brands like Gravy Master. Alternatively, a homemade gluten-free roux or adding a dash of certified gluten-free tamari or unsweetened cocoa powder can achieve a similar effect.

A company might label specific products as gluten-free while others are not due to differences in ingredients or manufacturing processes. If a product cannot be guaranteed free of gluten due to ingredients or shared equipment, a manufacturer is legally and ethically obligated not to label it as such.

While the manufacturer does not explicitly state that shared equipment is the reason for the 'not labeled gluten-free' warning, it is a significant possibility. The inclusion of the warning itself is enough for those with celiac disease to avoid the product.