What jarred pasta sauce is gluten free?

December 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, a strictly gluten-free diet is the only recognized treatment for celiac disease, making ingredient checking for everyday items like pasta sauce critically important. While many jarred sauces seem naturally safe, certain ingredients and manufacturing processes can introduce gluten, requiring careful label reading for those with sensitivities.

Quick Summary

This guide reviews popular store-bought pasta sauce brands, detailing which varieties are certified gluten-free or considered safe for those with gluten sensitivities. It outlines key labeling terms and risks like cross-contamination to help shoppers make informed decisions.

Key Points

Check for 'Gluten-Free' Labeling: The most reliable way to find safe sauce is to choose products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' on the package.
Be Cautious of Hidden Ingredients: Watch out for thickeners like modified food starch and ambiguous terms like 'natural flavors' if a sauce isn't labeled gluten-free.
Choose Certified Brands: Brands like Rao's, Prego, and Barilla offer verified gluten-free options, taking the guesswork out of your selection.
Understand Cross-Contamination Risks: A product can contain gluten from shared manufacturing equipment even if it lacks gluten-containing ingredients; always look for certification for highest safety.
Don't Assume All Tomato Sauces are Safe: Although tomatoes are naturally gluten-free, the processing and added ingredients in jarred sauces can introduce gluten, making label reading essential.
Explore Low-FODMAP and Specialty Options: Brands like Prego and Yo Mama's offer products tailored for specific dietary needs, including low-FODMAP and keto diets, while remaining gluten-free.

Popular Gluten-Free Jarred Pasta Sauce Brands

When navigating the grocery store aisles for a quick, gluten-free pasta sauce, it's reassuring to know which brands are reliable. Many companies now clearly label their products, but some may be safe despite not having a specific certification. Here is a breakdown of popular brands and what to look for.

Certified and Reliably Gluten-Free Brands

Rao's Homemade: A favorite among many, Rao's marinara sauces are considered gluten-free (less than 20 parts per million of gluten) and are even produced in a gluten-free facility, according to a customer service representative. Many of their products explicitly state 'Gluten-Free' on the label.
Prego: Many varieties of Prego sauces are verified gluten-free through a rigorous testing process that checks ingredients and finished products. Look for varieties like Prego Traditional, which is marked as gluten-free. The manufacturer also verifies that their sensitive recipe sauces are gluten-free.
Classico: Several Classico pasta sauces, such as their Tomato & Basil and Extra Creamy Alfredo, are labeled or noted as gluten-free. The company's Di Napoli Tomato & Basil is also noted as being gluten-free. Always double-check the label on the specific variety you intend to purchase.
Barilla Premium Sauces: The Barilla Premium range, including their Tomato & Basil and Traditional varieties, are gluten-free and clearly labeled. They also highlight that their sauces contain no artificial colors or flavors, and are Non-GMO Project Verified.
Yo Mama's Foods: This brand's Keto Marinara and Pizza Sauce are noted as being gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and low carb.

How to Read Labels for Hidden Gluten

Even if a sauce seems naturally gluten-free based on its core ingredients, hidden sources of gluten or cross-contamination can pose risks. It is crucial to understand what to look for on product labels, especially if a product is not certified.

Ingredients to Watch For

Modified Food Starch: While often corn-based, it can sometimes be wheat-derived. The FDA requires the source to be declared if it's from a major allergen like wheat. Always check for a 'Contains Wheat' warning.
Flavorings and Spices: Vague terms like 'natural flavors' can sometimes contain gluten. However, if a product is labeled 'gluten-free,' this is not a concern. If it isn't labeled 'gluten-free,' it's best to contact the manufacturer to be sure.
Thickeners: Some sauces use flour or other gluten-based thickeners to achieve their desired consistency. Look for non-gluten alternatives like cornstarch or arrowroot on the ingredients list.
Malt or Malt-based Ingredients: Be wary of malt extract or malt vinegar, which are derived from barley and are not gluten-free.

Understanding Certification and Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, a product labeled 'certified gluten-free' offers the highest level of assurance. This means the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten, meeting the FDA standard.

What 'Gluten-Free' means: The FDA legally defines 'gluten-free' as a product containing less than 20 ppm of gluten. A certification from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) often involves even stricter standards and third-party verification. Look for the official symbol on the packaging.
The risk of cross-contact: This occurs when naturally gluten-free ingredients or products are exposed to gluten during processing or packaging in a shared facility. While not always a dealbreaker, manufacturers often add warnings like 'may contain wheat' to alert sensitive consumers. The absence of such a warning does not guarantee a product is safe from cross-contact. For grain-based products, the Celiac Disease Foundation advises choosing products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' due to higher cross-contact risks.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Jarred Pasta Sauces


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Features	Considerations
Rao's Homemade	Considered Gluten-Free, produced in a GF facility	All-natural ingredients, often keto-friendly and low carb	Not all sauces are explicitly labeled on the website, though the company states they are GF
Prego	Some varieties verified Gluten-Free	Offers various flavors, including sensitive recipe options for FODMAP diets	Always check the specific jar for the gluten-free claim, as not all varieties may qualify
Classico	Specific varieties (e.g., Tomato & Basil, Alfredo) labeled Gluten-Free	Made with quality ingredients, convenient for quick meals	The entire product line may not be gluten-free, so check each label
Barilla Premium	Labeled Gluten-Free, Non-GMO	Made with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, no added sugar	A range of flavors are available, all meeting GF standards
Yo Mama's Foods	Labeled Gluten-Free	Keto, paleo-friendly, low-carb options available	Found online and in some stores, may not be as widely available as mainstream brands

Conclusion: Shop Smart for Safe Sauce

While many jarred pasta sauces are inherently gluten-free due to their tomato base, assuming every jar is safe can lead to issues. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the safest approach is to choose products that are clearly labeled 'gluten-free' and, ideally, carry a third-party certification mark. Brands like Rao's, Prego, and Barilla offer specific, reliably gluten-free options that take the guesswork out of mealtime. However, always exercise caution with a product lacking a specific gluten-free claim by scrutinizing the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources like modified food starch or undefined 'natural flavors.' Being an informed and vigilant consumer is the best way to ensure your pasta night remains delicious and worry-free. For more information on celiac disease and gluten-free diets, a great resource is the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all Prego sauces are gluten-free. While many varieties, like Prego Traditional, are verified gluten-free and labeled as such, you should always check the specific jar's label for the gluten-free claim.

Yes, all of Rao's Homemade pasta sauces are considered gluten-free (containing less than 20 ppm of gluten) and are produced in a gluten-free facility. Many products also explicitly state 'Gluten-Free' on the label.

The most definitive way to know is to choose a product that has a 'gluten-free' label. For the highest assurance, look for third-party certifications like the GFCO symbol, which verifies that the product meets strict testing standards.

Yes, cross-contact can occur in manufacturing facilities that also handle gluten-containing products. While some companies post warnings, the absence of a warning does not guarantee safety. Certified gluten-free products are the safest option as they are tested for cross-contamination.

The Barilla Premium line of pasta sauces, including flavors like Tomato & Basil and Traditional, are labeled as gluten-free. Always confirm the specific product label, as their regular pasta products contain gluten.

It depends. While modified food starch is often derived from corn and is safe, it can sometimes be wheat-derived. The FDA requires the source to be declared, so look for a 'Contains Wheat' warning. A gluten-free label is the best indicator of safety.

No, not all marinara sauces are guaranteed to be gluten-free. Although the main ingredients of tomatoes and herbs are safe, some brands may add gluten-containing thickeners or be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing. Always check the label.