Is Tomato Juice Gluten Free?

The quick answer: Yes, tomato juice is naturally gluten free. But there's more to the story. If you're living gluten free due to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you'll want to know how it's processed, what to watch for on labels, and how to make the safest choice.

Tomatoes Are Naturally Gluten Free

Tomatoes are a fruit (yes, really) and contain zero gluten. No wheat, no barley, no rye. None of the grains responsible for triggering gluten-related issues. In its raw, unprocessed state, a tomato is safe.

How Tomato Juice Is Made Is What Matters

Most tomato juice is made by crushing ripe tomatoes, straining the pulp and seeds, then heating or pasteurizing the liquid for shelf life. On paper, that sounds gluten free.

But the equipment used to process tomato juice might also be used to produce other products that do contain gluten. That's where cross-contamination can happen.

Cross-Contamination Is a Hidden Risk

Even if the juice only has tomatoes and salt on the ingredient list, gluten could sneak in from shared equipment, facilities, or storage. This is especially important if you're extremely sensitive or have celiac disease.

How to Check and Be Sure

Here's your checklist:

Visit the brand's website or call them. Many manufacturers post allergen info online or can confirm via customer service.

Look for a gluten-free label. If it says "gluten-free" and comes from a reputable brand, you're likely in the clear.

Check for third-party certifications. Logos like GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) add extra peace of mind.

Read the ingredients. Avoid any added flavorings, thickeners, or preservatives you don't recognize. They might contain gluten.

Choosing Gluten-Free Certified Brands

If you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, opting for tomato juice from brands that specialize in gluten-free products or carry a gluten-free certification can be a reliable choice. These companies typically maintain stricter manufacturing practices and take precautions to prevent cross-contamination.

Brands Known for Gluten-Free Tomato Juice

While this list can change, these are often called out by the gluten-free community for reliability:

• R.W. Knudsen
• Campbell's Tomato Juice (check the label, as ingredients can vary)
• Lakewood Organic
• Sacramento Tomato Juice

Always double-check the label, even from trusted brands. Formulas can change.

Contacting Manufacturers for Verification

If you're unsure about whether a particular brand's tomato juice is gluten free, don't hesitate to contact the manufacturer directly. They should be able to provide information about their production processes, ingredient sourcing, and any measures taken to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing products.

Want Total Control? Make It Yourself

If you want zero doubt, go homemade. All you need are fresh tomatoes, a blender, a strainer, and maybe a pinch of salt or lemon. You'll know every single ingredient, and you can skip the preservatives too.

We have a full guide on how to make tomato juice from scratch. If you want to preserve it for longer storage, see our canning tomato juice guide.

The Bloody Mary Question

If you're using tomato juice for cocktails, the same rules apply. Stick with gluten-free certified tomato juice and double-check any mixes or premade blends. Worcestershire sauce and flavoring additives are common gluten culprits.

Our Bloody Mary concentrate is gluten free and made with all-natural ingredients. Because it's a concentrate and not a premade mix, you choose your own tomato juice base. That means you can pick a certified gluten-free tomato juice and know exactly what's in your glass.

For a full gluten-free brunch experience, including drink and food ideas, see our gluten free brunch guide. To understand everything that goes into the cocktail itself, check out what is in a Bloody Mary.

If you're also tracking carbs, our keto Bloody Mary recipe shows how the concentrate format lets you control exactly how much tomato juice goes in.

For more on ingredients and how they work in cocktails, explore the Bloody Mary & Savory Drinks guide.