Is there gluten in adhesives? A comprehensive guide for safety

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Envelope Manufacturers Association, the adhesive on modern envelopes is derived from cornstarch and is gluten-free, a reassuring fact for many. However, this leads to a broader and more complex question: is there gluten in adhesives used in other common products, or should individuals with sensitivities take extra precautions?

Quick Summary

Most modern synthetic adhesives are gluten-free, while traditional or bio-based starch glues may pose a risk of containing wheat. While many products like envelopes and stamps are safe, careful label-checking is crucial for craft supplies and certain food packaging materials, which can vary by brand.

Key Points

Synthetic Adhesives are Generally Safe: Most household and industrial adhesives, such as super glue, hot glue, and tapes, are made from synthetic polymers that are gluten-free.
Modern Envelope and Stamp Glue is Gluten-Free: The adhesives used on modern envelopes and postage stamps are typically corn-based and do not contain wheat or rye gluten.
Craft Supplies Can Contain Gluten: Traditional paper mâché paste, certain modeling clays, and homemade craft pastes often contain wheat flour and are a source of gluten.
Bio-Based Packaging Poses a Risk: Some eco-friendly food packaging made from wheat bran can cause gluten migration into food, requiring careful label-checking.
Check Labels for Safety: When using craft supplies, woodworking glues, or specialty products, always check ingredient lists or opt for products explicitly labeled as gluten-free.
Practice Good Hygiene: Ingestion is the main concern for celiac disease, so washing hands after handling craft materials that could contain gluten is important to prevent cross-contamination.

The Truth About Gluten in Adhesives: A Complex Picture

The question of whether there is gluten in adhesives is not a simple yes or no. The answer depends heavily on the type of adhesive, its composition, and its intended use. While the majority of modern, commercially-available adhesives are formulated with synthetic polymers and are inherently gluten-free, natural or starch-based varieties can be a source of concern for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. The key to understanding the risk lies in distinguishing between these adhesive categories and knowing where potential exposure might occur.

Synthetic Adhesives: Generally Safe and Gluten-Free

For many common applications, the adhesives used are synthetic and do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. These include many resins, such as epoxies, and solvent-based adhesives.

Cyanoacrylate Adhesives (Super Glue): These adhesives cure through a chemical reaction with moisture and are not derived from grains containing gluten.
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives (Tapes, Labels): These are typically polymer-based (like rubber or acrylic) and are gluten-free. This includes everything from clear cellophane tape to duct tape.
Hot-Melt Adhesives (Hot Glue): Made from thermoplastic polymers, these contain no gluten.

Natural Adhesives: A Cause for Caution

Historically, adhesives were often made from natural sources like animal hide, plant matter, or starch. While synthetic options now dominate the market, natural adhesives derived from starches are still in use, and this is where potential gluten contamination can arise.

Traditional starch-based glues, particularly those made for archival or specialized craft purposes, were often made with wheat flour. For instance, historical book bindings have been found to contain degraded gluten. However, the good news is that most modern, mass-produced starch-based adhesives, such as those on envelopes and postage stamps, are now made from safer, gluten-free starches like corn or potato.

Craft and DIY Supplies: A Hidden Risk

One area that requires extra vigilance for those with gluten sensitivities is craft and art supplies. Many traditional craft pastes and materials are specifically formulated with gluten-containing ingredients.

Paper Mâché Paste: Traditional paper mâché is famously made from wheat flour and water. While some brands offer gluten-free alternatives, homemade or unlabeled pastes should be assumed to contain gluten. An alternative is using diluted, synthetic-based school glue.
Modeling Clay and Doughs: Certain types of modeling clay and playdough contain wheat to achieve their texture. The popular Play-Doh brand and Crayola Dough both contain wheat. It is essential to read labels and seek out certified gluten-free versions for children with celiac disease.
Adhesives for Specific Projects: Certain specialized adhesives, such as those for woodworking or eco-friendly construction, may use wheat gluten as a raw material. This highlights the need to check specific product descriptions rather than making a general assumption.

Potential for Gluten Migration from Food Packaging

Beyond direct contact, there is a risk of gluten migration from certain types of biodegradable packaging into food. As the market for eco-friendly alternatives grows, some materials are being developed using wheat or other gluten-containing grains. A study revealed that gluten could migrate from wheat bran-based food contact materials, such as plates, into water. This represents a significant risk for those with celiac disease, and it is imperative that manufacturers clearly label such materials as containing allergens.

Cross-Contamination Concerns

While topical exposure to gluten is generally not a major issue for celiac disease, ingestion through cross-contamination is. Handling gluten-containing craft supplies and then touching your mouth or food can lead to health problems. Proper handwashing and keeping separate, clearly-marked supplies are critical for prevention.

Adhesives Comparison Table


Adhesive Type	Typical Composition	Gluten Risk	Common Uses
Synthetic (e.g., Super Glue, Tape)	Polymers (Acrylics, Epoxy, Rubber)	Very Low	Household repairs, packaging, manufacturing
Modern Starch-Based (Envelope, Stamp)	Cornstarch, potato starch	Very Low	Paper products, mail
Traditional Starch-Based (Pastes)	Wheat flour, water	High	Art restoration, historical projects, some craft pastes
Specialty Bio-Based	Modified Wheat Gluten, Polymers	High	Eco-friendly construction materials, wood panels
Craft Supplies (Doughs)	Wheat Flour, Water, Fillers	High	Children's playdough, some craft pastes

Navigating a Gluten-Free Environment

For most people navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, everyday interaction with adhesives is not a concern. The products most likely to be a risk are those involving specific craft projects or new biodegradable food packaging, where the source material is derived from grains. It’s always best practice to read labels for craft supplies, especially for children, and to exercise caution with any unbranded or homemade adhesives. When in doubt, opting for a synthetic or clearly-labeled gluten-free alternative is the safest course of action.

Note: For more detailed guidance, the Gluten-Free Dietitian website provides valuable resources on avoiding hidden gluten sources.

Conclusion: Informed Choices for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

While most common adhesives are safe for those avoiding gluten, the potential for exposure exists in specific contexts. The distinction between modern synthetic glues and traditional or specialty starch-based products is crucial. By staying informed about the ingredients in craft supplies and new bio-based materials, and by practicing good hygiene, individuals can effectively minimize their risk of gluten exposure from non-food sources. Always prioritize transparently-labeled products and confirm ingredient sources when uncertainty arises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most major brands of school glue, like Elmer's, are synthetic and do not contain gluten. However, for complete peace of mind with children, check the label or use a product certified as gluten-free.

No, for individuals with celiac disease, gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin from topical exposure. The main risk from gluten-containing adhesives is accidental ingestion, such as from hand-to-mouth transfer after crafting.

Yes, according to the Envelope Manufacturers Association and the U.S. Postal Service, modern adhesives for envelopes and stamps are derived from cornstarch and are gluten-free.

Specialty adhesives, particularly eco-friendly or bio-based versions designed for uses like wood panels, may use wheat gluten. For industrial applications, it's best to consult the manufacturer or product data sheet.

These common tapes use pressure-sensitive adhesives, which are synthetic and gluten-free. There is no gluten in standard painter's or masking tape.

Instead of traditional wheat-based paper mâché or playdough, you can use diluted gluten-free school glue for crafts or purchase certified gluten-free modeling doughs.

Standard food packaging adhesives are not a gluten risk. However, new bio-based and biodegradable food contact materials, such as wheat bran plates, can cause gluten migration into food and require specific labeling.