What Chicken Stocks are Gluten-Free?

Just three years ago it was common to find wheat in many chicken stocks. Slowly but surely companies have been removing gluten from many items, including stocks. There are still chicken stocks that contain gluten but with so many labeled gluten-free, everyone should be able to find a safe version in their local mainstream grocery store. One brand that still lists wheat on many of its stocks is College Inn but some other gluten-containing products exist as well. As always, read the label to ensure the brand you buy is gluten-free.

Swanson is a Campbell’s brand and the company recently created a website listing all their gluten-free items. When I checked the Swanson broths at my store, none were marked gluten-free, but the Campbells Without Gluten website lists seven Swanson stocks/broths as gluten-free. All Progresso stocks are gluten-free and don’t have added MSG. Though MSG is gluten-free, many people don’t consider it a healthy food additive. Most, if not all, of the Pacific Foods chicken stocks, are gluten-free, including the low-sodium version.

Both Pacific Foods and Progress stocks are marked gluten-free and if given the chance I will always buy gluten-free labeled items. I don’t do it because I don’t trust other vendors who say their products are gluten-free but do not label them that way. I purchase gluten-free labeled products because I want to support businesses that clearly want the business of gluten-free consumers.

Excerpt from the Progresso website regarding all their stocks:

• No preservatives
• No MSG
• Fat free
• No artificial flavors
• Gluten-Free
• 100% Natural

It’s far more common to find gluten in bouillon cubes these days, rather than in liquid stocks. Barley and rye are typically not used in making bouillon so look for wheat on the label. Herb Ox brand makes several gluten-free bouillon granules and they don’t have any added MSG either. Several of the bouillon cubes that are gluten-free do contain MSG. Obviously, one can make gluten-free chicken stock from scratch. Boil a chicken carcass and add carrots, celery, and onions to it. Salt is optional. It’s simple to make but most of us don’t have the time. Luckily, so many of the chicken stocks on the market today are gluten-free so we don’t have to.

These days it’s more common to run into gluten in chicken stock when dining out. Always question if rice or mashed potatoes have chicken stock in them if you are dining in an unfamiliar establishment. Many people order rice without asking questions, assuming rice is always gluten-free. Unfortunately, if rice and mashed potatoes are cooked in gluten-containing chicken stock, they are no longer gluten-free.

Enjoy your dressing for Thanksgiving made with one of the many gluten-free chicken stocks now available. The times are certainly changing for the better and that’s something we can all be thankful for!