Sushi vs Tempura:
Which Is Gluten-Free?
Both are Japanese-restaurant staples with opposite answers. Sushi rice is naturally gluten-free (mind the soy sauce and imitation crab), while tempura is deep-fried in a wheat-flour batter.
Sushi is the safer celiac choice — Sushi depends on the brand or preparation, while Tempura contains gluten.
Verdicts last reviewed July 2026 · based on FDA gluten-free labeling rules and Celiac Disease Foundation guidance
Sushi
Sushi rice and plain fish are gluten-free. However, soy sauce, imitation crab, tempura crunch, and eel sauce usually contain wheat.
Watch out for:
- Imitation crab (wheat starch binder)
- Soy sauce (wheat)
- Eel sauce/unagi sauce (soy sauce base)
Tempura
No. Tempura batter is made from wheat flour, so traditional tempura contains gluten and is fried in shared oil.
Watch out for:
- Wheat-flour batter
- Shared deep fryers
- Tempura dipping sauce often contains regular soy sauce
Gluten-free swaps
Instead of Sushi:
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