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.
Can celiacs eat Worcestershire sauce? ›
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. You really have to read the ingredients list when it comes to this sauce.
Is gluten free Worcestershire sauce low Fodmap? ›
Science shows that Worcestershire sauce is safe for the low FODMAP diet. It is a delicious ingredient in sauces, marinades, and mince dishes. Remember Worcestershire sauce ingredients can vary between countries so you will need to test your tolerance levels.
Is there gluten in Great Value Worcestershire sauce? ›
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 you buy gluten free Worcestershire sauce? ›
Spring Gully Worcestershire Sauce is 100% Australian family owned. It's free from gluten.
Is there a gluten-free alternative to Worcestershire sauce? ›
Soy sauce is what Worcestershire may have evolved from, so it's a fairly good substitute.
Is Worchester sauce OK for IBS? ›
Worcestershire Sauce: Even though this food typically contains high FODMAP ingredients (like molasses or garlic powder), Worcestershire sauce has been tested and is considered low FODMAP by Monash University. A low FODMAP serving is 2 tablespoons or 42 grams.
What can I sub for 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.
The low fodmap diet is not a gluten-free diet. It is low in gluten, but it is not strictly gluten-free. For example, some people on a low FODMAP diet can tolerate sourdough spelt bread. The fermentation process breaks down the FODMAP sugar in spelt.
Is it Gluten Free? Yes!
Does balsamic vinegar contain 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.
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.
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.
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.
