Better Than Bouillon is a popular soup base made by the company McCormick. It comes in a variety of flavors like chicken, beef, vegetable, and more. Many people use Better Than Bouillon to easily make broth or to enhance the flavor of soups, gravies, rice, etc.
But an important question for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is: is Better Than Bouillon gluten-free? Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients and manufacturing process of Better Than Bouillon to find out.
What is Better Than Bouillon?
Better Than Bouillon is a concentrated paste that is made into a broth or sauce by mixing with hot water. It comes in jars and is shelf-stable.
Some key facts about Better Than Bouillon:
– It was introduced in 1990 and is made by McCormick & Company, one of the largest spice companies in the world.
– It’s thicker and pastier than regular broths and bouillon cubes.
– One teaspoon makes one cup of broth or sauce.
– It comes in over 15 flavors like chicken, beef, mushroom, vegetable, and more.
– Better Than Bouillon contains concentrated chicken or beef stock plus seasonings like onion, garlic, yeast extract, and salt.
– It has a strong flavor and is useful for quickly making broth, gravy, or sauce without needing to simmer bones and vegetables on the stovetop.
– It’s fat-free, certified kosher and halal.
– It has a shelf life of over 1 year when unopened.
So in summary, Better Than Bouillon is an instant concentrated broth product that makes cooking easier by skipping the step of having to prepare broth from scratch.
Does Better Than Bouillon Contain Gluten?
Better Than Bouillon does not contain any wheat-based ingredients and the company confirms that all flavors are gluten-free.
On their website, McCormick states that Better Than Bouillon is “gluten-free to 20ppm.” This means it contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Any product with less than 20 ppm of gluten can be labeled as gluten-free.
McCormick also states that all their products are made without wheat, barley, rye, or oats – the main sources of gluten.
Furthermore, if you look at the ingredients label of any Better Than Bouillon variety, it does not list wheat, barley, rye or other gluten sources. The main ingredients are broth or stock, salt, yeast extract, onion, garlic, and other flavorings like chicken fat or mushrooms depending on variety.
So based on the company’s statements and the product labels, Better Than Bouillon can be considered gluten-free.
Analysis of Key Ingredients in Better Than Bouillon
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the primary ingredients in Better Than Bouillon to assess for any hidden sources of gluten:
Yeast Extract
Better Than Bouillon contains yeast extract in the chicken, beef and vegetable bases. Yeast extract is a common ingredient used to provide umami taste.
Yeast extract is inherently gluten-free. It is made by autolyzing yeast cells until the cell walls break down into glutamates and nucleotides. These compounds give yeast extract its savory flavor. Since yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) does not contain gluten, the extract made from it is also gluten-free.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is used as a thickener in some varieties of Better Than Bouillon. Maltodextrin can sometimes be made from wheat but according to McCormick, the maltodextrin used in Better Than Bouillon is made from corn, rice or potato starch – not wheat. So the maltodextrin they use is gluten-free.
Soy Sauce Powder
The mushroom and roasted garlic bases contain soy sauce powder. Soy sauce can contain wheat but McCormick states their soy sauce powder is made using wheat-free soy sauce, making it gluten-free.
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
This ingredient shows up in the vegetable base. Hydrolyzed soy protein is made by breaking down soybean proteins into amino acids and peptides. It does not contain gluten.
Caramel Color
Some Better Than Bouillon varieties contain caramel color for brown coloration. Caramel color is produced by heating carbohydrates like glucose syrup or sucrose. It does not contain any gluten.
So in summary, a close look at the ingredients in Better Than Bouillon confirms that it does not contain any gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye or hidden forms of gluten.
Is Better Than Bouillon Made in a Facility with Wheat?
Even if a product has gluten-free ingredients, cross-contamination is still a risk if it is manufactured alongside wheat-based products.
According to McCormick & Company’s allergen information page, Better Than Bouillon is produced in a facility that also handles wheat.
However, McCormick states that any product containing allergenic ingredients like wheat is run on dedicated equipment that is thoroughly cleaned in between production runs. They follow rigorous quality control steps to avoid cross-contact.
So while Better Than Bouillon is made in a shared facility, McCormick seems to follow food safety protocols to prevent cross-contamination with wheat or other allergens. But individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergy are still advised to exercise caution.
Is Better Than Bouillon Certified Gluten-Free?
No, Better Than Bouillon is not certified gluten-free. It is produced in a shared facility and does not carry an independent gluten-free certification, like from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
However, as discussed, it still meets the requirements to be labeled gluten-free based on containing less than 20 ppm gluten and not containing any wheat-based ingredients. But certified gluten-free products provide an extra layer of assurance and testing.
What do Celiac Organizations Say about Better Than Bouillon?
Here are the recommendations from two leading celiac / gluten-free health organizations on Better Than Bouillon:
Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation states that Better Than Bouillon broth bases are gluten-free to at least 5 ppm based on testing by the company. They list it as a “safe” gluten-free brand.
However, they recommend those with celiac disease or wheat allergy avoid it due to the shared equipment with wheat-based products during manufacturing.
Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
GIG also lists Better Than Bouillon as gluten-free but containing an advisory statement:
“Advisory: Produced in a facility that manufactures products containing wheat.”
So GIG recognizes it as gluten-free but advises that it’s made on shared equipment. They leave it up to the individual to determine if they are comfortable with the cross-contact risk.
Is Better Than Bouillon Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
Whether Better Than Bouillon is safe for people with celiac disease depends on the individual’s sensitivity level.
Here are some factors to consider:
– Better Than Bouillon tests below 20 ppm gluten and does not contain wheat or barley based on the ingredients. This makes it safe for most people according to FDA standards.
– However, it’s produced on shared equipment with wheat. So there is some risk of cross-contamination at tiny levels.
– People with celiac disease need to avoid exposure to even small amounts of gluten. So this shared equipment may be a concern for more sensitive individuals.
– Those with milder symptoms or who have not experienced issues with other shared-equipment products are less likely to react.
– Using dedicated utensils and cooking equipment just for the Better Than Bouillon may help reduce contamination risks. As well as thorough cleaning of surfaces it touches.
– Consult your doctor or dietitian about your individual sensitivity level in consuming shared-equipment products. Some may recommend avoiding them altogether if you’ve reacted before.
So in summary – Better Than Bouillon tests below 20 ppm and is likely fine for less sensitive individuals. But there is no guarantee it is 100% gluten-free due to the shared equipment. Talk to your healthcare provider about your options.
Is Better Than Bouillon Safe for People with Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
For people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), the gluten cross-contact risk of Better Than Bouillon may also be a concern.
People with NCGS often need to follow a gluten-free diet to manage symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues. However, the threshold for gluten tolerance can vary widely in NCGS patients.
Some people with NCGS seem to be able to tolerate small amounts of gluten without reacting. While others need to strictly avoid any potential sources.
So for NCGS, it comes down to your individual sensitivity level and if you’ve reacted to similar “manufactured in a shared facility” products before. The tiny amounts of gluten through cross-contact may or may not trigger symptoms for you.
Tracking symptoms and eliminating other potential causes can help determine if Better Than Bouillon results in a reaction for you or not. As always, consulting your physician for guidance is recommended.
Is Better Than Bouillon Lab-Tested for Gluten?
Yes, McCormick & Company states that every batch of Better Than Bouillon is tested for gluten using the R5 Competitive ELISA method.
This lab test can accurately detect the presence of gluten down to 5-10 parts per million. So this provides added assurance that Better Than Bouillon consistently tests below the 20 ppm gluten-free threshold.
McCormick also states that in addition to their in-house testing, Better Than Bouillon is periodically tested by independent third-party laboratories. This rigorous testing system confirms that gluten levels remain minimal.
However, some tiny trace gluten from manufacturing cross-contact could evade detection. Testing every single batch may miss intermittent contamination. But overall, the extensive gluten testing is a very positive sign.
Does Better Than Bouillon Have a Gluten-Free Label?
No, Better Than Bouillon products do not currently state “gluten-free” on the packaging. However, as discussed, they are still considered gluten-free based on meeting the under 20 ppm standard and not containing wheat-based ingredients.
McCormick has said they are working on adding a gluten-free label to Better Than Bouillon. This would provide clearer at-a-glance confirmation that the product is gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions. Hopefully the gluten-free label will appear soon.
In the meantime, you need to contact McCormick or check their website for confirmation on the gluten-free status of each Better Than Bouillon variety.
What Flavors of Better Than Bouillon Are Gluten-Free?
According to McCormick, ALL current flavors of Better Than Bouillon broth bases are gluten-free to at least 20 ppm:
– Beef
– Chicken
– Vegetable – Regular and Organic
– Ham
– Roast Garlic
– Roasted Chicken
– Mushroom
– Pork
– Turkey
– Fish
So you can feel confident that regardless of the Better Than Bouillon variety – whether chicken, beef, or vegetable – that they are all gluten-free. However, it’s always smart to double check with each new flavor introduced.
5 Tips for Safely Using Better Than Bouillon
Here are some tips for using Better Than Bouillon more safely if you need to avoid gluten:
1. Check labels – Always read the ingredients list and check with McCormick for the most up-to-date gluten information. Ingredients can change over time.
2. Use dedicated utensils – Use a clean spoon or scoop just for the Better Than Bouillon to prevent cross-contaminating with other items in your kitchen. Don’t “double-dip” with utensils that touched wheat-based foods.
3. Avoid splashing – Be careful when mixing the paste into hot water, so it doesn’t splash and contaminate your work area.
4. Wash surfaces – Thoroughly wash any counters, pots, pans or utensils that the Better Than Bouillon touched to remove any traces.
5. Use separate appliances – Make soup or gravy with the Better Than Bouillon in a blender or pan that’s totally gluten-free, not one used for gluten-containing foods.
Practicing conscientious kitchen habits can help you safely enjoy the ease and flavor of Better Than Bouillon, even with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Can I Make My Own Gluten-Free Bouillon?
For those who prefer to avoid even trace gluten from manufacturing cross-contact, making homemade gluten-free broth or bouillon is an option.
Homemade broth starts with water and meat, bones, or vegetables. Seasonings like salt, herbs, garlic, onion and celery can be added for flavor. Simmer the ingredients for 1-2 hours, then strain out the solids.
The resulting homemade broth is naturally gluten-free (as long as no soy sauce or wheat-based seasonings were added). You can reduce the broth to concentrate it and freeze for later use.
Making your own bouillon cubes or paste is also an option. Recipes combine broth with gelatin, salt, and dried herbs and veggies. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray or dehydrator to make cubes. Or cook down further into a paste for homemade Better Than Bouillon style bouillon.
Just be sure to avoid ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein in homemade bouillon. With natural, gluten-free ingredients, you can get all the convenience of bouillon without the uncertainty of store-bought versions.
The Bottom Line
So is Better Than Bouillon gluten-free? Here’s the final takeaway:
– Yes, all flavors of Better Than Bouillon test below 20 ppm gluten and do not contain wheat, barley, rye or oats.
– However, it’s produced on shared equipment with wheat, so trace amounts of cross-contact are possible.
– Most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity tolerate Better Than Bouillon. But those highly sensitive should exercise caution or avoid.
– Consult your doctor if uncertain about consuming shared equipment products.
– Follow proper kitchen protocols like using dedicated utensils and washing hands and surfaces when using Better Than Bouillon.
– Look for a gluten-free label on Better Than Bouillon products in the future for added assurance.
– Making your own bouillon from scratch is an option if you wish to eliminate any gluten uncertainty.
So in conclusion, Better Than Bouillon can be considered gluten-free by most standards and is well-tolerated by many gluten-free consumers. But some minimal risks exist, so make an informed decision based on your personal sensitivity and comfort level.
