Quick Answer
Many Arm & Hammer products are gluten-free, but not all. Arm & Hammer advises checking the ingredient list and allergen statement on individual products to confirm if they are gluten-free or not. Their baking soda is gluten-free.
For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue and more. That’s why it’s important for those with gluten-related disorders to choose products that are confirmed gluten-free. This article explores whether Arm & Hammer products contain gluten or not.
About Arm & Hammer
Arm & Hammer is a brand of baking soda, laundry detergent, and other household products. It was originally founded in 1846 and is now owned by Church & Dwight, a major consumer packaged goods company in the United States.
Some of Arm & Hammer’s most popular products include:
- Baking soda
- Laundry detergent
- Cat litter
- Oral care products
- Deodorant and antiperspirant
- Fabric softener
Arm & Hammer markets a range of household, personal care, and pet care products sold in various retail outlets. With their long history and wide product range, many consumers are curious if Arm & Hammer products are gluten-free or not.
Are Arm & Hammer Products Gluten-Free?
According to Arm & Hammer, many of their products are gluten-free but they advise checking the labels of individual products to confirm. This is because recipes and formulations can change over time.
On their website, Arm & Hammer states:
“Most ARM & HAMMER products do not contain gluten. However, recipes can change so we recommend you check the ingredient statement on the packaging and the allergen statement (if available) for any product sensitivities.”
So while many Arm & Hammer items do not contain gluten, they cannot guarantee the entire product line is gluten-free. It’s essential to check each product before purchasing and consuming.
Ingredient Lists
To determine if a product contains gluten, check the ingredient list for any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or oats. Some examples include:
- Wheat or wheat flour
- Barley or malt extract
- Rye
- Oats or oat fiber (unless certified gluten-free)
Avoid products that list any gluten-containing grain on the ingredient label.
Some products also contain an “Allergen Information” or “Contains Statement” that specifically lists if wheat, gluten or grain allergens are present. This can provide confirmation a product is gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Risk
Even if a product has no gluten ingredients, there is still a chance of cross-contamination occurring. This means gluten could accidentally get into the product during manufacturing, processing, or packaging.
Arm & Hammer does not address the risk of cross-contamination on their website. Those highly sensitive should contact the company directly to find out their testing procedures and protocols.
Arm & Hammer Products Typically Gluten-Free
Here are some Arm & Hammer products that are typically gluten-free, based on recent ingredient lists:
Baking Soda
Arm & Hammer baking soda contains just one ingredient: sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It’s made without any gluten-based ingredients, so plain baking soda is gluten-free.
Toothpaste
Most Arm & Hammer toothpastes do not contain gluten ingredients. However, a couple varieties (Tartar Control and Advanced White) do contain sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be derived from wheat.
Deodorant
Arm & Hammer deodorants, antiperspirants and body washes only contain ingredients like baking soda, fragrance, and Butane. They do not contain any gluten.
Cat Litter
The main ingredients in Arm & Hammer cat litters include sodium bentonite clay and silica dust. No gluten grains or additives.
Arm & Hammer Products Sometimes Containing Gluten
Some Arm & Hammer products contain gluten or may be at risk for cross-contamination:
Laundry Detergent
Most Arm & Hammer laundry detergents do not contain gluten. However, some varieties contain enzymes that could be derived from wheat or barley. Contact the company for more details.
Fabric Softener
Some Arm & Hammer fabric softeners contain wheat-based fragrance oils. Check labels closely.
Multi-Surface Cleaners
Certain multi-surface cleaners and disinfecting sprays contain quaternary ammonium compounds, which can be derived from wheat. Contact Arm & Hammer for confirmation.
Table Summary
| Product Line | Typically Gluten-Free | Sometimes Contains Gluten |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Yes | No |
| Toothpaste | Most varieties | Some varieties |
| Deodorant | Yes | No |
| Cat Litter | Yes | No |
| Laundry Detergent | Most varieties | Some varieties |
| Fabric Softener | Some varieties | Some varieties |
| Cleaning Products | Most varieties | Some varieties |
How to Check if a Product is Gluten-Free
To determine if an Arm & Hammer product is gluten-free, follow these steps:
- Carefully read the ingredient list and look for any mention of wheat, barley, rye or oat-derived ingredients.
- Check for an “Allergen Information” or “Contains” statement on the label.
- Search online to see if the product is listed as gluten-free on Arm & Hammer’s website or blogs.
- Contact the Arm & Hammer customer service department directly and ask about the product.
- If concerned about cross-contamination, contact Arm & Hammer and ask about their manufacturing procedures and testing protocols.
Checking both the ingredients and contacting the company provides the most reliable way to confirm if a product is gluten-free or not. Do not rely solely on front label claims, as the FDA does not regulate use of the term “gluten-free”.
Gluten-Free Labeling Regulations
In the United States, the FDA has set the following guidelines for when a product can be labeled as “gluten-free”:
- Must not contain any type of wheat, rye, barley or crossbred hybrids.
- May contain oats, but only if specifically tested and less than 20 ppm gluten.
- No ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains can be used.
- No detection of gluten during testing, or contains less than 20 ppm.
So if a product says “gluten-free” on the label, it has met the FDA’s strict standards. However, be aware that manufacturers aren’t required to label products “gluten-free” even if they are. Checking the ingredients is still important.
The FDA also allows the claims “no gluten”, “free of gluten”, and “without gluten” to be used in a truthful and not misleading manner on products. Terms like “wheat-free” don’t necessarily mean gluten-free.
Precautions for Gluten-Free Consumers
When purchasing Arm & Hammer products, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to take the following precautions:
- Thoroughly check ingredient lists every time, even for products purchased regularly, as formulations can change at any time.
- Look for gluten-free labeling or allergen statements.
- Verify gluten-free status directly with the manufacturer, especially if highly sensitive.
- Wash hands after using products, as cross-contamination can still occur from touching packaging.
- Get confirmation from Arm & Hammer that the product is made in a gluten-free facility or on shared equipment.
- Contact Arm & Hammer again if experiencing any symptoms after using a product.
Other Brands with Gluten-Free Options
In addition to Arm & Hammer, many other popular brands of household products also offer gluten-free options:
- Seventh Generation
- Mrs. Meyer’s
- Method
- Ecover
- Boulder Clean
- Puracy
- Cleancult
- MamaSuds
- Grab Green
Check their products closely as well, as formulations can vary. Contact the companies with any questions.
Support Groups and Resources
Here are some useful resources for those managing gluten-related issues:
- Celiac Disease Foundation – celiac.org
- Gluten Intolerance Group – gluten.org
- National Celiac Association – nationalceliac.org
- Beyond Celiac – beyondceliac.org
- Gluten-Free Watchdog – glutenfreewatchdog.org
- Celiac Support Group – celiacsupport.org
- Glutenista – glutenista.com
These organizations provide support services, advocacy, gluten-free product listings, news, events and more for the gluten-free community.
The Bottom Line
Many Arm & Hammer products are gluten-free, but not all. The company recommends checking labels for gluten-containing ingredients and contacting Arm & Hammer directly for confirmation if needed. While their baking soda is gluten-free, some varieties of laundry detergent, fabric softener and cleaning products may contain gluten. Follow label guidelines and contact the manufacturer to ensure safety of their products. With proper precautions, many individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance can safely use Arm & Hammer items.
