Is Caesar cardini's original caesar dressing Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always start with the source material. The ingredient list for Caesar Cardini's Original dressing reads like a classic recipe, but with a few modern stabilizers. Here is the breakdown of why this product passes the gluten-free test.

First, the base is soybean oil, water, and white wine vinegar. None of these contain gluten. The acidity comes from distilled vinegar and lemon juice concentrate. A common misconception is that vinegar contains gluten; however, distilled vinegar—even if derived from gluten grains—undergoes a process that removes all gluten proteins, rendering it safe for celiacs.

The flavor profile relies on parmesan cheese (made from part-skim milk), egg yolk, and aromatics like garlic, onion, and mustard seed. These are naturally gluten-free. The only potential red flag in dressings is usually a thickener. Here, they use xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose and is universally gluten-free.

Finally, we must address the corn syrup. While some paleo dieters avoid this, it is derived from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. There are no breadcrumbs, malt vinegar, or wheat-based thickeners present. The verdict is clear: the formulation is safe.

Nutritional Value

While the gluten-free verdict is positive, the nutritional profile requires a closer look for those monitoring their intake. This is a traditional dressing, meaning it is oil-based and calorie-dense. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, primarily from the soybean oil and parmesan cheese.

If you are strictly counting calories, this dressing will fit within your daily limit only if used sparingly. It is not a 'light' or 'diet' product. The inclusion of corn syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar's acidity, but it also adds to the sugar content. For those on a Keto or Low-Carb diet, the carb count is generally manageable per tablespoon, but the soybean oil content may be a concern for those avoiding seed oils. It fits a standard diet well, but those with heart health concerns should monitor their saturated fat intake from the cheese.