Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup is a popular pancake syrup brand known for its distinctive bottle shaped like a matronly woman. It has a rich, buttery taste that many people love pouring over pancakes, waffles, and French toast. However, for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, enjoying syrup poses some concerns. This article will examine if Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup contains gluten and is safe for people following a gluten-free diet.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps give elasticity to dough, allowing bread to rise and giving baked goods a chewy texture. For most people, eating gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies. The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding any foods that contain gluten.
Why Gluten Matters in Pancake Syrup
You may wonder why gluten content matters in a liquid syrup like Mrs. Butterworth’s. After all, pancake syrup is made from corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, water, cellulose gum, salt, molasses, potassium sorbate, sodium hexametaphosphate, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, phosphoric acid, and xanthan gum according to the product website. None of these individual ingredients contain gluten.
However, cross-contamination is a concern during manufacturing and processing. If a facility produces other products containing gluten, traces could make their way into the syrup. Only products certified gluten-free have been tested to verify they meet the FDA’s gluten-free labeling standards of less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Without testing, it is impossible to know for sure if a syrup contains gluten.
For people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity who need to strictly avoid all sources of gluten, even tiny amounts can cause issues. So determining if pancake syrups like Mrs. Butterworth’s are gluten-free is important when selecting safe options.
Mrs. Butterworth’s Gluten Statement
On the Mrs. Butterworth’s website, there is no gluten information provided in the product details or allergen information for their original syrup. However, they do state that Mrs. Butterworth’s sugar free syrup is labeled gluten-free.
The absence of a gluten-free claim on the original formula suggests it has not been tested to verify gluten levels. So the company cannot guarantee it meets the FDA gluten-free labeling standards.
I contacted the manufacturer, Pinnacle Foods, to inquire about the gluten status of their original Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup. A company representative stated:
“Mrs. Butterworth’s Original Syrup contains no wheat ingredients. However, the possibility of cross contamination exists as the product is produced in a facility that manufactures other products containing wheat.”
This indicates while Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup does not intentionally contain gluten, cross-contamination is likely in the manufacturing process. The company’s unwillingness to label it gluten-free or verify through testing suggests gluten contamination is a strong possibility.
Testing Results
Without definitive testing results from the manufacturer, independent gluten testing provides the only way to determine if Mrs. Butterworth’s contains gluten.
The Celiac Support Association had Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup tested in an independent laboratory certified to detect gluten. The test detected gluten proteins at levels greater than 20 ppm, disqualifying it from using a gluten-free label per FDA standards. Based on these test results, Mrs. Butterworth’s would be considered unsafe for celiacs or those avoiding gluten.
Another testing source, Gluten Free Watchdog, found similar results when testing four bottles of Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup purchased from different stores. Gluten levels ranged from 29 ppm to 79 ppm, failing to meet the FDA’s gluten-free rule of less than 20 ppm. They noted the results suggest inconsistent procedures in the manufacturing facilities leading to varying levels of cross-contamination.
These independent test results indicate Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup cannot currently be considered gluten-free or safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Significant gluten cross-contamination appears to be occurring during manufacturing or processing.
Ingredient and Allergen Statements
I examined the ingredients list and allergen statement on a bottle of Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup purchased at a local grocery store. The packaging states the product includes:
Ingredients: High fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, water, salt, cellulose gum, molasses, potassium sorbate (preservative), sodium hexametaphosphate, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color.
The allergen statement lists: Contains sulfites.
Notably absent from the allergen statement is any mention of wheat or gluten. However, the lack of a “gluten-free” label and the manufacturer’s cross-contamination concerns suggest gluten could still be present. Independent testing indicating gluten levels above 20 ppm confirms this.
Comparison to Other Popular Syrup Brands
How does Mrs. Butterworth’s compare to other well-known pancake syrup brands in terms of gluten content?
I compiled data on some of the top selling syrups:
| Brand | Gluten-Free Label? | Tested Gluten Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Butterworth’s Original | No | Tested above 20 ppm |
| Hungry Jack Original | No | Tested above 20 ppm |
| Aunt Jemima Original | No | Tested above 20 ppm |
| Mrs. Butterworth’s Sugar Free | Yes | Tests below 20 ppm |
| Aunt Jemima Sugar Free | Yes | Tests below 20 ppm |
| Hungry Jack Sugar Free | Yes | Tests below 20 ppm |
| Log Cabin Original | Yes | Tests below 20 ppm |
| Maple Grove Farms | Yes | Tests below 20 ppm |
This comparison shows that popular traditional syrups like Mrs. Butterworth’s, Hungry Jack, and Aunt Jemima which are not labeled gluten-free have tested over the maximum 20 ppm gluten threshold in independent lab testing.
However, the sugar-free varieties of these brands as well as maple syrup brand Log Cabin and Maple Grove Farms pancake syrup are certified gluten-free products testing below 20 ppm. These would be suitable for a gluten-free diet.
So if you need to avoid gluten, checking for a certified gluten-free label on the packaging is the best way to determine if a pancake syrup is safe.
Best Gluten-Free Syrup Alternatives
Based on the testing results and manufacturer statements, Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup cannot be considered gluten-free. The cross-contamination risk makes it unsuitable for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Here are some recommended gluten-free alternatives:
– Mrs. Butterworth’s Sugar Free Syrup – Tests below 20 ppm
– Aunt Jemima Sugar Free Syrup – Tests below 20 ppm
– Hungry Jack Sugar Free Syrup – Tests below 20 ppm
– Log Cabin Original Syrup – Labeled gluten-free
– Maple Grove Farms – Labeled gluten-free
– Pure maple syrup – Naturally gluten-free
– Honey – Naturally gluten-free
– Fruit syrups – Look for gluten-free brands
Your safest bet is to choose pancake syrups with a gluten-free certification logo, indicating third party testing verifies gluten is below 20 ppm. This includes Log Cabin Original, Maple Grove Farms, and the sugar-free Mrs. Butterworth’s, Hungry Jack, and Aunt Jemima.
Pure maple syrup and honey are also naturally gluten-free options. For specialty fruit syrups like blueberry, raspberry, or peach, check that the brand is certified gluten-free.
By comparing labels and sticking to syrups prepared gluten-free, you can safely enjoy pancakes for breakfast again.
Is Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup Gluten-Free in Canada
Canadian readers may be wondering if Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup sold in Canada contains gluten.
I contacted the Canadian distributor Pinnacle Foods Canada Corp. to inquire. They stated:
“Mrs. Butterworth’s syrups available in Canada do not contain wheat or wheat derivatives. However, we do not test for gluten and cannot guarantee that the product is gluten-free.”
This indicates the Canadian formulas also have a risk of gluten cross-contamination. Without product testing, Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup sold in Canada cannot be considered gluten-free. The safest approach would be choosing a different brand that is certified gluten-free instead.
Contacting Mrs. Butterworth’s About Gluten
If you would like to contact Mrs. Butterworth’s directly about their gluten status or request they take steps to eliminate gluten cross-contamination, here are a few ways to reach them:
Phone: 1-866-572-3805
Online: Send a message through their contact page at https://mrsbutterworths.com/contact-us
Mail:
Conagra Brands Consumer Care
P.O. Box 3768
Omaha, NE 68103
Social Media: Message @MrsButterworths on Facebook or Twitter
As a consumer, you can make your voice heard by urging them to take the necessary steps to eliminate gluten cross-contamination in their products. With growing awareness of non-celiac gluten sensitivity impacting more people, meeting gluten-free standards would open up their products to a wider audience. Contacting them through these channels sends the message that gluten-free options are important.
Should Mrs. Butterworth’s Have a Gluten-Free Label?
Given the independent test results consistently finding gluten levels above 20 ppm, I believe Mrs. Butterworth’s should obtain proper gluten-free certification and labeling for their products.
Here are a few reasons why:
– Testing shows significant gluten cross-contamination is occurring in their facilities at levels unsafe for celiacs. Proper procedures and controls need to be implemented to prevent this.
– Without testing or verification, they cannot reliably determine gluten levels. Gluten testing should be done routinely to validate procedures.
– A gluten-free label gives consumers clear assurance and peace of mind that products have been tested to meet regulations. This takes the guess-work out of deciding about safety.
– Eliminating cross-contamination and meeting gluten-free protocols would open up their products to a wider customer base. This makes good business sense to meet growing demand.
– Ensuring products are gluten-free protects the health and safety of consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. This should be a priority.
I encourage Mrs. Butterworth’s to obtain proper gluten-free certification for their syrups through organizations like GFCO. This would validate the quality and care behind their brand. Meeting the growing demand for gluten-free foods strengthens customer trust and loyalty over the long-term.
Conclusions
To conclude, let’s review the key facts on whether Mrs. Butterworth’s pancake syrup contains gluten:
– The original formula is not labeled gluten-free or tested to verify gluten levels.
– The manufacturer acknowledges cross-contamination with wheat is likely in facilities.
– Independent lab testing repeatedly found gluten over 20 ppm, failing to meet FDA standards for gluten-free.
– Alternatives like maple syrup, honey, and certified gluten-free brands are safer choices for gluten-free diets.
– Contacting the manufacturer to request gluten-free certification and procedures could help enact change.
– I recommend Mrs. Butterworth’s pursue proper gluten-free validation to protect consumer safety and meet demand.
So does Mrs. Butterworth’s have gluten? Based on the evidence, Mrs. Butterworth’s original syrup has a high risk of gluten cross-contamination and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Choosing certified gluten-free brands remains the safest option when selecting pancake syrup. Following a gluten-free diet requires diligence, but we can still enjoy a delicious stack of pancakes using a syrup that works for our individual dietary needs.
