Which brands of salsa are gluten free? A Comprehensive Guide for Safe Snacking

October 21, 2025 •

2 min read

Did you know that salsa sales have surpassed ketchup in the United States, making it one of the most popular condiments? For those on a gluten-free diet, enjoying this popular dip requires a careful eye on brand labels and manufacturing processes to ensure it's safe for consumption.

Quick Summary

Navigating the grocery aisle for gluten-free salsa requires more than just checking the basic ingredients. Learn how to verify product safety by understanding which major brands have reliable gluten-free labeling and strict cross-contamination policies.

Key Points

Check for Certification: Certified gluten-free logos, like GFCO, provide the highest level of assurance against gluten cross-contamination, surpassing basic FDA standards.
Read All Ingredients: Scrutinize labels for specific gluten-free claims and watch for ambiguous ingredients like 'natural flavors' or additives that could hide gluten sources.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: A brand can have naturally gluten-free ingredients but still be a risk if it's manufactured on shared equipment with gluten-containing products, as is the case with some Tostitos salsas.
Consider Distilled Vinegar: While generally safe for most, highly sensitive individuals should be aware that some distilled white vinegar can be derived from gluten grains, and might prefer brands that use alternatives like apple cider vinegar.
Research Brand Policies: For detailed information on allergen handling and cross-contamination prevention, always consult the manufacturer's official website, as policies can vary.
Rely on Explicit Labeling: Never assume a product is safe based on the ingredient list alone; always look for a clear 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging.
Homemade is the Safest Bet: For complete control over ingredients and preparation, making salsa at home from fresh, whole foods is the most reliable option for avoiding gluten.

The Challenge of Finding Truly Gluten-Free Salsa

While the main components of salsa—tomatoes, onions, and peppers—are naturally gluten-free, gluten can be introduced through additives or cross-contamination during production. This is a significant concern for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity who must strictly avoid gluten.

Potential risks include hidden gluten in commercial seasonings or sauces and cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment or facilities. Even if ingredients seem safe, a lack of rigorous cross-contamination protocols can make a product unsafe for highly sensitive individuals.

How to Evaluate a Salsa's Gluten-Free Status

To confidently select a safe salsa, look for a "gluten-free" label (under 20 ppm gluten) or third-party certification like GFCO (under 10 ppm). Check the manufacturer's website for allergen policies if a product isn't certified. Note that while distilled white vinegar is generally gluten-free, some sensitive individuals may prefer brands with alternatives like apple cider vinegar, such as Green Mountain Gringo.

Brands That Offer Reliable Gluten-Free Salsas

Brands like Amy's Kitchen, Green Mountain Gringo (GFCO certified), On the Border, Organicville (USDA organic and GF), Pace, Sabra, and Wholly Salsa have protocols and labeling for gluten-free products.

Brands to Approach with Caution

Some brands advise caution due to cross-contamination risks: Tostitos does not label their salsas GF; Herdez, La Victoria, and Chi-Chi's (MegaMex/Hormel) note potential cross-contamination; Old El Paso (General Mills) is not deemed GF due to facility risks; and Ortega (B&G Foods) no longer uses GF labeling.

Comparison of Popular Salsa Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Labeling	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Amy's Kitchen	Yes (Meets FDA)	Very Low	Dedicated to GF products with safeguards.
Green Mountain Gringo	Certified GFCO	Extremely Low	Uses dedicated facility and apple cider vinegar.
On the Border	Yes (Tested)	Very Low	Tested to meet FDA requirements.
Pace	Yes (Tested)	Very Low	Strict two-step process for verification.
Newman's Own	Yes	Possible	While labeled GF, some products contain gluten, raising potential for shared equipment.
Herdez	Ingredient-based	Possible	Produced on shared equipment; contains distilled vinegar.
Tostitos	No (Ingredients OK)	Possible	Not tested for gluten, may be on shared lines.
Old El Paso	No	High	Not considered GF due to facility cross-contamination risk.

How to Navigate the Aisle with Confidence

Prioritize Certified Brands: Certified options like Green Mountain Gringo offer the highest safety level for those with celiac disease.
Read the Entire Label: Always check the ingredient list for allergens and look for explicit gluten-free claims.
Use Brand Websites as Resources: For reliable allergen information, consult the brand's official website.
Don't Assume: A product is not necessarily safe just because the ingredients appear fine. Without a "gluten-free" label, cross-contamination remains a risk.
Consider Homemade: Making your own salsa provides complete control over ingredients, making it the safest option for avoiding gluten.

Conclusion

Finding a truly gluten-free salsa requires attention to labeling and manufacturing practices. Prioritize certified products, read labels, and research brand policies to select safe options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not all commercial salsa is gluten-free due to potential additives and cross-contamination. Some brands may add thickeners or seasonings that contain hidden gluten, and others manufacture their salsa on the same equipment as gluten-containing products.

Look for products explicitly labeled 'gluten-free,' which indicates it meets FDA standards of less than 20 ppm. For higher assurance, seek out third-party certifications like GFCO, which has stricter standards.

The distillation process generally removes gluten proteins, making distilled white vinegar from gluten grains safe for most people with celiac disease. However, some very sensitive individuals may choose to avoid it and opt for brands that use alternatives like apple cider vinegar.

Yes, according to the manufacturer (Campbell Soup Company), Pace salsa is gluten-free. The company has a two-step process for verifying that their products are free from gluten.

Tostitos salsa is not labeled gluten-free by Frito-Lay. While it contains no gluten ingredients, the company warns of potential cross-contamination because the salsa may be manufactured on the same lines as gluten-containing products.

For those with celiac disease, the safest brands are those with third-party gluten-free certification, such as Green Mountain Gringo, or companies that explicitly state they have strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, like Amy's Kitchen and Pace.

No, you should not rely on the ingredient list alone. A product may have naturally gluten-free ingredients but still be at risk for cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment. Always look for a clear 'gluten-free' label or certification.