Understanding Your Diet: Is Pace Enchilada Sauce Gluten-Free?

October 17, 2025 •

3 min read

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating store shelves requires careful label reading. This diligence often leads to the question, is Pace enchilada sauce gluten-free? The good news is that Pace, owned by Campbell's, explicitly confirms on their website that they offer a range of gluten-free products, including their enchilada sauce.

Quick Summary

Pace enchilada sauce is gluten-free, verified through a two-step process that confirms ingredient safety and finished product compliance. This makes it a suitable choice for those on a gluten-free nutrition diet. Always read the label to confirm, as formulations can change.

Key Points

Official Confirmation: Pace officially states that its enchilada sauce is gluten-free, confirmed by parent company Campbell's.
Strict Verification: The company uses a two-step process to verify gluten-free status, checking all ingredients and testing the finished product.
Modified Starch: Unlike some traditional recipes that use wheat flour, Pace uses modified food starch as a thickener, making it safe for a gluten-free diet.
Always Check Labels: Ingredient formulations can change, so it is always a best practice to check the product label for the most current information.
Alternative Brands: Other trusted gluten-free enchilada sauce brands include Hatch, Siete, and Frontera.
Homemade Options: For maximum control, a homemade gluten-free enchilada sauce can be easily made with a gluten-free flour blend.

The Gluten-Free Verdict on Pace

The simple and reassuring answer for individuals adhering to a gluten-free diet is yes, Pace brand enchilada sauce is gluten-free. The company, through its owner Campbell's, confirms this on its official website, noting that they follow a strict two-step verification process to meet FDA criteria for a gluten-free claim. This process includes confirming that all ingredients are gluten-free and analyzing the finished product to ensure it meets all relevant requirements. For those with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, this level of corporate diligence provides confidence in the product's safety.

Why Enchilada Sauce Might Contain Gluten

Not all canned or store-bought enchilada sauces are automatically gluten-free, which is why the question often arises. Traditional Mexican cooking and some commercial recipes use wheat flour as a thickener to create a smooth, rich consistency. This wheat-based roux would, of course, make the sauce unsafe for those with gluten sensitivities. Pace, however, avoids this issue by utilizing modified food starch, which is not derived from gluten-containing grains, to achieve the desired texture.

Beyond Pace: Other Gluten-Free Options

While Pace is a reliable choice, it's beneficial to know there are other brands that offer gluten-free enchilada sauce. These options provide variety and are especially important to consider if you're shopping at a different store or looking for a different flavor profile. Some brands are even certified gluten-free, offering an extra layer of assurance against cross-contamination.

Here are some well-regarded gluten-free enchilada sauce brands mentioned by gluten-free food bloggers and communities:

Hatch: Known for its authentic New Mexico chile flavor, Hatch offers several gluten-free sauces.
Siete: This brand specializes in grain-free and gluten-free products and is a reliable choice.
Frontera: Offers a red chile enchilada sauce that is certified gluten-free.
La Preferida: A carton-style green enchilada sauce from this brand is certified gluten-free.

Always remember to check the label, even for products from brands that typically carry gluten-free options, as ingredient formulations can change over time.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Nutritional Comparison

Deciding between homemade and store-bought enchilada sauce depends on your priorities for taste, convenience, and dietary control. Here’s a comparison to help you choose:


Feature	Homemade Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce	Store-Bought Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce (like Pace)
Convenience	Requires gathering ingredients and preparation time.	Ready-to-use, requires no preparation.
Cost	Can be more cost-effective, especially when making a large batch.	Priced per can or jar, potentially higher cost over time.
Ingredient Control	Total control over ingredients, salt, sugar, and spice levels.	Ingredients are fixed; rely on the brand for transparency.
Customization	Easily customizable to suit specific flavor preferences and dietary needs.	Limited by the brand's flavor profile; few options for modification.
Shelf Life	Shorter shelf life; typically lasts about 5 days in the fridge.	Longer shelf life; stable for months until opened.

A Simple Recipe for Homemade Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

For those who prioritize ingredient control and customization, a homemade gluten-free enchilada sauce is a simple and rewarding endeavor. It allows you to tailor the flavors to your exact preference and avoid any potential additives. You can find many recipes online using gluten-free flour blends to create a roux-based sauce, typically including ingredients like oil, chili powder, other spices, tomato paste, broth, and a touch of vinegar.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices on a Gluten-Free Nutrition Diet

Confirming whether a product like Pace enchilada sauce is gluten-free is a crucial step in maintaining a safe and healthy nutrition diet. While Pace's official statements and rigorous testing provide a high level of confidence, the ultimate responsibility lies with the consumer to stay informed by checking labels and understanding ingredients. Having alternative brands and a reliable homemade recipe in your repertoire further empowers you to make informed decisions and enjoy flavorful, gluten-free meals without worry. The availability of multiple safe options means a gluten-free lifestyle doesn't have to sacrifice flavor or convenience.

For more information on living with Celiac disease and managing a gluten-free diet, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers extensive resources. https://celiac.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Pace offers a range of gluten-free products but not all are. They have a specific process for validating gluten-free products, so it's essential to check the labeling on individual items.

Pace's two-step process includes verifying all ingredients are gluten-free and then analyzing the finished product to ensure it meets FDA criteria. They also conduct periodic testing for continued compliance.

Yes, Pace enchilada sauce is listed as both vegetarian and vegan, making it suitable for plant-based diets.

Some commercial and traditional enchilada sauce recipes use wheat flour as a thickener to create a desired texture, which introduces gluten.

Instead of wheat flour, Pace uses modified food starch to thicken its enchilada sauce.

Yes, several other brands offer gluten-free options, including Hatch, Siete, and Frontera. Checking the labels is always recommended.

Yes, it is relatively easy to make a homemade version using gluten-free all-purpose flour for a roux, allowing for full control over ingredients and flavor.