Worcestershire sauce may or may not contain gluten. Check the ingredients before adding Worcestershire sauce to your meal.
What is Worcestershire sauce?
Worcestershire sauce is a thick brown condiment that adds a savory, umami flavor to dishes. This sauce was created in Worcestershire, England in the early 1800s, which is where it gets its name from, although it may have actually evolved from kecap manis, a thick and sweet Indonesian soy sauce.
It is commonly used in dishes like Caesar salad, oysters, deviled eggs, meatloaf, Köttbulle (Swedish meatballs), Tonkatsu sauce, and in Bloody Marys. It’s a good addition to most stews and beef dishes.
Ingredients
The original Worcestershire sauce included barley malt vinegar, making it unsafe for someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, there are many different versions of Worcestershire sauce, including gluten-free versions. Many modern versions use white vinegar instead, which is a safe, gluten-free alternative to barley malt vinegar.
Generally, Worcestershire sauce includes vinegar, molasses, sugar, shallots and or garlic, and spices like cloves or celery seed. Some versions include tamarind or fermented anchovies, making it unsuitable for those with fish allergies.
Substitutions
If you don’t have a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce on hand, try these substitutions to get a similar flavor:
- Fish sauce gives the same fishiness and saltiness of Worcestershire sauce.
- Soy sauce is what Worcestershire may have evolved from, so it’s a fairly good substitute. Be sure to check the label and ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free before adding it to your dish. Regular soy sauce is not gluten-free. Wheat is a primary ingredient in soy sauce, which surprises many people who are new to gluten-free diet. There are several gluten-free soy sauce options available that use rice instead of wheat. If you cannot find soy sauce marked gluten-free, tamari is a good gluten-free substitute. As always, be sure to read the ingredients label before purchasing and eating.
- Mix soy sauce, ketchup and, if you have them on hand, fish sauce and tamarind paste for a homemade Worcestershire sauce.
FAQs
Ingredients. The original Worcestershire sauce included barley malt vinegar, making it unsafe for someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, there are many different versions of Worcestershire sauce, including gluten-free versions.
What brand of Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free? ›
You will need to stick with the three brands that are safe: French's Worcestershire sauce. Lea and Perrins Original (in the United States only) The Wizard's Gluten-Free Vegan Worcestershire Sauce.
What is a good gluten-free substitute for Worcestershire sauce? ›
Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, offers a robust and savory flavor profile, making it an ideal Worcestershire sauce substitute. It's perfect for those with celiac, other gluten restrictions, and vegetarians too.
Does Lea Perrins Worcestershire have gluten? ›
Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce is cholesterol-free, fat-free, preservative-free, gluten-free. It also has 80% less sodium than soy sauce, allowing you to add more flavor without the guilt.
Why is everyone suddenly gluten-free? ›
Eliminating gluten is the only way to treat celiac disease, an allergic reaction to gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine. However, as part of a new diet fad, many people are going gluten-free to lose weight.
Can celiacs eat Worcestershire sauce? ›
Ingredients. The original Worcestershire sauce included barley malt vinegar, making it unsafe for someone with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. However, there are many different versions of Worcestershire sauce, including gluten-free versions.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce? ›
9 Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes That Get the Job Done
- DIY Imitation Blend.
- Reduced Balsamic Vinegar.
- Soy Sauce.
- Miso Paste.
- Oyster Sauce.
- Anchovy Paste.
- Red Wine.
- A1 Steak Sauce.
Heinz Worcestershire Sauce – Doesn't contain gluten ingredients, but is not certified gluten-free. Kroger Worcestershire Sauce – Contains no gluten ingredients, but is not certified gluten-free. Great Value – Walmart's store brand doesn't contain gluten ingredients but is not certified gluten-free.
Is Aldi Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
Is it Gluten Free? Yes!
Is French's classic Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
French's® Worcestershire Sauce is gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher and free from high fructose corn syrup, peanuts and tree nuts. The 1 gallon plastic jug is recipe-ready for back of house and perfect for chefs to craft savory, memorable marinade and sauce recipes in bulk.
Traditional balsamic vinegar is made solely from grape juice that is boiled and then aged in wooden casks. This type of vinegar does not have any gluten-containing ingredients or additives, making it safe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Are cheerios gluten-free? ›
Cheerios have always been made of oats, which are naturally gluten free. However, conventional farming practices as well as common grain handling procedures allow chances for gluten containing grains (like wheat, barley, and rye) to co-mingle with our gluten free oats.
Are hot dogs gluten-free? ›
If you're particularly sensitive to trace gluten, you may want to consider sticking with Dietz & Watson's hot dogs or Sabrett's hot dogs, both of which are certified. Otherwise, you should be fine with any of the gluten-free hot dog makers on this list. Pick up some gluten-free hot dog buns and enjoy.
Why are doctors against a gluten-free diet? ›
Eliminating gluten may not only strip your diet of valuable nutrients, but also hinder the accuracy of tests for celiac disease, a serious autoimmune condition in which gluten signals the body to attack the lining of the small intestine. Celiac disease affects about 1 in 141 people in the US.
What happens to your body when you stop eating gluten? ›
There's no scientific evidence to suggest that people actually go through “withdrawal” when they stop eating gluten. Some people report feeling dizziness, nausea, extreme hunger and even anxiety and depression when they suddenly go from eating a lot of gluten to being gluten-free.
What does a gluten belly look like? ›
FAQs about gluten intolerance symptoms
The intestines make up most of the middle and lower abdomen, so “gluten belly” will look like any other type of lower digestive tract bloating. However, if bloating seems to be a regular or constant problem, that's a possible sign that it may be due to gluten intolerance.
Is Burman's Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
We believe this product is gluten free as there are no gluten ingredients listed on the label.
Is Western Family Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
Gluten-free dressings and sauces from Western Family include Alfredo sauce mix, barbecue sauce, chip dip, Italian dressing mix, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, cucumber salad dressing, soy sauce, spaghetti sauce, steak sauce and Worcestershire sauce.
Is American Garden Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
American Garden- Worcestershire Sauce is fermented sauce that consists of distilled vinger, molasses, aged red peppers, corn syrup, anchovies, celery, black pepper, mustard seeds, granulated onion and garlic and many other Its a non vegetarian product and is gluten free.
Worcestershire sauce may or may not contain gluten. Check the ingredients before adding Worcestershire sauce to your meal.