Nutrition Diet: Is Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Sauce Gluten-Free?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated one percent of the world's population has celiac disease, requiring a strict gluten-free diet to manage their health. When managing a dietary restriction, a seemingly simple product like Hunt's 100% natural tomato sauce can raise questions about its gluten content and overall safety.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Hunt's 100% natural tomato sauce confirms its ingredients are gluten-free, but awareness of manufacturing practices is vital for highly sensitive individuals. This guide explores label reading, brand transparency, and practical steps to ensure safety when incorporating this product into a gluten-free lifestyle.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Sauce contains no gluten ingredients, according to its label and manufacturer information.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to potential cross-contamination during processing, individuals with severe celiac disease may want to seek certified gluten-free products.
Conagra's Labeling Policy: Hunt's parent company, Conagra, promises to declare all major allergens, including wheat, on their product labels.
Label Verification is Key: For absolute assurance, always read the most current product packaging and look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" seal.
Know Your Alternatives: Many brands, such as Rao's and Muir Glen, offer specifically labeled and certified gluten-free tomato sauces for higher certainty.
Homemade Option: For complete control and zero risk of cross-contamination, making your own tomato sauce from scratch is the safest route.

Understanding Gluten in Your Diet

Gluten is a composite protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that acts as a binding agent, helping dough maintain its structure. For the majority of people, gluten is harmless. However, for individuals with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, consuming gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine. Others may experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity, leading to symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and pain. For these individuals, a strict gluten-free diet is essential for their health and wellbeing. When assessing any packaged food, understanding the ingredients and the potential for cross-contamination is critical. Naturally gluten-free foods can become unsafe if processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains.

The Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Sauce Breakdown

For many years, Hunt's has been a pantry staple known for its use of vine-ripened tomatoes. The base ingredients for Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Sauce are simple and naturally gluten-free: tomato puree, water, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and spices. According to responses from Hunt's consumer care and third-party food information sites, the brand does not include any gluten-containing ingredients in this particular product. Hunt's parent company, Conagra Brands, typically has a policy of disclosing allergens, including wheat, on their product labels. If a product contains wheat, rye, or barley, it will be listed in the ingredient statement, which provides an extra layer of assurance for consumers. This ingredient transparency allows most individuals following a gluten-free diet to feel confident in their choice.

Navigating Cross-Contamination and Labeling

Even with a clean ingredient list, the risk of cross-contamination can be a concern for those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Cross-contamination occurs when gluten from one product is accidentally transferred to another during the manufacturing process. While Hunt's may state their ingredients are gluten-free, some customer service representatives and third-party applications have noted that without a specific "certified gluten-free" label, there remains a potential risk.

How to Check for Gluten

For the most vigilant consumers, here are the steps to follow:

Read the Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list for common gluten sources like wheat, barley, and rye. Also, be mindful of less obvious sources like malt flavoring, brewer's yeast, and modified food starch, unless the source is specified as gluten-free.
Look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" Label: The FDA regulates the term "gluten-free," requiring products to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. If a product is labeled as such, it has been tested and is generally considered safe for people with celiac disease.
Check the Manufacturer's Website: Many food manufacturers, including Conagra, provide dedicated sections on their websites detailing their gluten-free offerings and policies. This can offer more up-to-date information on specific products.
Contact Customer Service: For absolute certainty, particularly with severe allergies, directly contacting the manufacturer's customer service line is the most reliable method. They can provide specific details about their production facilities and cross-contamination prevention measures.

Comparison of Tomato Sauces for Gluten-Free Diets

When navigating the grocery store aisles, it's helpful to know how different tomato sauce brands compare in terms of their gluten-free status. Here is a quick comparison of various options:


Brand	Product	Gluten-Free Status (Ingredients)	Potential Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Hunt's	100% Natural Tomato Sauce	Yes, no gluten ingredients.	Potential, as not certified.	Conagra discloses wheat as an allergen.
Muir Glen	Organic Tomato Sauce	Yes, often certified.	Low, often certified.	Specializes in organic products; often a reliable choice.
Rao's Homemade	Marinara Sauce	Yes, specifically markets as gluten-free.	Low, often certified.	Premium brand, widely trusted by gluten-free community.
Amy's	Organic Tomato Sauce	Yes, often certified.	Low, often certified.	Known for catering to various dietary needs.
Generic Store Brand	Tomato Sauce	Varies by brand.	Varies by brand.	Always check the label thoroughly for gluten-containing additives like modified food starch or spices.

Beyond the Can: Homemade vs. Store-Bought

For those who wish to avoid any potential for cross-contamination or simply prefer fresh ingredients, making a tomato sauce from scratch is an excellent option. A homemade tomato sauce allows for complete control over the ingredients, ensuring it is 100% gluten-free. A basic recipe might involve: vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simply sauté garlic, add chopped tomatoes and herbs, and simmer until the desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, many store-bought options are available, such as Rao's Homemade and Muir Glen, which are specifically labeled and tested for gluten. While convenience is a factor, for someone with severe allergies, the peace of mind from knowing every ingredient is often worth the extra effort.

Conclusion: A Confident Choice for a Gluten-Free Diet

Based on the ingredients list and manufacturer's policies, Hunt's 100% natural tomato sauce is considered gluten-free and is a safe choice for most individuals on a gluten-free diet. The lack of gluten-containing components in its simple recipe makes it a reliable option. However, individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity should be aware of the distinction between having no gluten ingredients and being officially certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination. By practicing diligent label reading, confirming information on the manufacturer's website, and considering alternative certified brands, you can confidently and safely incorporate tomato sauce into your gluten-free meal plan.

For more in-depth information about managing celiac disease, consider consulting the National Celiac Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Hunt's 100% Natural Tomato Sauce does not contain gluten ingredients, individuals with celiac disease should be aware of potential cross-contamination during manufacturing, as the product is not certified gluten-free.

Yes, Hunt's parent company, Conagra Brands, has a policy of disclosing all major allergens, including wheat, on their product labels if they are included in the product.

'No gluten ingredients' means the recipe does not contain gluten. 'Certified gluten-free' means the product has been tested to meet the FDA's standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten, which ensures safety from cross-contamination.

Yes, you can trust the ingredients list. However, for those with severe sensitivities, the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment is not covered by the ingredient list alone.

Not all Hunt's products are gluten-free. Some forum discussions mention exceptions like Hunt's pasta sauces and ketchup, which may contain gluten or be at higher risk for cross-contamination. Always check each individual product's label.

Brands such as Muir Glen, Rao's Homemade, and Amy's offer certified gluten-free tomato sauce options that are often preferred by individuals with high sensitivity to gluten.

To make your own gluten-free tomato sauce, use fresh, naturally gluten-free ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. This method gives you full control over the process and eliminates all risk of cross-contamination.