Is Caesar Dressing Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a dressing is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look for hidden gluten sources like malt vinegar or wheat-based thickeners. This recipe is surprisingly clean regarding allergens. The base consists of extra virgin olive oil and organic sunflower oil, which provide healthy monounsaturated fats without any gluten risk.

The acidity comes from distilled vinegar. It is crucial to note that while malt vinegar is derived from barley and is not gluten-free, distilled vinegar is generally considered safe because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. The savory 'umami' punch, traditionally provided by anchovies, is achieved here using gluten free tamari. Tamari is a byproduct of miso making, but unlike standard soy sauce which often contains wheat, this version is specifically formulated without it.

For thickening, the manufacturer uses xanthan gum, a common gluten-free stabilizer derived from fermented sugar. Finally, the cheesy flavor comes from nutritional yeast, which is a deactivated yeast that is naturally gluten-free and provides a boost of B vitamins. There are no red flags in this ingredient list.

Nutritional Value

While this dressing is free from gluten, it is important to monitor the calorie and fat content, typical of oil-based dressings. The combination of olive oil and sunflower oil drives the fat content up, but these are primarily heart-healthy unsaturated fats. If you are counting calories, portion control is key here.

The sodium content is moderate, driven by Himalayan pink salt and the gluten-free tamari. While it adds great flavor, those on a strict low-sodium diet should be mindful. There are no added sugars listed, which is excellent news for those monitoring blood sugar levels or following a keto or paleo diet. Overall, it fits well into a whole-foods diet, provided you watch your serving sizes.