Nutrition Diet Guide: Is Libby's Gluten-Free? Unpacking the Two Brands

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, an estimated 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, making accurate food labeling vital for a large portion of the population. This growing need for clarity has many people asking, Is Libby's gluten-free? The answer, however, depends entirely on which Libby's brand you are referring to, as there are two distinct entities with different product lines.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of Libby's products varies by brand and item. Many canned goods from the US brand, including 100% Pure Pumpkin and most vegetables, are naturally gluten-free. Conversely, the UK-based Libbys bakery is entirely gluten-free.

Key Points

Two Brands Exist: There are two separate companies named Libby's—a US canned goods brand and a UK-based gluten-free bakery.
US Canned Goods are Mostly Naturally GF: Many US Libby's products, like 100% Pure Pumpkin and most canned vegetables, are naturally gluten-free because they contain no added gluten.
UK Bakery is 100% GF: All products from the UK bakery, Libbys, are certified 100% gluten-free and prepared in a dedicated facility.
Check Labels for Mixed Products: For US Libby's mixed products like the Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix, while the filling is labeled GF, a traditional crust is not; always read the label to be sure.
Be Wary of Cross-Contamination: While many US Libby's products are naturally gluten-free, they may be processed in facilities that handle gluten, so checking for certification or cross-contamination warnings is important.
Simple Rule for Safety: For guaranteed gluten-free baked goods, opt for the UK Libbys bakery. For canned goods, check the simple ingredient list on the US Libby's products.

The Tale of Two Libby's Brands

For many, the name Libby's is synonymous with canned pumpkin and other canned vegetables, a brand with a long history in the American food market. However, in recent years, another company named Libbys, a specialty gluten-free bakery based in the United Kingdom, has gained prominence. This has created confusion for consumers who are carefully managing their diets.

The key to understanding the gluten-free status of any Libby's product is to identify the specific brand behind it. The US-based canned goods brand is owned by Nestlé (for pumpkin) and Seneca Foods (for fruits and vegetables). The UK bakery is an independent, family-owned business founded specifically to create delicious gluten-free treats.

Is Libby's Canned Pumpkin and Vegetables Gluten-Free?

For the vast majority of products from the well-known US canned goods brand, the answer is yes, they are naturally gluten-free. This includes their most famous product, 100% Pure Pumpkin. A key factor is the simplicity of the ingredients. Products like canned pumpkin puree contain only one ingredient: pumpkin.

However, consumers must exercise caution with mixed or prepared products. For example, Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix is also labeled gluten-free, but a traditional crust used for the pie is not. This highlights the importance of checking ingredients and labels for cross-contamination warnings, especially with more complex products.

The US Canned Goods Product Line

The US canned goods line offers a variety of products. Here’s a breakdown of their gluten-free status:

100% Pure Pumpkin: This is confirmed as all-natural and gluten-free, with no added ingredients.
Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix: This product is labeled gluten-free, combining pumpkin with spices and sugar.
Canned Vegetables: Many of Libby's canned vegetables, such as whole kernel corn and green beans, are described as naturally gluten-free and contain only vegetables, water, and salt. It is always best to read the label to confirm specific varieties.
Canned Meats: Libby's canned meats are a different product line, and some may not be labeled gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination. Celiac.com forums suggest past confirmation for corned beef, but verifying the current label is critical.

The 100% Gluten-Free Bakery: Libbys (UK)

The London-based bakery, Libbys, was created from a personal journey into gluten-free living. The founders' mission was to create delicious, wholesome baked goods that are entirely safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Their commitment is absolute.

Certified Gluten-Free: Every product at the UK-based Libbys is 100% gluten-free.
Dedicated Facility: This means they operate in a completely gluten-free zone, eliminating any concern for cross-contamination.
Wide Product Range: Their offerings include breads, pastries, and other baked goods, all safe for a gluten-free diet.

Naturally Gluten-Free Foods from Libby's

For those relying on the US Libby's canned goods for a gluten-free diet, here is a list of commonly found products that are generally safe:

Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin
Libby's Whole Kernel Sweet Corn
Libby's Cut Green Beans
Libby's Mixed Vegetables (Low Sodium)

Comparison: Libby's (USA) vs. Libbys (UK)

To help differentiate between the two brands, this table provides a quick reference.


Feature	Libby's (USA Canned Goods)	Libbys (UK Bakery)
Main Products	Canned pumpkin, vegetables, fruits	Baked goods (breads, pastries, etc.)
Gluten-Free Policy	Many products are naturally GF, but not all. Labeling is specific to the product.	All products are 100% gluten-free and made in a dedicated facility.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Potential for cross-contamination exists in facilities producing other non-GF products.	No risk of cross-contamination with gluten due to dedicated GF environment.
Origin	Long-standing US brand, owned by larger food corporations.	Family-owned business in London, UK.

How to Ensure Your Libby's Product is Gluten-Free

To be certain about your food choices, follow these guidelines:

Read the Label: Always read the ingredient list and allergen information on the packaging, even for products you've bought before. Formulas can change over time.
Look for Certification: For the highest assurance, look for a certified gluten-free symbol on the label. This indicates the product has been tested to meet strict standards.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you have concerns about cross-contamination or specific ingredients, contact the brand's customer service directly.
Know the Source: Understand if your product is from the US canned goods brand or the UK bakery. The UK bakery offers a complete guarantee for all its products.
Check for Warnings: Scan the label for any warnings about shared facilities or potential allergens.

Conclusion

The question, Is Libby's gluten-free?, has a nuanced answer, mainly due to the existence of two different companies bearing the same name. For the US canned goods brand, many products like 100% Pure Pumpkin and most vegetables are naturally gluten-free, providing safe options for those on a gluten-free diet. However, the UK-based bakery, Libbys, offers a broader range of guaranteed gluten-free baked goods. To ensure safety, always check the product label, confirm the manufacturer, and distinguish between the two brands to make an informed choice for your nutritional diet.

Authoritative Link: Celiac Disease Foundation - About Celiac Disease

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin is naturally gluten-free as it contains only one ingredient: pumpkin. The packaging confirms that it is an all-natural, gluten-free product.

Most of Libby's canned vegetables, such as corn and green beans, are naturally gluten-free. Their ingredients typically consist of the vegetable, water, and salt, with no added gluten. However, you should always check the label of any specific product.

Yes, Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix is labeled and confirmed to be gluten-free. The filling itself is safe for a gluten-free diet, but a traditional pie crust would need to be replaced with a gluten-free alternative.

The easiest way to tell the difference is by the product type and location. The US Libby's is a canned goods brand found in American grocery stores. The UK Libbys is a bakery specializing in 100% gluten-free baked goods like breads and pastries.

For products that are naturally gluten-free, such as 100% Pure Pumpkin, the risk is minimal. However, these items are often processed in facilities that also handle products with gluten. For the highest assurance, look for certified gluten-free products or contact the manufacturer.

No, you do not. The UK-based Libbys is a dedicated gluten-free bakery. All of their products are 100% gluten-free and are made in a totally gluten-free kitchen, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination with gluten.

Yes, Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin is an excellent ingredient for gluten-free baking. It is naturally gluten-free and can be used in a variety of recipes for pies, muffins, and more, as long as the other ingredients are also gluten-free.