Is There Wheat in Tomato Paste? A Guide for Gluten-Free Cooking

November 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Tomato paste, made from concentrated tomatoes, is naturally gluten-free. However, it's important to know whether commercial brands add wheat-based ingredients.

Quick Summary

Pure tomato paste is wheat-free. Potential gluten sources include additives and cross-contamination. Label-checking is essential to avoid gluten.

Key Points

Naturally Wheat-Free: Pure tomato paste contains no wheat or gluten, as it is made only from tomatoes.
Additives are the Risk: Commercial products may contain wheat-based thickeners, starches, or flavorings, which are the most common source of concern.
Cross-Contamination is Possible: Gluten from other products can contaminate tomato paste if manufactured in a shared facility.
Check for Certification: Look for a gluten-free certification seal on the packaging to ensure the product is safe.
Read All Ingredients: Review the ingredient list for potential hidden wheat sources, especially in flavored varieties, and check for allergen statements.
Make Your Own: Prepare homemade tomato paste from fresh tomatoes to avoid all risks associated with commercial products.

The Basics: What is Pure Tomato Paste?

Traditional tomato paste is a simple, naturally gluten-free food. It is made by cooking fresh, ripe tomatoes, straining out the seeds and skins, and then reducing the remaining liquid to a thick, concentrated paste. Some basic recipes add a little salt or citric acid as a natural preservative. As tomatoes are a fruit, they contain no proteins derived from wheat, barley, or rye, which are the primary sources of gluten. This means that in its most unadulterated form, tomato paste is perfectly safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Potential Sources of Wheat in Commercial Tomato Paste

Commercial food manufacturers add extra ingredients for flavor, texture, or preservation, which may contain wheat or gluten.

Added Thickeners: Some producers may use modified food starch to achieve a thicker consistency. If a product lists "modified food starch" without specifying the source, it could be derived from wheat. If it is labeled as "modified corn starch" or "modified tapioca starch," it is generally considered safe.
Seasonings and Flavorings: Flavored tomato pastes often contain proprietary seasoning blends or "natural flavors". In non-certified gluten-free products, these seasonings may contain hidden wheat or other gluten sources. A common example is yeast extract grown on barley, which can be part of a "natural flavor" blend.
Cross-Contamination: Cross-contamination is a significant risk in a shared manufacturing facility. If a company processes both gluten-containing products and tomato paste on the same equipment, gluten residue can find its way into the final product. Many manufacturers will include an advisory statement like "processed in a facility that also processes wheat".

How to Find a Truly Wheat-Free Tomato Paste

For those on a strict gluten-free diet, you must become a diligent label reader. Here is a step-by-step approach to ensure your tomato paste is safe:

Look for Certification Seals: Choose products with a recognized gluten-free certification seal, like the GFCO or the Crossed Grain symbol. This indicates the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Read the Ingredient List Carefully: Always check the ingredients list. Watch out for the following wheat-derived ingredients or ambiguous terms:
- Wheat flour
- Modified food starch (unless the source is specified as corn, potato, or tapioca)
- Yeast extract (unless confirmed wheat-free)
- Maltodextrin or caramel coloring (sometimes derived from barley, though less common)
- Seasoning blends or "natural flavors" without further clarification
Check the Allergen Statement: Look for a "Contains:" statement near the ingredient list.
Buy from Known Gluten-Free Brands: Many brands are known for catering to gluten-free consumers. Examples include Muir Glen Organic and Cento.

Comparison: Pure vs. Flavored Tomato Paste


Feature	Pure Tomato Paste	Flavored/Seasoned Tomato Paste
Core Ingredients	Tomatoes, sometimes salt and citric acid.	Tomatoes, seasonings, modified starch, and other flavor enhancers.
Wheat Risk	Very low to non-existent, unless cross-contamination occurs.	High risk due to added ingredients or seasoning blends that may contain gluten.
Ingredient Transparency	Usually clear and minimal.	Can contain vague terms like "natural flavors," requiring further investigation.
Best Practice for Celiacs	Confirm the brand has a gluten-free label or certification.	Avoid unless explicitly certified as gluten-free.
Flavor Profile	Intense, concentrated tomato flavor.	More complex flavor profile with herbs, spices, or other seasonings.

Making Homemade Tomato Paste

Making your own tomato paste from scratch eliminates any concerns about additives or cross-contamination. Here is a simple recipe idea:

Ingredients: Fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and bottled lemon juice for acidity.
Process: Cook and reduce blended tomatoes, then strain to remove seeds and skins. Continue to cook until it reaches a thick, paste-like consistency.
Storage: Store your homemade paste in ice cube trays in the freezer.

Conclusion: Always Read the Label to be Safe

Not all commercial products are safe for individuals with dietary restrictions. The safest course of action is to purchase a brand that is clearly labeled and certified as gluten-free. Making homemade tomato paste is a simple and rewarding alternative. Remember that ingredient lists can change, so a quick check of the label every time you shop is the most reliable way to stay safe. The Celiac.com website offers additional resources for navigating processed foods.

For more information on the topic, visit Celiac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, modified food starch can be derived from wheat. For a product to be considered gluten-free, the label must specify a gluten-free source like corn, potato, or tapioca, or the entire product must be certified gluten-free.

Cross-contamination occurs if tomato paste is processed on the same equipment as gluten-containing products. This is a significant risk for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities, and many manufacturers include advisory warnings on the label.

While many of Hunt's products are considered safe, not all are. It is crucial to read the label of each individual product to confirm it's free of gluten-containing ingredients and was not exposed to cross-contamination, especially with flavored varieties.

Yes, unless a product is certified gluten-free, "natural flavors" could potentially be derived from gluten sources, such as malt extract from barley. For certified gluten-free products, manufacturers must ensure natural flavors are safe.

The packaging type doesn't guarantee safety. The risk of wheat comes from additives or cross-contamination during processing, which can happen with either cans or tubes. Always read the label and look for certification.

Brands like Cento, Muir Glen Organic, and Red Gold are often listed as reliable choices for gluten-free tomato paste. Look for their explicit "gluten-free" labeling.

To make a guaranteed wheat-free version, cook and reduce fresh tomatoes with salt and a bit of bottled lemon juice. This eliminates any risk of hidden ingredients or cross-contamination from a manufacturing facility.