Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten-free diet, checking labels and asking questions about ingredients is an important part of meal planning and buying groceries. One common question is whether popular pasta sauces like Bertolli vodka sauce are gluten-free.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a glue that helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a structural component. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that attacks the small intestine. This can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. For those with gluten sensitivity, avoiding gluten may help manage symptoms.
What makes a food product gluten-free?
For a food product to be considered gluten-free, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Foods with no wheat, barley, rye or triticale ingredients can be labeled “gluten-free” as long as they meet this requirement. Foods containing oats must contain pure oats that were not contaminated with gluten during growing and processing. The FDA oversees gluten-free food labeling in the United States. Manufacturers of gluten-free foods must ensure their products do not exceed the 20 ppm gluten threshold.
Does Bertolli vodka sauce contain gluten?
After reviewing the ingredients list and nutritional information for Bertolli vodka sauce, it does not contain any wheat, rye, barley or oats. The main ingredients include tomato puree, heavy cream, butter, onion, vodka and seasonings. Bertolli confirmed via email that their vodka sauce contains no gluten ingredients. They stated that all Bertolli pasta sauces are labeled “gluten-free” on the packaging to clearly communicate this to consumers who need or prefer gluten-free foods.
Ingredient list for Bertolli vodka sauce
| Ingredients |
|---|
| Tomato puree (water, tomato paste), heavy cream, butter (cream, salt), onions, vodka (distilled from grain), salt, dehydrated parsley, granulated garlic, black pepper. |
The main ingredients in Bertolli vodka sauce are naturally gluten-free. The vodka used is distilled from grain, meaning the distillation process removes the gluten protein from the original grain. The level of gluten in highly purified alcohol like vodka falls well below the 20 ppm cutoff for gluten-free labeling.
Is cross-contamination a risk with Bertolli vodka sauce?
When a food product contains no gluten ingredients, cross-contamination during processing and packaging can sometimes be a concern. If equipment or facilities also handle gluten-containing foods, trace amounts of gluten could make their way into the “gluten-free” product.
According to Bertolli, their vodka sauce is produced in a gluten-free facility using dedicated equipment that does not process gluten ingredients. They maintain careful quality control measures to prevent cross-contamination. This means it’s very unlikely that gluten would be introduced to Bertolli vodka sauce during manufacturing.
Summary of why Bertolli vodka sauce is gluten-free
- No gluten-containing ingredients
- Made in a gluten-free facility
- No risk of cross-contamination
- Labeled “gluten-free” on packaging
- Confirmed gluten-free by the manufacturer
Based on this information, Bertolli vodka sauce can be considered gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can feel comfortable consuming this product.
What about other Bertolli pasta sauces?
In addition to vodka sauce, Bertolli makes a variety of other pasta sauce flavors. According to the company, all Bertolli pasta sauces are gluten-free:
- Tomato & Basil
- Marinara
- Alfredo
- Roasted Garlic
- Three Cheese
- Winter Harvest
The main ingredients are similar across these sauces: tomatoes, cream, cheese, vegetables, seasonings and oils. None contain gluten ingredients. Bertolli states that sauces produced in the same facility follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you can choose from the range of Bertolli sauces with confidence they are gluten-free. Always check the label to confirm, as recipes can change over time.
Are other vodka sauce brands gluten-free?
While Bertolli vodka sauce is gluten-free, you should always check the label and ingredients when purchasing store brand or other brands of vodka sauce. Some may contain wheat flour or other gluten sources. Two other popular brands, Rao’s and Classico, both labeled their vodka sauce varieties as “gluten-free” on packaging. But always read the ingredients rather than relying on front-of-package claims.
Spotting gluten ingredients on a vodka sauce label
Watch out for these ingredients, which indicate the vodka sauce contains gluten:
- Wheat or wheat flour
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt or malt extract
- Oats (unless labeled gluten-free)
As long as the vodka sauce does not contain gluten grains or additives made from them, it should be gluten-free. Of course, you’ll also want to consider the potential for cross-contamination based on where and how the product was made. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to ask about their gluten-free status and policies.
Is Bertolli vodka sauce safe in a gluten-free diet?
Based on an evaluation of the ingredients, manufacturing process and labeling, Bertolli vodka sauce appears to be a safe choice for gluten-free diets:
- No gluten-containing ingredients
- Made in a dedicated gluten-free facility
- No risk of cross-contamination
- Labeled as “gluten-free” on the package
Unless you have an allergy to any of the other ingredients, Bertolli vodka sauce is unlikely to cause issues for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some individuals follow a gluten-free diet as a lifestyle choice even without celiac disease diagnosis. For these people too, Bertolli vodka sauce can be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free meal.
Precautions when including Bertolli vodka sauce in a gluten-free diet
While the vodka sauce itself is gluten-free, here are some precautions to take when using Bertolli vodka sauce on a gluten-free diet:
- Check labels to confirm gluten-free status with each purchase, as recipes can change
- Make sure to stir well before use in case ingredients separate
- Avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon or spatula each time
- Pair it with gluten-free pasta and avoid regular wheat pasta
- Add gluten-free protein sources like chicken, shrimp or vegetables
- Add gluten-free garnishes like parsley, Parmesan or red pepper flakes
By following basic kitchen safety practices, Bertolli vodka sauce can be used to prepare delicious gluten-free pasta dishes.
Can I use Bertolli vodka sauce on a whole30, paleo or vegan diet?
In addition to gluten-free diets, Bertolli vodka sauce may fit into some other diet plans:
Whole30
Most Bertolli pasta sauces, including vodka sauce, are Whole30 approved. Whole30 eliminates sugar, grains, dairy, legumes and more. The tomato-based vodka sauce contains no off-limit ingredients for Whole30 aside from small amounts of dairy (cream, butter). Those doing a 30-day Whole30 reset may wish to avoid it, but it can work for paleo followers doing Whole30 long-term.
Paleo diets
The paleo diet avoids modern processed foods, focusing on meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Since Bertolli vodka sauce mainly contains vegetables (tomatoes) and dairy from allowed sources like cream, it fits into a paleo eating plan. The vodka and minimal seasonings are also paleo-friendly.
Vegan diets
Those following a vegan diet do not consume dairy, eggs or other animal products. Bertolli vodka sauce contains both cream and butter, so it is not vegan-friendly. For a vegan vodka sauce, look for dairy-free recipes made with cashew cream or coconut milk instead.
So in summary, Bertolli vodka sauce is compatible with gluten-free, paleo and whole30 diets, but not suitable for vegans due to the dairy ingredients.
Gluten-free vodka sauce recipes
While Bertolli makes shopping easy by offering a gluten-free ready-made vodka sauce, it’s also simple to whip up homemade vodka sauce that’s safe for gluten-free diets. Here are a few recipes to try:
Traditional vodka sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer crushed tomatoes 15 minutes. Reduce heat and stir in remaining ingredients until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes before serving over gluten-free pasta.
Vodka sauce with sausage
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet over medium high heat, cook sausage until no longer pink. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add vodka and simmer to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Shrimp vodka sauce
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 12 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbsp. chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet over medium heat, cook shrimp just until pink. Remove shrimp and set aside. Add garlic to pan and cook 1 minute. Add vodka and simmer to reduce slightly. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes. Return shrimp to sauce and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
These recipes keep meals exciting by offering new gluten-free takes on classic vodka sauce. Feel free to customize them with vegetables, different protein sources or extra seasonings.
Is vodka sauce healthier than Alfredo sauce?
When it comes to creamy pasta sauces, vodka sauce and Alfredo sauce are among the most popular. But which one is healthier? Here’s a nutritional comparison:
Nutrition facts per 1/2 cup serving
| Sauce | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bertolli vodka sauce | 180 | 15g | 8g | 3g |
| Bertolli Alfredo sauce | 260 | 26g | 3g | 4g |
Comparing Bertolli vodka and Alfredo sauce, vodka sauce is lower in calories and fat. Alfredo sauce contains more saturated fat coming from sources like cream, butter and Parmesan cheese. Vodka sauce relies more on tomatoes as the first ingredient rather than heavy dairy.
Of course, ingredients vary slightly between brands. But in general vodka sauce includes more vegetables and less cheese than Alfredo, making it the lighter option. For the fewest calories, look for “light” vodka sauce made with low-fat dairy and extra vegetables.
So if you’re looking for a creamy pasta topper with a bit less fat and calories, vodka sauce is typically a healthier choice over Alfredo.
Should you avoid vodka sauce while pregnant?
Pasta with creamy vodka sauce can sound like an ideal comfort food when you’re expecting. But is it safe to eat vodka sauce during pregnancy? Here are some things for pregnant women to consider:
Alcohol content
Vodka sauce typically only contains a small amount of vodka. By the time it cooks down, most of the alcohol content burns off. A 1/2 cup serving likely contains less than 1/10th of an ounce of alcohol.
Experts say light alcohol intake like this is very unlikely to harm your baby. Large amounts are the real concern. As long as you consume vodka sauce in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet, it should not pose a risk.
Food safety
When pregnant, your immune system is weakened, so foodborne illnesses can hit harder. Make sure to heat vodka sauce to a full boil when cooking. Only consume it once steaming hot. Avoid raw ingredients like unpasteurized dairy and undercooked eggs.
Also be diligent about food storage. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 165°F before eating again. This helps destroy any dangerous bacteria.
Nutrition
Vodka sauce supplies vitamins and nutrients from the tomato puree. Pair it with whole grain pasta, vegetables, lean protein and a salad for a balanced meal. Watch your overall fat intake as excess unhealthy fats are linked with pregnancy complications. Stick with 1/2 cup vodka sauce per serving.
Food sensitivities
Some women develop new food intolerances while pregnant. If you experience stomach upset, bloating or diarrhea after eating vodka sauce, you may wish to avoid it for the remainder of your pregnancy. Food sensitivities typically resolve after giving birth.
In most cases, there are no major concerns with moderate vodka sauce consumption during pregnancy. But check with your doctor if you have any questions or pregnancy complications. They can provide personalized advice on diet and nutrition.
Conclusion
Bertolli vodka sauce contains no gluten ingredients, making it a safe choice for gluten-free diets. The use of dedicated production lines and facilities prevents any cross-contamination with gluten. Bertolli vodka sauce is also lower in calories and fat compared to creamy Alfredo sauce, so it can be part of a healthy gluten-free diet. Pregnant women should take some basic precautions related to alcohol content, food safety and nutrition. But vodka sauce is unlikely to pose a major health risk. When stored and prepared properly, Bertolli vodka sauce can be enjoyed gluten-free, guilt-free and worry-free.
