With the rising popularity of gluten free diets, many people are looking for canned tomato soups that are gluten free. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s important to find soups that are certified gluten free and avoid cross contamination. Here are quick answers to some common questions about gluten free canned tomato soups:
What brands of canned tomato soup are gluten free?
Many major soup brands offer gluten free canned tomato soup options, including:
– Amy’s Kitchen – All of Amy’s canned tomato soups are certified gluten free.
– Campbell’s – Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup and Campbell’s Organic Tomato Soup are labeled gluten free.
– Progresso – Progresso Traditional Tomato Soup and several other Progresso tomato soup varieties are gluten free.
– Pacific Foods – All of Pacific Foods’ organic tomato soups are certified gluten free.
– Imagine Foods – Imagine tomato soups are all gluten free.
– Wolfgang Puck – Wolfgang Puck organic tomato basil soup is gluten free.
– Shiners – All of Shiner’s tomato soup varieties are gluten free.
– Amy’s Kitchen and Pacific Foods tomato soups are processed in dedicated gluten free facilities, lowering the risk of cross contamination.
Are store brand canned tomato soups gluten free?
Store brand canned tomato soups are often gluten free, but you need to check the labels. Some store brands like Target’s Market Pantry tomato soup and Walmart’s Great Value tomato soup are labeled gluten free. But other store brands may contain wheat, barley or malt ingredients. Contact the store brand manufacturer if you are unsure about ingredients or facility processes. With store brands, there is an increased risk of cross contamination from shared equipment. The major soup brands above take extra precautions to avoid cross contamination.
What ingredients make canned tomato soup unsafe for a gluten free diet?
Canned tomato soups with these ingredients are not gluten free:
– Wheat or wheat flour
– Barley
– Rye
– Malt or malt extract
– Oats (unless certified gluten free)
Any soup containing these ingredients should be avoided on a gluten free diet due to the presence of gluten. Always check the ingredients list on canned tomato soup labels carefully. Also look for advisory statements like “made in a facility that also processes wheat products”.
Should canned tomato soup ingredients be a concern for cross contamination?
Yes, you need to consider the risk of cross contamination with canned tomato soup even if the ingredients look gluten free. Canned soups are often produced on shared equipment and in shared facilities with wheat-based soups. Soup cans may also be contaminated with gluten grains during the canning process. Opt for brands that are certified gluten free and specifically processed in dedicated gluten free facilities when possible. Campbell’s and Progresso soups are made in shared facilities, so there is some risk, while Amy’s and Pacific Foods have dedicated facilities.
What about condensed vs regular canned tomato soup?
Both condensed and regular varieties of canned tomato soup can be gluten free. However, condensed soups often contain flour as a thickening agent. Check the ingredients lists closely. Progresso’s condensed tomato soup contains wheat flour while Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup does not. Opt for regular tomato soup if you want to avoid thickeners completely. Brands like Amy’s Kitchen and Pacific Foods offer condensed tomato soups that are thickened with corn starch instead of wheat flour.
Should I look for a “gluten free” label on canned tomato soup?
Yes, looking for a “gluten free” certification label on the can is the best way to verify the soup is gluten free. Brands like Amy’s Kitchen and Pacific Foods label their soups as “Certified Gluten Free”. Other brands may just state “Gluten Free” on the ingredients panel of cans that are gluten free without an official certification.
Is it safe to eat canned tomato soup from the same facility as wheat products?
It depends. Soups made in shared facilities have an increased risk of gluten cross contamination. The presence of advisory statements like “made in a facility that also processes wheat products” indicates some risk. opt for dedicated gluten free facilities when possible. If you need to choose soups made in shared facilities, look for specific allergen controls around equipment cleaning and production schedules to reduce contamination risk.
What precautions are soup companies taking to avoid gluten cross contamination?
Responsible soup companies making gluten free claims take steps to avoid cross contamination including:
- Using dedicated equipment for gluten free production
- Rigorous cleaning protocols between production runs
- Gluten free storage and packaging areas
- Testing final products to validate gluten free status
Look for information on allergen controls on company websites or by contacting them directly if it’s not provided on the label.
Conclusion
When choosing canned tomato soups on a gluten free diet, check both the ingredients list carefully and look for a certified gluten free label from reputable brands like Amy’s Kitchen and Pacific Foods. Bigger brands like Campbell’s and Progresso make some gluten free varieties but there is more risk of cross contamination in shared facilities. Call companies directly if you have any concerns about ingredients or production processes. With the right precautions, people who are gluten free can still enjoy a steaming bowl of tomato soup!
| Brand | Tomato Soup Variety | Gluten Free? |
|---|---|---|
| Amy’s Kitchen | Organic Tomato Bisque | Yes |
| Campbell’s | Condensed Tomato Soup | Yes |
| Progresso | Traditional Tomato Soup | Yes |
| Pacific Foods | Organic Creamy Tomato Soup | Yes |
| Imagine Foods | Organic Creamy Tomato Soup | Yes |
| Whole Foods 365 | Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup | Yes |
| Trader Joe’s | Organic Tomato Soup | Yes |
| Wolfgang Puck | Organic Tomato Basil Soup | Yes |
Gluten Free Shopping Tips
Here are some helpful shopping tips when looking for gluten free canned tomato soup:
- Carefully read ingredient lists, looking for any wheat, barley, rye or malt.
- Verify soups are produced in dedicated gluten free facilities when possible.
- Look for “gluten free” certification labels from GFCO, NSF or other auditors.
- Call manufacturers if ingredient or production details are unclear.
- Compare several brands and varieties to find gluten free options you enjoy.
- Opt for wider product ranges from specialty brands like Amy’s Kitchen.
- Shop the dedicated gluten free section in natural grocers if available.
- Look for soups that are thickened with corn starch instead of wheat flour.
- Reference online guides to view gluten free soup options.
- Stick to mainstream brands over private labels to reduce risk.
With proper vigilance of labels and ingredients, plentiful options exist for delicious gluten free canned tomato soups. Follow the steps above and soon you’ll be pouring steaming bowls of tomato goodness without the gluten.
Sample Gluten Free Tomato Soup Recipes
Here are two delicious soup recipes using certified gluten free canned tomato soup:
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 15oz can Pacific Foods Organic Tomato Soup
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium heat.
- Add entire contents of tomato soup can. Stir frequently.
- Slowly stir in almond milk. Heat through but do not boil.
- Remove from heat. Stir in basil, salt and pepper.
- Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Southwestern Tomato Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 15oz can Amy’s Organic Tomato Bisque
- 1 15oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup tortilla strips
Instructions:
- Heat tomato bisque over medium heat until simmering.
- Add black beans, corn, cumin and chili powder. Cook 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro.
- Top with tortilla strips and avocado if desired.
Get creative with certified gluten free canned soups as the base for easy weeknight meals!
The Bottom Line
Finding canned tomato soups that are safe gluten free does require some extra care reading labels and understanding manufacturing processes. But the good news is that all the major soup brands offer gluten free tomato soup varieties, along with plentiful options from specialty organic brands too. With some diligence checking ingredients and facilities, you can feel confident that your favorite tomato soup is gluten free. Always look for the certified gluten free label for the greatest assurance. With so many delicious options, people following gluten free diets don’t have to miss out on the classic comfort food of tomato soup!
