Is there gluten in ketchup?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a safety standard met by many ketchup brands. This means for most people, ketchup is safe, but the question remains: is there gluten in ketchup, especially if you're highly sensitive? This guide clarifies the facts.

Quick Summary

Most ketchup is naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination and certain vinegar types can pose risks. Understanding labels and choosing certified brands is key for a safe diet.

Key Points

Most Ketchup is Naturally Gluten-Free: The core ingredients like tomatoes, sugar, salt, and spices do not contain gluten, making most varieties inherently safe.
Malt Vinegar Contains Gluten: The only common vinegar that is not gluten-free is malt vinegar, which is derived from barley and should be avoided.
Labels Provide the Best Assurance: Rely on products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' to meet the FDA standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten, or look for third-party certifications for added security.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Even naturally gluten-free ingredients can be contaminated if processed in a shared facility. For high sensitivity, choose brands that are certified or provide cross-contamination disclaimers.
Many Popular Brands Are Safe: Major brands like Heinz are labeled gluten-free in the US and are safe for most consumers, but always double-check the specific bottle you are buying.
Modified Food Starch is Usually Safe in the US: Modified food starch is typically derived from corn or potato and is gluten-free, but if it is wheat-based, it must be explicitly declared on the label.

Understanding Ketchup's Core Ingredients

For most people on a gluten-free diet, ketchup is a safe and satisfying condiment. The typical recipe relies on a simple list of naturally gluten-free ingredients: tomatoes, sugar or corn syrup, distilled vinegar, salt, and various spices. However, it's crucial to understand how different ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes can introduce risks for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. The primary areas of concern are the vinegar source and the potential for cross-contamination during processing.

Deconstructing Key Ingredients

Distilled Vinegar: The Primary Concern

Most of the vinegar used in the United States is distilled white vinegar, which is almost always derived from corn, making it gluten-free. The distillation process itself effectively removes any potential gluten, even if a gluten-containing grain like wheat was the original source. However, the one major exception is malt vinegar, which is made from barley and is not distilled, meaning it contains gluten. While malt vinegar is typically not an ingredient in standard ketchup, it's worth checking the label, especially for specialty or flavored sauces. For instance, Heinz confirms that the distilled vinegar in their ketchup is corn-derived, but their Heinz 57 sauce, which uses malt vinegar, is not gluten-free.

Sweeteners and Spices

Common sweeteners in ketchup like high-fructose corn syrup and corn syrup are derived from corn and are naturally gluten-free. The spices added for flavor, such as onion powder, garlic powder, and others, are generally safe. However, in some processed foods, spice mixes or flavorings can have gluten-based fillers. For ketchup, this is rare, but it highlights the need for careful label reading if you have extreme sensitivity.

Modified Food Starch

Some ketchup brands may use modified food starch as a thickener or stabilizer. In North America, modified food starch is generally gluten-free and made from sources like corn or potatoes. According to regulations, if wheat is the source, it must be clearly labeled as "modified wheat starch" or have "wheat" listed in the allergen statement. Always check the ingredient list for this specific declaration.

The Crucial Role of Food Labels and Certifications

While ingredients are important, the most reliable indicator of a product's gluten-free status comes from the label itself. For those managing celiac disease, a brand's labeling practice is often more important than just its ingredient list.

The FDA "Gluten-Free" Claim: The FDA legally requires products with a "gluten-free" label to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This standard is considered safe for most people with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.
Third-Party Certifications: For the highest level of assurance, look for third-party certifications, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These programs often have more rigorous standards (e.g., less than 10 ppm) and verify manufacturing processes to reduce cross-contamination risk.
Manufacturer Disclaimers: Phrases like "may contain wheat" or "manufactured on shared equipment" are voluntary but serve as important warnings. If you see such a statement and are highly sensitive, it may be best to choose a different brand.

Comparing Popular Ketchup Brands


Brand	Labeled Gluten-Free?	Certified?	Common Allergens	Key Takeaway
Heinz	Yes	No, but labeled	None listed	Uses corn-derived distilled vinegar, widely trusted as gluten-free.
Hunt's	No	No	None listed	Does not contain gluten ingredients, but isn't certified due to potential cross-contamination.
Annie's Organic	Yes	Yes, GFCO certified	None listed	A safe, organic option for those with high sensitivity.
French's	Yes	No, but labeled	None listed	Another reliable, labeled gluten-free brand using naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Walmart Great Value	Yes	No, but labeled	None listed	An affordable and accessible labeled gluten-free option.

A List of Safe Ketchup Brands to Consider

When in doubt, selecting a brand that explicitly labels or certifies its products is the safest bet. Reliable options commonly found in stores include:

Heinz Tomato Ketchup (all varieties)
French's Ketchup
Annie's Organic Ketchup
Organicville Ketchup
Sir Kensington's Ketchup
Walmart's Great Value Ketchup

Conclusion

In short, most ketchup is naturally free of gluten, making it a safe condiment for many people. However, for individuals with celiac disease or a high sensitivity to gluten, caution is still necessary. The main risks to be aware of are malt vinegar, which is not used in standard ketchups but can appear in others, and the potential for cross-contamination in facilities that also handle gluten-containing products. The best way to ensure your ketchup is safe is to check for a certified "gluten-free" label from the FDA or a third-party organization like GFCO, and to be mindful of any manufacturer disclaimers. By being vigilant about labels, you can confidently enjoy this classic condiment. For more information on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, refer to The Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Heinz has confirmed that all varieties of its ketchup sold in the United States are labeled and considered gluten-free.

Yes, most ketchup is safe, but people with celiac disease should choose brands that are explicitly labeled or certified gluten-free to avoid any risk of cross-contamination from processing.

Hidden gluten is unlikely in standard ketchup but possible. It could come from cross-contamination in a shared facility or, rarely, from an undisclosed wheat-derived ingredient like modified starch or malt vinegar. Always read the label carefully.

Distilled vinegar is typically corn-based and rendered gluten-free through distillation, while malt vinegar is made from barley and contains gluten. Most ketchups use distilled vinegar, not malt vinegar.

Hunt's ketchup does not contain gluten ingredients and does not list wheat as an allergen. However, it is not labeled "gluten-free" and does not have the certification, so those with high sensitivity may want to choose a certified brand.

A "gluten-free" label on ketchup in the US means the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, according to FDA regulations.

Many store brands are labeled gluten-free, such as Walmart's Great Value. As with any product, it is best to read the label and check for the "gluten-free" designation.

While most ketchup is gluten-free, other common condiments like traditional soy sauce and certain Worcestershire sauces contain gluten. Always check labels for these items specifically.