Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause serious health issues. When shopping for canned diced tomatoes and chiles, it’s important for gluten-free consumers to choose products that are certified gluten-free.
What is Rotel?
Rotel is a brand of canned tomatoes and chiles owned by Conagra Brands. Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis consist of vine-ripened tomatoes, green chilis, and spices blended together. The diced tomatoes provide texture while the green chilis add a kick of heat and flavor. This combination makes Rotel a popular ingredient in dips, salsas, chilis, and other Tex-Mex dishes.
Are Regular Rotel Products Gluten-Free?
According to Rotel’s website, their regular canned diced tomatoes and green chilis are gluten-free. Rotel’s Frequently Asked Questions page states that all Rotel products, including their diced tomatoes and green chilis, are gluten-free.
However, it’s important to note that Rotel’s FAQ refers to products not containing wheat as gluten-free. The absence of wheat does not necessarily mean a product is gluten-free, since barley and rye also contain gluten. Rotel’s website does not indicate that their products are tested to verify non-detectable levels of gluten.
Importance of Third-Party Certification
For people who need to strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet, third-party certification is the best way to verify the gluten-free status of a product. There are several organizations that provide independent gluten-free certification in the United States:
- Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)
- Quality Assurance International (QAI)
- NSF Gluten-Free Certification Program
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
Products certified by these organizations have been rigorously tested to confirm gluten levels below 10-20 parts per million. Rotel’s canned diced tomatoes and green chilis do not appear to be certified gluten-free by any third-party organization.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if ingredients themselves are gluten-free, cross-contamination during processing can introduce small amounts of gluten. Factors that increase the risk of cross-contamination include:
- Shared equipment with gluten-containing products
- Shared manufacturing facilities
- Use of wheat-based starches
Rotel’s website does not provide any information about steps taken to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. This means there could be a risk of gluten exposure for sensitive individuals.
Other Considerations
Aside from the actual diced tomatoes and green chilis, it’s important to evaluate other ingredients in Rotel products. Some versions contain ingredients like wheat flour or maltodextrin, which are not gluten-free. Carefully reading ingredient lists is necessary.
There are also shelf-life considerations. Even if a product is gluten-free, gluten contamination can occur over time due to factors like shared warehouse storage. Consuming products quickly reduces this risk.
Safest Options for Gluten-Free Consumers
The safest options for gluten-free consumers include Rotel products that:
- Are certified gluten-free by a third party
- Contain only single ingredient foods like tomatoes, chilis, onions, etc.
- Have short ingredient lists and avoid grains or starches
- Are purchased and consumed quickly to reduce shelf-life contamination risk
At this time, Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis do not appear to be third-party certified gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution and check with the company if they have any concerns.
Contacting Rotel
The most definitive way to determine if Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis are gluten-free is to contact the company directly. Consumers can call Rotel at 1-800-240-4700 or email them at [email protected] to inquire about testing procedures and certification. This provides the opportunity to ask questions and get information straight from the manufacturer.
Other Gluten-Free Options
There are other brands of diced tomatoes and green chilies that are certified gluten-free, which can offer more assurance:
| Brand | Product | Certification |
|---|---|---|
| Muir Glen | Organic Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles | GFCO Certified Gluten-Free |
| Amy’s | Light in Sodium Tomato and Green Chiles Soup | GFCO Certified Gluten-Free |
| Pacific Foods | Organic Tomato & Green Chili Soup | NSF Gluten-Free Certified |
There are also many recipes available online to make homemade diced tomatoes and green chiles from scratch using single-ingredient foods. This allows for total control over the ingredients.
Is Canned Diced Tomatoes Gluten-Free?
Plain canned diced tomatoes without spices or other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Leading brands of canned diced tomatoes including Hunt’s, Contadina, and Muir Glen are all certified gluten-free:
- Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes – GFCO Certified Gluten-Free
- Contadina Diced Tomatoes – GFCO Certified Gluten-Free
- Muir Glen Diced Tomatoes – GFCO Certified Gluten-Free
These single ingredient diced tomatoes avoid the uncertainty of mixed products like Rotel. All reputable brands test their facilities and equipment for cross-contact with gluten. This makes plain canned diced tomatoes a reliably gluten-free option.
Are All Green Chilis Gluten-Free?
Green chilis on their own are naturally gluten-free. Whole, unprocessed green chilis don’t contain any gluten. However, the final product can pick up traces of gluten during growing, processing, or manufacturing:
- Cross-contamination from wheat/gluten may occur during growing and harvesting if rotating crop fields.
- Shared equipment that processes wheat. Green chilis may be processed on lines shared with wheat tortillas or chips.
- Use of maltodextrin, wheat starch, or other gluten grain fillers during processing of canned or jarred chilis.
When choosing canned or jarred green chilis, look for brands that are certified gluten-free to avoid potential issues. Some reliably gluten-free options include:
- Hatch Valley Green Chiles – Certified gluten-free by GIG
- Tesco Jalapeno Chilies – Tested gluten-free by Eurofins laboratory
- El Mexicano Green Chilies – Tested gluten-free by Covance Laboratories
For maximum freshness and control, you can also roast and peel your own green chilis purchased fresh during peak seasonal harvests.
Conclusion
Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilis may be gluten-free according to the manufacturer’s claims, but they are not certified gluten-free by an independent third party. This means there is some uncertainty and risk for people requiring a strict gluten-free diet.
The safest option is choosing certified gluten-free plain diced tomatoes and green chilis from other brands. Making your own diced tomato and green chili combo at home also allows you to control the ingredients. Contacting Rotel directly provides the chance to get definitive answers on their specific products.
Proper gluten-free diligence requires paying close attention to product labels, certifications, manufacturing procedures, and potential cross-contamination risks. When in doubt, reach out to manufacturers so you can make informed choices.
