Gluten-Free Certification and Labeling: Unraveling Gluten-Free Shopping in the United States

In the United States, there are two types of gluten free labeling: gluten-free certification and gluten-free claims (without certification).

In this post, I’m going to unravel the world of what those gluten free logos are that you see on packages, plus give you suggestions of my favorite brands who adhere to the standards so you can add them to your gluten-free shopping list!

Keep reading for everything you need to know about gluten-free labeling and certification in the United States.

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Current United States Gluten Labeling Laws

In 2014, the  FDA's food labeling regulations were enacted.  Basically, in order for any food to be labeled “Gluten-Free” the manufacturer must ensure that the product contains less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. 

(PS--there is currently NEW legislation working its way through US Congress making labeling even more clearer!)

While this was a small victory for gluten-free labeling, the manufacturers are not required to test their finished product for the presence of gluten in  any specific way.  If this sounds confusing, it’s because it is! 

Therefore, my family and I rely on the following methods to check if products are truly gluten free:

• Look for an independent gluten-free labeling seal,
• Read product testing reports at glutenfreewatchdog.org ,
  (Gluten Free Watchdog independently tests products both with gluten-free packaging claims and without and the testing reports online)
• and contact the manufacturer directly.

Gluten Free Certification Agencies

In the United States, there are currently only 4 gluten-free independent certification agencies. 

What is an independent certification agency? 

These are agencies which manufacturers can hire to independently test their products for the presence of gluten.  Once a product is deemed to meet the standards of the agency, the manufacturer can then place the agency’s logo on their packaging.  All four agencies exceed the FDA’s requirements.  

Here are the 4 gluten-free independent certification agencies whose logos you may see in the United States.

Note: GFCO is rolling out a new label. It looks like the one below. You may see either one on GFCO packaging.

One place I love to shop for gluten-free food is at Thrive Market.  We don't have any health stores nearby and Thrive has a great selection (plus, you can filter by diet type: gluten-free, paleo, keto, and more!). 

Click here to get a free month trial of Thrive Market and save up to $20 on your first order!

Learn more about my experience with Thrive Market and what I order regularly here!

PS—Don’t be deceived by brands who have their own ‘label’ which appears official (for example, Frito-Lay’s, Bob’s Red Mill, or General Mills). 

What about other gluten free logos outside of these four?

While these products may in-fact be gluten-free and safe for consumption by Celiac Disease and others requiring a strict gluten-free standard, this is not an independent certification. 

For products like this, I search Gluten Free Watchdog and contact manufacturers.

Be sure to look out for the differences when shopping so that you purchase products that you trust.

Here are some recipes and other tips you will LOVE:

• Gluten-Free Holiday Gift Guide
• 10 Minute Gluten-Free Fried Rice
• Grain-Free Lemon Mug Cake for One
• No-Soy Steak Marinade
• 17+ Vegan Shakes & Smoothie Bowls