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.
Which 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.
How much gluten is in Worcestershire? ›
All of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the sauce should be gluten-free. It all depends on the brand of Worcestershire sauce you buy. Even though the sauce does not contain any gluten, it is not always gluten-free. Some brands put soy sauce in their Worcestershire sauce, which is not gluten-free.
Is Walmart brand Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
Is it Gluten Free? No. This product is not gluten free as it lists 1 ingredient that contains gluten and 2 ingredients that could contain gluten depending on the source.
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.
Is Lee and parents Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? ›
The most popular, famous, and widely available Worcestershire sauce on the market, Lea & Perrins is certified gluten-free! (Note that it's gluten-free in the United States only, as versions in Canada & The UK are made with malt vinegar.) The Wizard's Worcestershire Sauce.
Can you get GF Worcestershire sauce? ›
Spring Gully Worcestershire Sauce is 100% Australian family owned. It's free from gluten.
What can you put in place 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.
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.
This product has 2 ingredients that may have gluten. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?
Why can't celiacs eat soy sauce? ›
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.
Does balsamic have gluten? ›
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.
What can I use instead of gluten free Worcestershire sauce? ›
WHAT CAN YOU USE INSTEAD OF WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE?
- Fish sauce - It is not a bad second option, but check if the one you use is gluten-free.
- Soy sauce - This is a good second option, again, make sure it is gluten-free or use tamari soy sauce.
- Mix - Red vinegar or balsamic vinegar mixed with tamarind paste.
Ketchup doesn't contain wheat, barley, or rye. As such, it's a naturally gluten-free product. However, some brands may use wheat-derived vinegar or produce their ketchup in a facility that manufactures other gluten-containing foods, which may contaminate it.
Is Sweet Baby Ray's gluten-free? ›
Sweet Baby Ray's makes nine different flavors, all of which are labeled gluten-free: Original, Honey, Hickory & Brown Sugar, Sweet 'n Spicy, Honey Chipotle, Sweet Vidalia Onion, Hawaiian, Raspberry Chipotle, and Sweet Golden Mustard.
Is Signature brand Worcestershire sauce gluten free? ›
This product has 2 ingredients that may have gluten. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?
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 Lea and Perrins traditional steak sauce gluten free? ›
Gluten-free. No preservatives. Same premium quality since 1835. Since 1835, Lea & Perrins has been the one truly authentic brand of Worcestershire Sauce.
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.
Worcestershire sauce may or may not contain gluten. Check the ingredients before adding Worcestershire sauce to your meal.