Quick Answer
Most Gardenburger products are gluten-free, but some contain gluten from ingredients like wheat gluten or barley. Always check the ingredients list on each specific product to determine if it is gluten-free. The Gardenburger black bean chipotle burger and veggie medley burger are two of their gluten-free options.
Ingredients That Contain Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Any Gardenburger product that contains one of these gluten-containing ingredients is not gluten-free:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Wheat gluten
- Barley malt
Even small amounts of these ingredients can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. When in doubt, check the specific product’s ingredient list carefully.
Gardenburger Products Without Gluten Ingredients
Many Gardenburger products are made without gluten-containing grains and are safe options for a gluten-free diet:
- Black Bean Chipotle Burger
- Veggie Medley Burger
- Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
- Portabella Mushroom Burger
- Roasted Garlic Burger
Again, always double check the ingredients list printed on the packaging, as formulations can change over time. As long as none of the major allergen-containing grains are listed, these products should be gluten-free.
Why Gluten Matters
Gluten is the main protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It helps give dough its elasticity and chewy texture. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten.
For those with celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies if left untreated. Following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet is the only treatment.
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience uncomfortable symptoms when they eat gluten, but do not have the same autoimmune reaction or intestinal damage as those with celiac disease. A gluten-free diet helps improve their symptoms.
Around 1% of the population has celiac disease. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity may affect up to 13% of people. The gluten-free diet market has expanded greatly to meet consumer demand.
Cross-Contact Risk
Even if a burger product itself is gluten-free, there is still a risk of cross-contact with gluten during manufacturing. Trace amounts can get into the final product.
Gardenburger states on its website:
“Gardenburger products are manufactured in facilities that also process wheat, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, soy and egg ingredients. There is a possibility of cross-contact or cross-contamination with these ingredients.”
So those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity may still want to use caution and check with their doctor before consuming Gardenburger products labeled gluten-free. The brand cannot guarantee absolutely no trace gluten.
Other Allergens Besides Gluten
While many Gardenburger products are gluten-free, they often contain other major food allergens:
- Soy – Soy protein is used as a main ingredient in plant-based burger products like Gardenburger.
- Dairy – Some contain small amounts of cheese or milk-based ingredients.
- Eggs – May be used as a binder.
Always carefully review the allergen statement for each individual product. Do not consume any product containing an allergen that you need to avoid.
Gluten-Free Labeling
In order for a food product to be labeled “gluten-free” in the United States, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This very low threshold is considered safe for those with celiac disease per the FDA gluten-free food labeling guidelines.
While some Gardenburger products are gluten-free based on their ingredient list, the brand doesn’t label any products as “gluten-free” on the packaging. This may be because the manufacturing facilities are not dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity who have tried Gardenburger products:
“I’ve been loving the black bean chipotle burger recently as my go-to gluten free option from Gardenburger. No issues so far and it tastes great.”
“I stick to the plain veggie burger and it’s always been safe for me. Way better texture and flavor than other GF veggie burgers out there.”
“I noticed I kept getting sick after eating their burgers labeled GF. Come to find out it was cross contamination. My doctor said I have to avoid them altogether now.”
“The sweet potato black bean burgers became my favorite GF find last summer. Perfect with just some lettuce and tomato on a bun.”
Experiences can really vary based on individual sensitivity levels. Some celiacs seem to handle trace amounts just fine, while others get sick.
Alternative Gluten-Free Veggie Burger Brands
For those who can’t find a Gardenburger product that works for their diet or want to avoid the risk of cross-contact, here are some other gluten-free veggie burger brands to consider:
- Beyond Meat
- Impossible
- Dr. Praeger’s
- Trader Joe’s
- Good Catch
- Alpha Foods
- Field Roast
Carefully checking the ingredients and allergen statements remains important with any product. But these brands offer dedicated gluten-free options.
Availability of Gardenburger Products
Gardenburger products are sold in many major grocery chains in the refrigerated veggie burger section, including:
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Publix
- Sprouts
- HEB
- Harris Teeter
You can use the store locator tool on Gardenburger.com to find a retailer near you. The products are also available online from sites like Instacart and Amazon Fresh.
At restaurants, you may find Gardenburger veggie burgers on the menu at chains like Red Robin, Bareburger, BurgerFi and others. Check with the restaurant for gluten-free preparation options.
Nutrition Info for Gluten-Free Options
If you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to still consider the overall nutrition profile of veggie burger products. Here is a nutrition comparison of two of Gardenburger’s gluten-free options:
Gardenburger Black Bean Chipotle Burger
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fibre | 5g |
Gardenburger Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
| Calories | 100 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Carbs | 15g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fibre | 5g |
The black bean chipotle burger is a bit higher in protein and calories. The sweet potato black bean burger has slightly less fat. Both provide a good amount of fiber.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Veggie Burgers
Another option is to prepare homemade gluten-free veggie burgers. This gives you total control over the ingredients. Here is a simple recipe to try:
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup finely diced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or GF panko crumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mash the black beans well until a thick paste forms.
- Stir in the mushrooms, onions, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into patties, making them about 1/2 inch thick.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 2-3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
Serve homemade black bean veggie burgers on gluten-free buns with your favorite toppings and condiments. They are also delicious served over a salad.
Conclusion
When choosing a veggie burger option on a gluten-free diet, Gardenburger offers some gluten-free friendly products to consider, like the black bean chipotle and sweet potato black bean burgers. However, the risk of cross-contact during manufacturing is a concern for those highly sensitive. Checking labels carefully and/or choosing another dedicated gluten-free brand may be safer options for some. With homemade burgers, you can customize the ingredients to fit your diet perfectly. Overall, just be sure to thoroughly inspect the ingredients list of any manufactured food product to determine if it will work well for your gluten-free needs.
