How to Spot Gluten in Sauce Labels

If you need to avoid gluten in sauces, here’s what to know:

• Scan ingredient lists: Watch for wheat, barley, rye, or hidden sources like malt flavoring, modified food starch (from wheat), or hydrolyzed protein.
• Look for gluten-free labels: Certified Gluten-Free seals or FDA-compliant gluten-free statements ensure safety.
• Beware of cross-contamination: Avoid products with warnings like "Made in a facility that processes wheat."

For safe choices, stick to certified gluten-free sauces from trusted brands like Taste Flavor Co. Always double-check labels, as ingredients and processes can change.

Here are 3 Must-Know TIPS when reading GLUTEN-FREE ...

Gluten Basics

Gluten is a protein naturally found in certain grains, and it plays a key role in giving foods their texture and elasticity. If you're following a gluten-free diet, it's important to know which grains contain gluten and how to spot hidden sources.

Common Gluten Sources

Grains like wheat, barley, and rye are primary sources of gluten and are often used as thickeners in sauces.

Grain	Common Forms Found in Sauces
Wheat	Flour, wheat starch, wheat protein
Barley	Malt flavoring, malt vinegar, brewer's yeast
Rye	Flour, cereal extract

Understanding these ingredients is the first step in avoiding gluten.

Hidden Gluten in Sauces

Gluten can sneak into sauces under less obvious names. For example, modified food starch might come from wheat unless specifically labeled as non-wheat. In the U.S., maltodextrin is usually gluten-free, but check the source if the product is imported. Similarly, hydrolyzed protein can sometimes contain gluten.

To stay safe, opt for sauces clearly labeled as gluten-free, like those offered by brands such as Taste Flavor Co., which are specifically made without hidden gluten.

sbb-itb-f97e3b5

Reading Sauce Labels

Learn how to spot hidden gluten in sauces by focusing on ingredient lists, labels, and potential cross-contamination warnings.

Understanding Ingredients

Check for ingredients that might contain gluten, from obvious wheat-based items to less apparent sources. Ingredients are listed by weight, so pay close attention to the first few items. If you're unsure about something, reach out to the manufacturer for clarity. Knowing the ingredients is the first step toward understanding gluten-free certifications.

Gluten-Free Labels

Look for products with a Certified Gluten-Free seal, an FDA-compliant gluten-free statement, or a "No Gluten Ingredients" label. These ensure the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Brands like Taste Flavor Co. follow these strict standards to certify their sauces ^[1].

Cross-Contamination Risks

Even if the ingredient list looks safe, the way a product is made can still pose risks. Be cautious of warnings like:

• "Made in a facility that also processes wheat"
• "Manufactured on shared equipment with wheat-containing products"
• "May contain traces of wheat"

These statements signal possible cross-contamination. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, stick to products made in dedicated gluten-free facilities or those with third-party certifications. Combining label reading with knowledge of production practices can help you make safer choices.

If you're ever in doubt about an ingredient or a product's manufacturing process, either contact the manufacturer directly or opt for certified gluten-free options.

Choosing Safe Sauces

Certified Brands

Stick with sauces from brands that operate in dedicated gluten-free facilities. For example, Taste Flavor Co offers gluten-free options like Spicy Garlic Parm, Hot Honey Sriracha, Cherry Smoked BBQ, Buffalo Blue Cheese, and Sweet Honey Mustard. These are made under strict production guidelines to ensure safety.

Checking New Ingredients

When trying sauces with unfamiliar ingredients, take these steps to ensure they’re safe:

• Look up the ingredient’s source to confirm it’s gluten-free.
• Reach out to the manufacturer for clarification.
• Use trusted gluten-free databases for additional verification.

When to Skip a Product

Some sauces raise red flags that make them risky for those avoiding gluten. Watch out for these:

Warning Sign	Why It’s Risky
Ambiguous Labels	Lack of clear gluten-free certification or detailed ingredient information.
Shared Equipment	Made on equipment also used for gluten-containing products.
Unclear Ingredients	Terms like "natural flavors" or "spices" without specifics.
Missing Certification	No third-party gluten-free verification on the label.

If you spot any of these issues or feel unsure about a product’s gluten-free status, it’s best to pick a certified alternative. Even small amounts of gluten can cause problems for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, so choosing carefully is essential.

Conclusion

Pay close attention to labels to stick to a gluten-free diet without losing out on flavor. Knowing what to look for helps you pick sauces with confidence.

Facilities dedicated to gluten-free production provide the highest level of safety. For example, Taste Flavor Co follows strict gluten-free manufacturing practices, using real ingredients to create flavorful sauces that meet dietary needs.

When in doubt, go for a certified gluten-free option. Keep in mind that manufacturers can change ingredients or processes, so reading labels regularly is crucial. As Taste Flavor Co explains:

"We created lower-calorie but just-as-good versions of our favorite sauces so we can fuel our bodies with nutritious food, without depriving ourselves of delicious meals." ^[1]