Is ketchup gluten-free? (2024)

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in the world and a staple in American households.

Whether spread on your favorite sandwich or served alongside a burger and fries, you're sure to see the bright red spice in most restaurants and eateries.

Still, you may wonder whether it suits a gluten-free lifestyle.

This article takes a closer look at ketchup to determine whether it is safe for people on a gluten-free diet.

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The original Chinese ketchup recipe, which is nothing like the tomato-based recipeherbyou are probably familiar with mixed pickled fish with herbs.

Today, ketchup is a sweet and sour sauce made from tomatoes, water, vinegar, sugar and salt.

In addition, a mixture of herbs and seasonings are added to the mixture.

Although each brand has its own unique spice blend, the most commonly used spices are onions,garlic, cloves and coriander.

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Ketchup is a tomato-based seasoning made by mixing tomatoes with water, vinegar, sugar, salt and spices.

Glutenis a group of proteins found in certain grains, including wheat, barley and rye. It is responsible for giving elasticity to baked goods (1).

Most ketchup is naturally gluten-free, as none of these grains are used in its preparation, and as long as it is made with distilled vinegar (2).

However, gluten can occasionally be found in dressings and sauces, including ketchup, when stabilizers are used to give them a thicker consistency (1).

In addition, there is a risk of contamination if ketchup is produced in a factory where other gluten-containing products are also manufactured (1,3).

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Ketchup is naturally gluten-free, as long as it is made with distilled vinegar. However, the use of stabilizers or the production of other gluten-containing foods can contaminate it.

If you haveceliac disease, gluten sensitivity, or avoiding gluten for other reasons, the best way to ensure you buy gluten-free ketchup is to choose one labeled "gluten-free," "no gluten," "gluten-free" or "gluten-free." -free" ."

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all foods with these labels must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten – an amount considered safe and well tolerated by people who cannot digest gluten (2,3).

It also happens to be the lowest level that can be reliably detected in food (2).

However, labeling a product as gluten-free is voluntary. Therefore, the label may not be foundnaturally gluten-free products, as is the case with most ketchup.

Another way to check if your ketchup is gluten-free is to look at the ingredients and allergen claims. Manufacturers are required to indicate on the label whether a product contains major food allergens, including wheat or wheat-derived ingredients (4).

Here is a list of popular ketchup brands that are safe for people avoiding gluten:

• Heinz
• Annie's
• Frans
• Hellmans
• Organischville
• Heer Kensingtons
• Walden Farms
• Tessemaes
• Fody food
• McDonald's
• Trader Joe's

Still, some of these brands also produce other gluten-containing products, including gluten-containing ketchup, so be sure to check the labels.

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Look for a gluten-free label on your ketchup or read the ingredient list and allergen claims to make sure it is safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.

Ketchup does not contain wheat, barley or rye. It is therefore a naturally gluten-free product.

However, some brands use vinegar derived from wheat or produce their ketchup in a factory where other gluten-containing foods are made, which could contaminate them.

Look for a gluten-free label or check the ingredients list and allergen claims to make sure your favorite ketchup is gluten-free.

Keep in mind that although ketchup is gluten-free, it often contains a lot of glutenadded sugarand should therefore be consumed in moderation.