Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular, with more people avoiding gluten for medical reasons or by choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to understand which foods contain gluten and which do not. One common food item that often raises questions is refried beans, specifically the traditional variety made by Rosarita.
In the opening paragraphs, let’s answer some key questions readers may have:
Are Rosarita traditional refried beans gluten-free? The short answer is yes, Rosarita traditional refried beans do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Rosarita states their traditional refried beans are gluten-free on their website.
What is gluten? Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot consume gluten because it damages their digestive system.
Why are people looking for gluten-free foods? Many people must follow gluten-free diets for medical reasons. Others choose to avoid gluten because they feel better without it. The market for gluten-free foods continues to grow.
Now let’s do a deeper dive into Rosarita’s traditional refried beans and look at relevant information for consumers interested in gluten-free diets.
About Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans
Rosarita is a brand of Mexican-style foods owned by Conagra Brands. Their traditional refried beans are a long-time pantry staple for making Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. Here are some key facts about Rosarita traditional refried beans:
- Made from cooked pinto beans mashed with oil and seasonings
- Comes in a 16-ounce can
- Shelf-stable at room temperature
- Distributed nationally in grocery stores
- Labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer
The traditional refried bean recipe contains pinto beans, vegetable oil (cottonseed, corn, and/or soybean), salt, and spices. It does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition label information for a 1/2 cup serving of Rosarita traditional refried beans:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 5g |
The nutrition label and ingredients list do not indicate any gluten-containing ingredients are present.
Why Rosarita Refried Beans Are Gluten-Free
There are several reasons why Rosarita’s traditional refried beans can be considered free of gluten:
- The main ingredient is pinto beans, which are naturally gluten-free
- No wheat, barley, rye or their derivatives are listed in the ingredients
- The beans are prepared in facilities that do not process gluten ingredients
- No cross-contamination risks have been identified in the supply chain
- The manufacturer expressly labels them as gluten-free
Beans are naturally gluten-free, meaning all varieties including pinto beans do not contain the gluten proteins. Gluten is only found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For this reason, foods made from ingredient like beans, legumes, seeds, and nuts are inherently gluten-free unless other gluten-containing ingredients are added. With Rosarita traditional refried beans, no such gluten-containing ingredients are added.
Why the Gluten-Free Label Matters
Rosarita’s decision to label their traditional refried beans as gluten-free on packaging reflects their manufacturing practices to avoid cross-contamination and verify the gluten-free status through testing. Any product labeled gluten-free must meet the FDA requirements of less than 20 parts per million of gluten. By putting the gluten-free label on their beans, Rosarita is assuring customers following gluten-free diets that their product meets safety standards.
Some people who are highly sensitive to gluten can react to very small amounts. The FDA’s gluten-free labeling rules were designed to protect these consumers. Rosarita’s adherence to good manufacturing practices prevents any inadvertent introduction of gluten throughout growing, harvesting, transportation, storage, and production.
Are All Brands of Refried Beans Gluten-Free?
While most varieties of plain canned refried beans like Rosarita’s traditional recipe are gluten-free, some flavored options may contain gluten. It depends on the additional ingredients added by the manufacturer. For example:
- Plain canned refried beans = gluten-free
- Refried beans with added wheat flour = contains gluten
- Refried beans with sausage or spices = could contain gluten depending on additives
Even within a single brand, some flavor varieties may be gluten-free while others are not. The best way to know if any particular canned refried bean product is gluten-free is to read the ingredients and labeling.
What About Homemade Refried Beans?
Refried beans made from scratch at home using dried pinto beans and gluten-free ingredients can also be prepared gluten-free. However, it’s important to watch for cross-contamination from equipment, utensils, and storage containers previously used for gluten-containing foods. Thorough washing is required.
Many packaged taco seasonings contain wheat flour or wheat starch, so be sure to use a gluten-free recipe or seasoning blend. Check ingredients carefully because taco or fajita seasoning mixes often contain gluten.
Are Rosarita Refried Beans Safe for Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity?
According to leading celiac disease and gluten intolerance organizations, most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can safely eat Rosarita traditional refried beans as labeled:
- Celiac Disease Foundation – Lists Rosarita refried beans as a gluten-free food option.
- Beyond Celiac – States certified gluten-free products like Rosarita’s are safe for most with celiac disease as long as no other gluten is added. Recommends double checking with your physician.
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) – Advises Rosarita traditional refried beans are a gluten-free menu choice based on current testing protocols.
Of course, personal tolerance levels can vary. Anyone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance who experiences adverse reactions from Rosarita refried beans should avoid consuming them.
Look for Gluten-Free Certification
In addition to the gluten-free labeling, some products go through third-party testing and certification. This provides added assurance and transparency about the steps taken to avoid gluten cross-contamination. Rosarita traditional refried beans are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
The GFCO is a program managed by the Gluten Intolerance Group. Certification means the GFCO has independently verified through audits and testing that Rosarita’s products meets the strict standards to be labeled gluten-free.
Consumers who want additional validation of the gluten-free claims can look for the GFCO’s certification logo on packaging.
Uses for Rosarita Gluten-Free Refried Beans
Once you’ve confirmed Rosarita traditional refried beans are gluten-free, what are some tasty ways to use them in recipes?
Here are a few favorite options:
- Tacos – spread on corn or gluten-free flour tortillas, or use as filling in crunchy taco shells
- Burritos & Enchiladas – rolled up in tortillas with cheese, veggies, salsa and more
- Nachos – pile on corn chips and add toppings
- Quesadillas – filled between tortillas with cheese and other fillings
- Tostadas – spread on flat corn tortillas layered with toppings
- Chilaquiles – fried tortilla pieces simmered in salsa with beans
- Breakfast – served with eggs, potatoes, bacon or sausage
- Soups & stews – added to gluten-free mixes like chili, posole, hominy
- Salads – on taco salads, Southwest chopped salads, in wraps
- Bowls – added to burrito bowls, grain bowls, Buddha bowls
- Snacks – with gluten-free corn chips or veggies
Rosarita traditional refried beans are extremely versatile for Mexican recipes, Tex-Mex dishes, and Southwest-style cuisine. Let your imagination run wild!
Finding Rosarita Refried Beans Gluten-Free
Rosarita traditional refried beans are easy to find in the Mexican food aisle of most major supermarkets nationwide. Popular stores where they can be purchased gluten-free include:
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Stop & Shop
- WinCo
- HEB
- Food Lion
- Giant
- BI-LO
Large retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco also carry Rosarita refried beans labeled gluten-free. Natural food chains such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s typically stock them as well.
When searching for gluten-free items, always double check the packaging. Manufacturers occasionally change product formulations or update packaging with new information.
Purchase Online
If you have trouble finding Rosarita traditional refried beans in local stores, they can also be ordered online. Many grocery delivery services carry them:
- Instacart
- Amazon
- Walmart
- FreshDirect
- Thrive Market
There are also online retailers that specialize in gluten-free groceries such as GlutenFreeMall.com.
Bottom Line
In summary, plain Rosarita traditional refried beans are considered gluten-free based on the ingredients, manufacturing processes, and third-party certification. They do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or gluten derivatives.
Always check the packaging when buying any product labeled gluten-free. While Rosarita traditional refried beans are gluten-free, some flavored varieties may contain gluten based on additional ingredients.
Most people who are sensitive to gluten can safely eat Rosarita’s traditional refried beans according to respected gluten intolerance organizations. Anyone with concerns should consult their healthcare provider.
With so many versatile uses, Rosarita’s gluten-free refried beans can be an integral staple when cooking delicious gluten-free Mexican cuisine. Keep these protein-packed beans stocked in the pantry!
