Which Tomato Sauce is Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Brands and Ingredients

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, it's estimated that 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, and many more have gluten sensitivity, making label vigilance essential for everyday pantry items. So, which tomato sauce is gluten-free? The answer isn't as simple as you might think and requires careful attention to ingredients and potential cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

Pure tomato sauce is naturally gluten-free, but processed brands may contain hidden gluten from thickeners, flavors, or manufacturing cross-contact. It is crucial to always read labels, seek certified products, and verify ingredients to ensure a safe choice for your diet.

Key Points

Check Labels Thoroughly: Always look for an explicit "Gluten-Free" label, as processed sauces may contain hidden gluten from thickeners or flavorings.
Pure vs. Processed: Pure tomato paste, canned tomatoes, and puree are naturally gluten-free, but pre-made sauces may not be due to added ingredients or cross-contact.
Third-Party Certification is Key: For the highest level of safety, choose products with a third-party certification seal like GFCO, which guarantees rigorous testing.
Be Wary of Hidden Ingredients: Watch for non-obvious gluten sources such as modified food starch or vague "natural flavors".
Prevent Kitchen Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking pots when preparing gluten-free tomato sauce with other gluten-containing meals.
Consider Homemade Sauce: Making your own sauce from scratch with fresh, simple ingredients is the safest way to ensure a completely gluten-free product.

The Natural State of Tomato-Based Ingredients

At its most basic, pure tomato sauce is naturally gluten-free, derived simply from tomatoes, which are a fruit. The same applies to core tomato products like canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato puree. These items, when unadulterated, contain no wheat, barley, or rye. The primary risk factor emerges when other ingredients are introduced to enhance flavor, texture, or preservation in processed, jarred, or canned sauces.

Tomato Paste: A concentrated product from boiled-down tomatoes, tomato paste is a naturally gluten-free staple. However, for maximum safety, especially for those with celiac disease, verifying the label for any warnings about shared manufacturing equipment is always wise.
Canned Tomatoes: Like fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes are gluten-free, but you must check the label for any added seasonings or stabilizers that might contain gluten.

Why Processed Sauces Carry Risk

The convenience of a jarred sauce comes with the potential for hidden gluten. Manufacturers often add ingredients to improve consistency and flavor, some of which may contain gluten or be processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing products.

Common Sources of Hidden Gluten

Thickeners: Ingredients like modified food starch or wheat flour are sometimes used to thicken sauces. Unless specified as a gluten-free starch, modified food starch should be considered a risk.
Flavorings: Vague terms like "natural flavors" can sometimes hide gluten-derived components. For celiacs and those with severe gluten sensitivity, products with this ingredient should be avoided unless verified by the manufacturer.
Cross-Contamination: A major concern is cross-contact during manufacturing. If a company produces both gluten-free and gluten-containing products on the same lines, there is a risk of contamination, even if the recipe itself is gluten-free. This is why certified products are the safest option.

How to Identify a Safe Gluten-Free Tomato Sauce

Navigating the grocery aisle for a gluten-free product requires a keen eye. Look for specific labeling and certifications to ensure safety.

Look for a "Gluten-Free" Label: The most straightforward indicator is a clear "Gluten-Free" label on the packaging. The FDA regulates this claim to ensure the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, making it a reliable indicator for most individuals.
Certified Gluten-Free: For the highest level of assurance, seek products with a third-party certification seal, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This indicates that the product and manufacturing facility have undergone rigorous testing and meet strict standards.
Read the Ingredient List: Become a label detective. Avoid products that list wheat, barley, rye, malt, or modified food starch (unless specified as derived from a gluten-free source).
Contact the Manufacturer: When in doubt, contact the company directly. Some brands may not label their products as gluten-free, but a simple inquiry can clarify whether their manufacturing process or ingredients are safe.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Tomato Sauce Brands

Here is a comparison of some widely available brands known for their gluten-free options. Always verify the specific product label as formulations can change.


Brand	Gluten-Free Label/Status	Certified GF?	Notable Feature
Rao's Homemade	Considered gluten-free by the company.	No (Not on all labels)	High-quality ingredients, often praised for taste.
Prego	Many varieties are certified gluten-free, including Classic Marinara.	Yes (For specific varieties)	Wide variety of flavors available.
Barilla	All tomato-based sauces are considered gluten-free.	No (Not on labels)	Widely available and affordable.
Amy's Kitchen	All pasta sauces appear on the company's gluten-free list.	Yes (Some products)	Organic, non-GMO options available.
Classico	Many red sauces are considered gluten-free.	No (Not on labels)	A range of flavors, including some creamy options.

Making Homemade Gluten-Free Tomato Sauce

The most controlled way to ensure a gluten-free tomato sauce is to make it yourself from scratch. This eliminates all risk of hidden ingredients or cross-contamination.

Simple Homemade Marinara Recipe

Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, fresh basil.
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor.
6. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

Conclusion: Read Your Labels to Find a Safe Tomato Sauce

Finding a safe, gluten-free tomato sauce is completely manageable with a few key habits. While pure tomato products are naturally free of gluten, the processing of jarred and canned sauces introduces potential risks through thickeners, flavorings, and cross-contamination. The most reliable strategy is to seek out products that are explicitly labeled gluten-free or certified by a trusted third-party organization. For those who want absolute control, making your own sauce from naturally gluten-free ingredients is the best option. Ultimately, being a cautious label reader is the most important step for maintaining a safe and healthy gluten-free diet. A comprehensive guide to various certified products can be a powerful tool for your grocery shopping; the Celiac.com website offers well-researched information on many brands.

How to Prevent Cross-Contamination at Home

Even with a safe sauce, the risk of cross-contamination in your own kitchen remains. Take these precautions:

Use Dedicated Utensils: Do not use the same spoon to stir gluten pasta and gluten-free sauce. Use separate, clean utensils for each.
Separate Surfaces: Prepare gluten-free meals on clean, separate cutting boards and surfaces.
Storage: Store gluten-free products and sauces in airtight containers, separate from any gluten-containing food items.

Choosing the Right Sauce for Your Needs

Whether you prioritize certified-safe brands, budget-friendly options, or the fresh taste of a homemade sauce, there is a gluten-free tomato sauce for everyone. Always prioritize your health by checking labels and, when in doubt, making your own for a worry-free meal.

Disclaimer: Product formulations can change. Always check the most current labels for confirmation of gluten-free status before purchasing.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while pure tomatoes are naturally gluten-free, many processed tomato sauces, marinara sauces, and pizza sauces may contain gluten-containing additives like thickeners (wheat flour) or risk cross-contamination during manufacturing.

The most reliable way is to look for a "Gluten-Free" label or a third-party certification seal, like from the GFCO. Otherwise, read the ingredient list carefully and avoid any product listing wheat, barley, rye, or ambiguous 'natural flavors'.

Cross-contamination, or cross-contact, occurs when a gluten-free food comes into contact with a gluten-containing food during processing or preparation. In manufacturing plants, if gluten-free tomato sauces are made on shared equipment with wheat products, there is a risk of trace gluten ending up in the sauce.

Pure tomato paste is naturally gluten-free, as it is just concentrated tomatoes. However, it's always best to check the label for any added ingredients or potential processing warnings, especially if the product is a flavored variety.

Many of their specific varieties are considered gluten-free. For example, some Prego sauces are certified gluten-free, and some Ragu red sauces are gluten-free, but you must check the label for each specific flavor and look for any disclaimers.

Brands like Rao's, Amy's Kitchen, and various options from Prego and Classico offer gluten-free tomato sauce varieties. Always verify the specific flavor's label, and for the highest certainty, seek certified products.

Yes, making your own tomato sauce from scratch is the safest option, as you have full control over all ingredients and can guarantee it is naturally gluten-free. A simple recipe involves olive oil, onions, garlic, canned tomatoes, and herbs.