Is Simply Organic Vanilla gluten-free?

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

Many Simply Organic vanilla products proudly display a certified gluten-free label from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This is crucial information for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, who needs to know if Simply Organic vanilla is gluten-free and safe for their diet.

Quick Summary

Simply Organic vanilla extracts and non-alcoholic flavorings are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. The manufacturer employs strict measures to prevent cross-contamination for these specific products, giving consumers confidence in their safety.

Key Points

GFCO Certification: Simply Organic's vanilla products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Not all Products are Certified: The gluten-free certification applies specifically to their vanilla extract and flavoring, not to all products from the parent company, Frontier Co-op.
Cross-Contamination Prevention: Simply Organic has strict procedures, including a 'wet cleanup,' to prevent cross-contamination for their GF-certified products during manufacturing.
Label Verification is Key: Always look for the GFCO logo on the specific vanilla product to confirm its certified gluten-free status.
Pure Ingredients: The vanilla extract uses naturally gluten-free ingredients like vanilla bean extractives, water, and organic alcohol, but certification is vital for sensitive individuals.
Home Safety: Even with a certified product, follow best practices in your kitchen, such as using dedicated utensils and clean surfaces, to prevent cross-contamination.

Yes, Simply Organic Vanilla is Certified Gluten-Free

For those on a gluten-free diet, the assurance that a product is safe is paramount. In the case of Simply Organic vanilla, the company provides clear, official certification. The Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract and the Pure Madagascar Vanilla Flavoring both carry the "Certified Gluten-Free" logo from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) on their labels. This certification is a critical step beyond simply having naturally gluten-free ingredients, as it verifies strict manufacturing and handling practices to prevent cross-contamination.

The Importance of GFCO Certification

Simply Organic is owned by Frontier Co-op, and while Frontier's general facilities may process other products containing gluten, they maintain rigorous allergen control procedures for certified products. For items carrying the GFCO logo, the company does thorough testing to ensure the finished product meets the strict gluten-free standard of less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This differs from a product being naturally gluten-free, where a lack of gluten-containing ingredients doesn't guarantee a clean manufacturing environment. For people with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can cause significant health problems, making third-party certification essential.

Simply Organic Vanilla Products: A Comparison

Simply Organic offers different vanilla products, and it is important to know which ones are certified gluten-free. The following table compares the two main types of vanilla products offered by Simply Organic:


Feature	Pure Madagascar Vanilla Extract	Pure Madagascar Non-Alcoholic Vanilla Flavoring
Key Ingredients	Vanilla bean extractives in water, organic alcohol.	Pure vanilla oleoresin, water, glycerin (may vary).
Alcohol Content	Contains organic alcohol as an extracting agent.	Contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume.
Gluten-Free Status	Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO.	Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO.
Best For	Traditional baked goods, sauces, and desserts.	Applications where a non-alcoholic flavor is preferred, such as frostings, beverages, and some sauces.
Flavor Profile	Rich and buttery, the standard for many recipes.	Rich, floral, and fruity; an excellent extract substitute.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Status for Yourself

While this article provides strong evidence, the best practice is to always confirm a product's gluten-free status on its packaging. Look for the official GFCO logo, which is a trusted mark for certified gluten-free products. Additionally, you can visit the company's official website and check their FAQs or product pages for the most up-to-date information.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination in Your Kitchen

Even with a certified gluten-free product like Simply Organic vanilla, cross-contamination is a risk in any shared kitchen. Here are some essential tips for safe gluten-free cooking:

Dedicated Utensils: Use separate measuring spoons, spatulas, and mixing bowls for gluten-free ingredients to avoid accidental transfer of gluten particles.
Separate Storage: Store certified gluten-free products, such as Simply Organic vanilla, in a dedicated space away from any gluten-containing items.
Clean Surfaces: Always wash countertops and other preparation surfaces thoroughly with hot, soapy water before starting your gluten-free baking.
Read Labels: Double-check the labels of all other ingredients you use, such as baking powder or sugar, to ensure they are also certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

The simple answer to the question, "Is Simply Organic vanilla gluten-free?" is yes, for their certified products. The company's commitment to obtaining and maintaining third-party certification from the GFCO provides a reliable guarantee for consumers who need to avoid gluten. However, it is always wise to inspect the product label for the certification mark and to take proper precautions in your own kitchen to prevent any cross-contamination. By doing so, you can enjoy the rich, pure flavor of Simply Organic vanilla with complete peace of mind. For further information, visit the Simply Organic FAQs page for details on their allergen control procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, only products that display the Certified Gluten-Free logo from GFCO are guaranteed to be produced with measures to prevent cross-contamination. Always check the label.

The GFCO is a third-party organization that certifies products to a strict standard of less than 10 parts per million of gluten. Their logo on a product, like Simply Organic vanilla, indicates independent verification of its gluten-free status.

Yes, Simply Organic's parent company, Frontier Co-op, handles other products containing gluten. However, they use strict allergen control procedures, including 'wet cleanups,' for any product carrying the certified gluten-free logo.

Yes, the Simply Organic Pure Madagascar Vanilla Flavoring is also certified gluten-free, as indicated by the GFCO logo on its packaging.

While vanilla beans and alcohol are naturally gluten-free, there is a risk of cross-contamination during the manufacturing process. Relying on a certified product removes this risk, which is important for individuals with celiac disease or a high sensitivity to gluten.

To prevent cross-contamination, use dedicated and separate utensils for gluten-free baking. Ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, and store your certified gluten-free vanilla away from any gluten-containing products.

You can find comprehensive information about Simply Organic's allergen control policies by visiting the FAQ section on their official website.