Is Chicken Broth Gluten-Free?
Quick Answer
It depends on the brand. Swanson and Pacific say their chicken broth is gluten-free, but Campbell's condensed broth may contain wheat and some bouillon cubes contain it.
Not all chicken broth is safe — check the one you're holding.
The answer changes brand by brand. Photograph the actual label and get a clear safe, caution or unsafe answer in about three seconds.
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It depends on the brand. Swanson and Pacific say their chicken broth is gluten-free, but Campbell's condensed broth may contain wheat and some bouillon cubes contain it.
Key Takeaways
- •Safety Status: Varies by brand. Check labels carefully.
- •Hidden Risks: Cross-contamination in shared equipment, thickeners, or hidden barley/wheat additives.
- •Recommended Brands: Swanson Chicken Broth, Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth .
- •Safe Alternatives: Broth labeled gluten-free, Homemade stock.
The Bottom Line: Whether chicken broth is gluten-free depends on the specific brand and preparation. Some versions contain gluten while others are safe. Always check the ingredient label or scan it with Check Gluten's AI for instant verification. Source: Check Gluten. Last updated November 2026.
🌍 Regional Safety Checker
It depends on the brand. Swanson and Pacific say their chicken broth is gluten-free, but Campbell's condensed broth may contain wheat and some bouillon cubes contain it.
Chicken Broth is analyzed under general rules for this region. Plain chicken broth is chicken stock, vegetables, salt and seasoning. Swanson Chicken Broth (made by Campbell's) is described as "Gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients", with ingredients of chicken stock, salt, natural flavoring, mirepoix, chicken fat and yeast extract. Pacific Foods' Organic Free Range Chicken Broth says it is free of gluten.
The Full Answer
Plain chicken broth is chicken stock, vegetables, salt and seasoning. Swanson Chicken Broth (made by Campbell's) is described as "Gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients", with ingredients of chicken stock, salt, natural flavoring, mirepoix, chicken fat and yeast extract. Pacific Foods' Organic Free Range Chicken Broth says it is free of gluten.
Not every broth is the same. Campbell's Condensed Chicken Broth carries the warning "May Contain Traces Of Wheat". Bouillon cubes and powders are where wheat shows up most: a Signature Select (Albertsons store brand) chicken bouillon lists dehydrated soy sauce made with wheat and declares "Contains: wheat, soy." The Celiac Disease Foundation also notes that many soups contain barley.
For gravy, soup and stuffing at the holidays, buy a broth labeled gluten-free and read every bouillon or base.
Sources
- Swanson Chicken Broth (Campbell's product page)
“Gluten-free and made with non-GMO ingredients, it contains no added MSG”
- Swanson Chicken Broth — ingredients
“Ingredients Chicken Stock, Salt, Natural Flavoring, Mirepoix (Carrots, Celery, Onions), Chicken Fat, Yeast Extract.”
- Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth (Pacific Foods product page)
“USDA Certified Organic broth is made from non-GMO ingredients and free of gluten and fat.”
- Campbell's Condensed Chicken Broth (Campbell's product page)
“Contains: Soy May Contain Traces Of Wheat”
- Signature Select Chicken Bouillon Cubes (Albertsons product listing)
“Contains: wheat, soy.”
- Celiac Disease Foundation — Sources of Gluten
“Many soups also contain barley”
Hidden Gluten Risks in Chicken Broth
- ⚠Bouillon cubes and powders with soy sauce or wheat
- ⚠Condensed broths with a may-contain-wheat warning
- ⚠Soup bases and concentrates
- ⚠Restaurant soups made from a base
Safe Brands
- ✅ Swanson Chicken Broth
- ✅ Pacific Foods Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
Avoid These
- 🚫 Campbell's Condensed Chicken Broth (may contain wheat)
- 🚫 Signature Select Chicken Bouillon Cubes
Brand by brand: Is Campbell's gluten-free?
🛒 Shop Safe Brands
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Frequently Asked Questions
Not all chicken broth is safe — check the one you're holding
The answer changes brand by brand. Photograph the actual label and get a clear safe, caution or unsafe answer in about three seconds.
Related: Is This Gluten-Free?
Articles About Chicken Broth
Ingredients to understand
Label terms that come up with chicken broth — see what each really means for celiacs.
Celiac Safety Glossary
- Celiac disease
- Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten — a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's villi, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
- Gluten
- Gluten is a family of storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins) found naturally in cereal grains like wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, and farro), barley, and rye, which acts as a binder to give food elasticity and shape.
- Malt (Barley)
- Malt is fermented barley used as a flavoring or sweetener in cereals, chocolates, and beer; it is a major source of hidden gluten that is often overlooked on ingredient lists.
Sources & References
- FDA — Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods (21 CFR 101.91) — the U.S. under-20-ppm standard for "gluten-free" claims
- Celiac Disease Foundation — Gluten-Free Foods — which foods and ingredients are safe for celiacs
- Coeliac UK — Gluten-Free Diet & Lifestyle — UK/EU labeling rules and safe-food guidance
Brand gluten-free statuses reflect manufacturer information as of November 2026 and can change — always confirm on the current label.
About This Page
Check Gluten
Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources shown on this page — not by a doctor or dietitian. Confirm anything that matters with the label or the manufacturer.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to celiac disease. Read full disclaimer.