Gluten Free Chicken Broth

Do you want delicious chicken broth but are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease? You need to make sure that the broth is safe for you or your loved ones to drink.

There are many products on the market that claim to be gluten-free, but how can you be sure? If you don't know what to look for, it's easy to accidentally purchase a product that contains gluten derivatives.

This guide will list the best gluten free chicken broths and explain how to make sure the broth is safe for people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.

If you want the simple answer, you can use a high quality chicken bone broth like the one from Bluebird Provisions because there are only two ingredients: water and chicken bones.

What is in Your Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is supposed to be made from real chicken meat and bones along with some aromatics, vegetables and herbs. However, with our industrialized food system, brands look to cut corners by adding filler ingredients and additives in place of real ingredients.

These fillers often contain gluten which are not what you are looking for if you are reading this article.

Some ready-made products may add 'natural flavors' or 'yeast extract.' Both of these can contain gluten, or similar derivatives that illicit allergic reactions in those who are sensitive. So be cautious if you're gluten-intolerant.

To make a simple broth, simmer the chicken bones, meat or carcasses in water for a few hours, strain the liquid and voila! Your broth is ready for use in varied dishes from soups to gravies.

Is chicken gluten free?

Yes, chicken is naturally gluten-free. However, gluten can sneak in through seasonings, marinades or if the chicken is cooked in a shared area with gluten-containing foods.

It is important to note that many store-bought chicken broths or chicken stocks can contain gluten due to additives, so always check the labels if you're buying pre-made.

Is Chicken Broth Gluten-Free?

Some chicken broth is gluten free and some is not. There are also filler ingredients that can have gluten in them, but not be labelled as gluten.

Brands are sneaky in this way and have developed clever ingredients that sound harmless but are not great for your gut health.

You have to know what to look for in the ingredient list to be sure you won't react to it. I'll provide a list of gluten free options below.

1. Some products contain gluten as an ingredient

Some of the most popular brands of chicken broth have gluten as an ingredient. Luckily, these are easy to spot on the ingredients list. Red flag ingredients to look out for are the following:

 

It is always a good idea to check the label for a gluten-free claim. But that being said, I've seen brands that make these claims but still have gluten containing ingredients.

For example, yeast extract or natural flavors can have gluten from barley. Also, steer clear of broths with the warning "may contain wheat" as this suggests possible cross-contamination during production.

You need to look at the fine print on the back of the package to spot this verbiage.

2. Filler ingredients to look out for that are NOT gluten free (Yeast, Natural Flavors)

Yeast extract or brewer's yeast and natural flavors are can contain gluten. Yeast, like the kind found in chicken broths, sometimes grows on barley, a gluten grain, making it non-gluten-free.

Natural flavors can be made from many different sources, including wheat, which again leads to gluten content.

The problem is that no one knows what 'natural flavors' and 'yeast extract' is. The brands do not have to disclose what is used to make these ingredients. So we do not know for certain that they are truly gluten free.

For example, a brand called Great Value, makes a chicken broth that has yeast extract, meaning it might be non-gluten-free. So check for gluten-free labels, or steer clear if unsure. Gluten can be sneaky, right?

3. Some brands are truly gluten-free

Some brands do a great job making gluten free chicken broth without any shady additives or fillers. Some of my favorites are Bluebird Provisions, Swanson, Kettle and Fire and Pacific Foods.

Tips for Celiacs when choosing Chicken Broth

There are two main tips for celiacs when choosing a chicken broth. These are to read the ingredient labels and check with the brand for possible cross contamination.

1. Read the ingredients label

Always check labels for the mention of "gluten-free" on the products you are looking at. It is even better if they have a gluten free certification on the product.

As always, you want to check for 'natural flavors' and 'yeast extract.' If your product does have these ingredients, then you need to look further on their website or call them to verify that it is gluten free as these might contain wheat or barley derivatives.

1. In general, you probably want to steer clear of anything with "artificial flavors" and "artificial colors" as a precaution.
2. You also want to understand that not all products from a brand are gluten-free; some products are gluten free but it does not mean their whole catalogue is.
3. I prefer low sodium bone broth and non-gmo options where possible. But do what is best for you. Opt for low-sodium or organic options if they better suit your dietary needs.
4. Check for the obvious offenders like wheat, barley, rye or malt.

2. Check for cross-contamination

Some products will be gluten free, but the problem is that they are made in the same facilities or using the same equipment as other products that do contain gluten. For this reason, you need to be careful for cross contamination.

You can always check with with the brand on their allergen program in place to ensure there is no risk of cross contamination in their facilities.

Is Swanson chicken broth gluten-free?

Yes, Swanson low sodium chicken broth is gluten-free. Although many of the other products are not gluten free.

Every batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it's safe for consumption, even for those with celiac disease. Alleged confusion might stem from non-Swanson brands containing gluten, so always check labels.

Can celiacs have chicken broth?

Yes, celiacs can typically have chicken broth, but you must be careful. Some brands of broth may contain gluten-based ingredients like wheat flour or yeast extract.

I recommend that you always read the labels and choose broth that is certified gluten-free to be safe. An even better option is to make your own chicken broth at home, so you have complete control over the ingredients used.

Which chicken broth is gluten free?

Some of the best gluten free chicken broths are made by Bluebird Provisions, Kettle & Fire, Collagen Inn and Kitchen Basics.

Is chicken bouillon gluten-free?

Chicken bouillon, a condensed version of chicken broth, may or may not be gluten-free, depending largely on the brand. While some brands like BOU, Herb-Ox, Savory Choice and Vogue Cuisine offer gluten-free options, numerous other brands might contain gluten or not provide clear labeling.

So, when shopping, you need to be vigilant, and remember to check the product's ingredient list for potential gluten-containing ingredients. An interesting example would be Knorr's Homestyle Chicken Stock and Flavour Boost - both are gluten-free options. But remember, gluten-free labeling is a safe bet for avoiding cross contamination.

Closing Thoughts

When it comes to chicken broth, some store bought options are gluten free while some are not. If you’re looking for the best gluten-free chicken broth, I recommend Bluebird Provisions.

Their chicken bone broth is made with all-natural ingredients and is safe for people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Try it today and see for yourself how delicious it is!

Do you have any questions about chicken broth or gluten free options? Leave a comment and I'll get back to you asap.