Is Walmart organic beef broth gluten free? A Deep Dive into Labels

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, for a product to be labeled 'gluten-free', it must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This standard is crucial for anyone with celiac disease, and it directly applies to the question: Is Walmart organic beef broth gluten free?

Quick Summary

Walmart's Great Value Organic Beef Broth is labeled and sold as gluten-free, aligning with FDA regulations. Consumers should still be vigilant about reading all labels, especially checking for potential cross-contact warnings, to ensure product safety.

Key Points

Labeling: Walmart's Great Value Organic Beef Broth is explicitly labeled 'Gluten-Free' on its packaging, meaning it complies with FDA standards of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Ingredient Safety: The 'gluten-free' claim on Great Value broth ensures that potentially ambiguous ingredients like 'yeast extract' and 'natural flavor' are derived from non-gluten sources, making them safe for a gluten-free diet.
Cross-Contamination: While the product is made to be gluten-free, consumers with high sensitivity should be aware of cross-contamination risks and can look for products with third-party certification seals for an extra level of assurance.
Reading Labels: Always read the ingredient list and allergen warnings, as manufacturers can change formulations. For gluten-free confidence, look for the 'gluten-free' claim or third-party logos.
Nutrition Beyond Gluten: A gluten-free label doesn't guarantee a product is healthy. It's important to build a balanced diet with naturally gluten-free foods and to consult a dietitian for personalized nutritional advice.
Comparison: When shopping, comparing brands like Great Value with others like Pacific Foods or Swanson allows you to weigh factors like organic status, sodium content, and additional certifications.

What the Label Reveals: Great Value Organic Beef Broth

For individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or those following a gluten-free diet for other reasons, every label is a critical read. When it comes to Walmart's Great Value Organic Beef Broth, the packaging is quite clear. Search results confirm that the 32 oz carton is explicitly labeled 'Gluten-Free'. This claim is backed by the fact that the manufacturer adheres to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, which stipulate that any food carrying this label must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This level is considered safe for most people with celiac disease. The label also indicates it is made with USDA-certified organic ingredients, free from artificial flavors or preservatives. For the Great Value organic variety, despite containing ingredients like 'natural flavor' and 'yeast extract,' these have been sourced from gluten-free origins to meet the labeling requirements.

Deciphering the Ingredients: Yeast Extract and Natural Flavors

One of the most common points of confusion in gluten-free label reading stems from the inclusion of ingredients like 'yeast extract' and 'natural flavors.' While these ingredients can sometimes be derived from gluten-containing sources like barley, a product labeled 'gluten-free' indicates they are sourced differently or processed to meet the 20 ppm standard.

Yeast Extract: This ingredient is a common flavor enhancer. If made from brewer's yeast (which uses barley), it would contain gluten. However, when a product is certified or explicitly labeled 'gluten-free,' it confirms that the yeast extract is derived from a gluten-free source, such as sugar beets. The manufacturer has verified its safety.
Natural Flavors: The FDA does not require manufacturers to disclose the source of natural flavors unless it is a major allergen like wheat. A 'gluten-free' label confirms that any 'natural flavor' comes from a non-gluten source. If wheat were the source, it would have to be explicitly stated in the ingredients list.

The Importance of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination, or cross-contact as it's more accurately termed, is a serious risk. This occurs when gluten-free products come into contact with gluten-containing ones during harvesting, processing, or packaging. Even minute quantities can trigger an autoimmune response. While Walmart's Great Value Organic Beef Broth is labeled gluten-free, brands that take extra precautions will also be certified by a third-party organization, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This certification provides an extra layer of assurance by ensuring strict manufacturing practices are followed to prevent cross-contact. However, even without third-party certification, the FDA-regulated label provides a high degree of confidence for most consumers.

Comparing Gluten-Free Broth Options

When selecting a gluten-free broth, it is helpful to compare the Great Value option to other brands. Each offers different nutritional profiles and levels of gluten-free assurance. While Great Value offers a reliable and affordable gluten-free option, other brands may provide additional benefits or different ingredient combinations.


Feature	Walmart Great Value Organic Beef Broth	Pacific Foods Organic Beef Broth (at Walmart)	Swanson 100% Natural, Gluten-Free Beef Broth (at Walmart)
Gluten-Free Label	Explicitly labeled	Explicitly labeled and certified organic	Explicitly labeled
Organic	Yes, USDA Certified Organic	Yes, USDA Certified Organic	No, labeled '100% Natural'
Key Ingredients	Beef Stock, organic vegetables, yeast extract, natural flavor	Organic beef, onions, garlic, sea salt	Roasted beef, vegetables, yeast extract
Sodium	May vary, check label	Check label for varieties	Low sodium options available
Certifications	USDA Organic, FDA 'gluten-free' standard	USDA Certified Organic, FDA 'gluten-free' standard	Explicit 'gluten-free' label
Flavor Profile	Slow-simmered, rich and meaty	Savory and full-flavored	Rich, homemade taste

Nutritional Considerations for a Gluten-Free Diet

It is important to remember that 'gluten-free' does not automatically mean 'healthy'. While the Great Value organic beef broth is noted as fat-free and low-calorie, individuals on a gluten-free diet should be mindful of overall nutrition. Processed gluten-free products, like baked goods, are often higher in sugar, fat, and sodium and lower in fiber compared to their gluten-containing alternatives. Choosing naturally gluten-free foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is vital for a balanced diet. Broth, used in moderation, can be a flavorful and low-calorie addition to many dishes. For those managing celiac disease, consultation with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is highly recommended to ensure all nutritional needs are met. You can find more information about balanced gluten-free nutrition from reliable sources like the NIH: National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov).

Conclusion

In conclusion, Walmart's Great Value Organic Beef Broth is indeed gluten-free, with the label adhering to FDA regulations. The inclusion of ingredients like 'yeast extract' and 'natural flavors' should not be a concern due to this explicit labeling. However, for those with severe sensitivities or celiac disease, always verify the most current labeling and consider brands with third-party certification for added reassurance. Integrating this broth into a balanced, gluten-free diet requires careful attention to overall nutritional intake, not just the absence of gluten.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Great Value Organic Beef Broth is explicitly labeled gluten-free, which means it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a level generally considered safe for people with celiac disease according to FDA standards.

When a product is labeled gluten-free, this claim applies to all ingredients, including 'natural flavors.' If the flavor were derived from a gluten source like wheat, it would be required to be listed as a major allergen.

No. While many organic broths are also gluten-free, 'organic' and 'gluten-free' are separate certifications. Always check for a specific 'gluten-free' claim or third-party certification on the product packaging to be certain.

For highly sensitive individuals, there is always a potential for cross-contact during manufacturing, unless the product is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. However, a product labeled 'gluten-free' has met specific standards to mitigate this risk.

Yes. In addition to Great Value, Walmart often carries other brands that explicitly label their beef broth as gluten-free, such as Swanson and Pacific Foods, offering consumers a range of options.

Yeast extract can be made from various sources. For a product labeled 'gluten-free,' the manufacturer uses yeast extract derived from non-gluten-containing sources, such as sugar beets, ensuring it meets the safety standard.

No, a gluten-free diet is only medically necessary for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For the general population, it offers no proven health benefits and can potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies if not properly managed.

Yes. Many processed gluten-free products can contain higher amounts of unhealthy ingredients like fat, sugar, and sodium to compensate for changes in flavor and texture, so it is important to read the full nutritional information.