Understanding Nutrition: What Chicken Broth Brands Are Gluten Free?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, nearly 3.3 million Americans have celiac disease, making diligent label reading a necessity. For those managing this condition or a gluten sensitivity, knowing what chicken broth brands are gluten free? is crucial, as hidden gluten can easily turn a simple pantry staple into a health risk.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of reliable, clearly labeled gluten-free chicken broth brands. It outlines how to identify potential sources of hidden gluten, the importance of certification, and offers a comparison of commercial versus homemade options for safer eating.

Key Points

Read Labels Carefully: Always check for a "gluten-free" claim, as ingredients like yeast extract and natural flavors can harbor hidden gluten.
Check for Certification: The safest option is to choose products with a third-party gluten-free certification seal, which guarantees rigorous testing.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Avoid products with a "may contain wheat" warning, as they pose a risk, especially for those with celiac disease.
Consider Making Homemade Broth: Making your own broth from scratch offers complete control over ingredients and is the most reliable way to ensure it is gluten-free.
Trusted Brands Exist: Many popular brands like Swanson, Pacific Foods, and Kitchen Basics offer verified gluten-free options, but always confirm the specific product label.
Not All Products Are Equal: Just because a brand offers some gluten-free products does not mean their entire product line is safe. Always read the label on the individual item.

Navigating the Aisle: Finding Safe Chicken Broth

While the basic ingredients of homemade chicken broth—chicken, water, and vegetables—are naturally gluten-free, many store-bought varieties can contain hidden sources of gluten. These can include thickeners like wheat flour, flavor enhancers, or yeast extracts derived from gluten-containing grains. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, reading labels is non-negotiable.

Potential Sources of Hidden Gluten in Broth

Yeast Extract: This ingredient is often used for savory flavor. If derived from barley, it contains gluten. Unless the product is specifically labeled gluten-free, yeast extract should be considered a potential source of gluten.
Natural Flavors: The source of natural flavors isn't always disclosed on the label. While the FDA requires that any wheat source be listed in an allergen statement, other gluten-containing ingredients like barley are not always named explicitly. The safest approach is to only consume products with a gluten-free claim.
Thickeners: Some companies add ingredients like wheat flour to thicken their broths and gravies. This is an obvious source of gluten and a clear warning sign.
Cross-Contamination: Even if a broth doesn't contain gluten ingredients, it can be manufactured in a facility that processes wheat. A label stating "may contain wheat" indicates a risk of cross-contamination.

Trusted Gluten-Free Chicken Broth Brands

Many brands have recognized the need for clearly labeled gluten-free products and undergo testing to ensure their safety. The following brands are frequently cited as having verified gluten-free chicken broth options. However, consumers should always check the label of the specific product they are purchasing, as formulations and processing can change.

Swanson: Many of their chicken broth and stock products are verified gluten-free. They have a specific page on their website dedicated to their gluten-free options.
Pacific Foods: This brand offers a range of organic and free-range chicken broths and stocks that are clearly labeled gluten-free.
Kitchen Basics: A popular choice for many, their products often feature a prominent gluten-free label.
Imagine Foods: Offers several varieties, including organic and low-sodium options, that are certified gluten-free.
Kettle & Fire: A well-known bone broth brand that specializes in naturally gluten-free products.
Progresso: Their Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth is labeled gluten-free.
Massel: All Massel products, including their chicken-style bouillon, are certified gluten-free and free of MSG.
Walmart (Great Value): Some of their chicken broths are labeled gluten-free, though specific varieties should be confirmed.
Costco (Kirkland): Some Kirkland brand stocks carry a gluten-free label.

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Certification

For those with celiac disease, looking for a certified gluten-free seal provides the highest level of assurance. Certification programs, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), require independent testing and strict production standards to ensure products contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is a more reliable indicator of safety than a manufacturer's self-proclaimed "gluten-free" label, especially for complex products like broth.

Comparing Homemade vs. Store-Bought Broth


Feature	Homemade Chicken Broth	Certified Gluten-Free Store-Bought Broth
Control over Ingredients	Complete control; zero risk of hidden gluten.	Reliant on the manufacturer's testing and label claims.
Cost	Generally more cost-effective, especially using leftover bones and vegetable scraps.	Often more expensive than conventional broth varieties.
Time & Convenience	Time-consuming to prepare and simmer, though rewarding.	Quick and convenient; simply pour and heat.
Nutrient Density	Rich in collagen and nutrients from a long, slow simmer of bones.	Nutrient content can vary; may contain fewer complex nutrients than slow-simmered homemade broth.
Flavor Customization	Entirely customizable with fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables.	Flavor is predetermined by the manufacturer.

Making Your Own Safe Chicken Broth

For ultimate control and flavor, making your own chicken broth is the best option for a gluten-free diet. It's a simple process that guarantees safety from hidden ingredients and cross-contamination.

Ingredients: Use a whole chicken carcass or chicken bones, filtered water, and fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Add herbs like parsley, thyme, and bay leaves for flavor.
Instructions: Cover the ingredients with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for at least 2-4 hours, or even longer for a richer bone broth. Skim any foam that rises to the surface. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Conclusion

While finding a truly safe chicken broth requires vigilance, the growing market for gluten-free products has made it easier than ever. By prioritizing products with clear "gluten-free" labeling and, for the most sensitive individuals, a gluten-free certification seal, you can confidently choose a brand that meets your dietary needs. Making your own broth from scratch remains the most foolproof method for guaranteed safety, offering complete control over ingredients and superior flavor. Whether store-bought or homemade, a safe and delicious chicken broth is within reach for any gluten-free kitchen. Learn more about celiac disease and gluten-free eating from the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of Swanson's chicken broth and stock products are verified gluten-free and undergo a rigorous testing process. However, consumers should always check the label of the specific product to confirm its gluten-free status, as some older or specific varieties may contain gluten.

Yes, gluten can be hidden in store-bought chicken broth. Common culprits include yeast extract (which can be derived from barley), unspecified "natural flavors" (which may come from a gluten source), and thickeners like wheat flour.

While homemade chicken broth and stock are both typically gluten-free, the distinction is critical for commercial products. Both can be subjected to manufacturing processes that introduce gluten through additives or cross-contamination. Always check labels, regardless of whether you are buying broth or stock.

Choosing certified gluten-free broth provides the highest level of safety assurance. Certification programs require independent testing to ensure the product meets strict standards (less than 20 ppm of gluten), mitigating the risk of cross-contamination and undeclared ingredients.

Not necessarily. Some private label brands, like certain varieties from Walmart's Great Value or Costco's Kirkland, do offer labeled gluten-free options. However, the risk of cross-contamination is generally higher, so it is vital to always look for a clear gluten-free claim on the packaging.

No, it is not safe to assume. Without a specific "gluten-free" label, there is a risk of hidden gluten in ingredients like "yeast extract" or "natural flavors," or from cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility.

Homemade broth offers complete control over ingredients, guaranteeing it is free of gluten, additives, and hidden flavors. It is also often more cost-effective and can be made with higher nutrient density, particularly if using bones for a rich stock.