Which brand of ketchup is gluten-free?: A Complete Guide to Safe Condiments

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

While most ketchup ingredients are naturally gluten-free, cross-contamination is a significant risk for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity. Knowing which brand of ketchup is gluten-free with confidence requires a little label detective work, but many popular and specialty brands offer safe options for your diet.

Quick Summary

Many popular ketchup brands are naturally free of gluten, but the potential for cross-contamination exists. This article identifies certified and safe brands, details how to read labels for gluten, and compares common options for informed dietary choices.

Key Points

Check for Certification: The most reliable way to find safe ketchup is to look for a certified gluten-free label or symbol from a third-party organization.
Know Your Vinegar: Malt vinegar, made from barley, is a source of gluten and should be avoided; ensure the ketchup uses distilled or other safe vinegar.
Heinz is Generally Safe: Most varieties of Heinz Tomato Ketchup are labeled gluten-free, with their distilled vinegar confirmed as safe.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Products not explicitly labeled gluten-free may be at risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment.
Alternative Options Exist: Brands like Annie's, Primal Kitchen, and Organicville offer certified organic, unsweetened, and allergen-conscious gluten-free ketchups.
Always Read the Label: Even with a trusted brand, always double-check the label for recent changes in ingredients or manufacturing processes.

Why Ketchup Can Be a Gluten-Free Concern

For most people, ketchup seems like a harmless condiment, free of common gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Ketchup is typically made from tomato concentrate, sugar, salt, and vinegar. However, those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity must be vigilant due to two potential issues: the type of vinegar used and the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

The primary ingredient to watch out for is vinegar. While most distilled vinegars in the U.S. are made from corn and are considered safe, malt vinegar is made from barley and is not gluten-free. Manufacturers are required to state if a product contains wheat due to allergen labeling laws, but less common sources can be missed. Additionally, if a ketchup brand processes other gluten-containing products on the same equipment, cross-contamination can occur, which can be a significant issue for highly sensitive individuals.

How to Identify Safe Gluten-Free Ketchup

To ensure your ketchup is safe, you must become an expert label reader. Here's what to look for:

Certified Gluten-Free Labels: This is the most reliable sign. The label, often accompanied by a symbol from a third-party organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) or the Crossed Grain symbol, means the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, the standard for a safe gluten-free diet.
Read the Ingredients List: Scan the list for any mention of wheat, rye, barley, or malt. Avoid any product containing malt vinegar.
Check for 'May Contain' Statements: Some labels include voluntary warnings like 'manufactured on shared equipment with wheat'. For those with celiac disease, it's safest to avoid products with these warnings, as they signal a risk of cross-contamination.

Leading Gluten-Free Ketchup Brands

Fortunately, many major and specialty brands provide safe, gluten-free ketchup options. Some popular choices include:

Heinz: Most varieties of Heinz Tomato Ketchup are labeled gluten-free and are safe for those with sensitivities. The company confirms that the distilled vinegar used is corn-based.
Annie's Organic Ketchup: A certified gluten-free, organic, and vegan option made without high-fructose corn syrup.
French's Tomato Ketchup: This brand is labeled gluten-free in the U.S. and Canada and is made without artificial flavors or colors.
Primal Kitchen Unsweetened Ketchup: A paleo and Whole30-approved option that is certified gluten-free and has no added sweeteners.
Organicville Organic Ketchup: Certified organic and GFCO-certified gluten-free, this brand is also sweetened with agave nectar.
Walden Farms Ketchup: Labeled gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
Hunt's Ketchup: While not specifically labeled gluten-free, Hunt's ketchup is made without gluten-containing ingredients. The company website notes it is free of the top 8 major allergens, but cross-contamination risk might still exist.
Store Brands: Many store brands like Great Value (Walmart) and Good & Gather (Target) offer labeled gluten-free options.

The Importance of a Balanced Gluten-Free Diet

Choosing a safe ketchup is just one step in managing a gluten-free diet. It's crucial to focus on overall nutritional balance rather than relying on processed gluten-free products. Processed gluten-free foods can sometimes be higher in sugar, sodium, and fat than their gluten-containing counterparts. To maintain a healthy diet, prioritize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. For more information on gluten-free food labeling regulations, consult resources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Comparison of Certified Gluten-Free Ketchup Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Organic	No High-Fructose Corn Syrup	Added Sugar	Certifications
Annie's Organic	Certified GF	Yes	Yes	Yes (Cane Sugar)	GFCO, USDA Organic
Primal Kitchen	Certified GF	Yes	Yes	No (Stevia)	GFCO, Paleo, Whole30
Organicville	Certified GF	Yes	Yes	Yes (Agave)	GFCO, USDA Organic
Walden Farms	Labeled GF	No	Yes	No	Various, Check Label
French's	Labeled GF (US/Canada)	No	Yes	Yes (Liquid Sugar)	Not Certified

The Bottom Line: Ensuring Ketchup Safety

For those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, not all ketchup is created equal. While the core ingredients are typically safe, it is essential to look for clear gluten-free labeling to prevent exposure to cross-contamination or hidden gluten sources like malt vinegar. Brands like Heinz, Annie's, and Primal Kitchen provide assurance with specific gluten-free claims or certifications, making them reliable choices. Always read labels carefully, even for trusted brands, as product formulations can change over time. With a little vigilance, you can safely enjoy this classic condiment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, most varieties of Heinz Tomato Ketchup, including the classic and organic versions, are labeled as gluten-free. Their distilled vinegar is derived from corn, not gluten-containing grains.

Hunt's ketchup is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, it is not certified gluten-free, which means it may not be tested to meet FDA standards for trace amounts. Those with high sensitivity to cross-contamination should be cautious.

A 'certified gluten-free' product has been verified by a third-party organization to contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. A 'labeled gluten-free' product means the manufacturer claims it contains less than 20ppm, but it may not have undergone third-party testing.

Yes, hidden gluten can come from malt vinegar, which is made from barley, or through cross-contamination if the ketchup is processed in a facility that also handles wheat products.

No, malt vinegar is not safe on a gluten-free diet because it is made from barley and is not distilled. It should be strictly avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

No, organic certification does not guarantee a product is gluten-free. Always check for a specific gluten-free label or certification on the packaging, as organic products can still risk cross-contamination.

If a product includes unspecified 'natural flavors', it's best to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the source is gluten-free. While typically safe, some flavorings could potentially contain gluten-derived ingredients.