Is College inn, beef broth Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and go straight to the ingredient label. The primary ingredient is beef broth, which is naturally safe. However, the trouble starts in the "less than 1%" section. This is where manufacturers often hide allergens to boost flavor and texture.

The most concerning ingredients here are hydrogenated protein (soy, corn, wheat) and hydrolyzed whey protein and wheat bran protein dextrose. The inclusion of wheat is a definitive red flag. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is a common flavor enhancer, but it is derived from wheat and contains gluten. Additionally, autolyzed yeast extract can sometimes be derived from barley or wheat, though the specific source isn't listed. Because wheat is explicitly named in the hydrogenated proteins, this broth is unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

It is also worth noting the presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and caramel color. While these are generally considered safe, they are often processed using grains. For someone strictly avoiding gluten, the risk of cross-contamination or hidden gluten sources in these additives makes College Inn a risky choice.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, College inn, beef broth is relatively low in calories, typically containing around 15-20 calories per cup. It is very low in fat and contains zero grams of trans fat. However, it does contain added sodium (roughly 860mg per cup), which is about 37% of the daily recommended value. This is standard for canned broths but something to watch if you are monitoring blood pressure.

The broth also contains small amounts of added sugar (from dextrose) and MSG. While the calorie count makes it seem like a 'diet-friendly' option, the high sodium and presence of wheat-based fillers reduce its overall health score. It fits into a low-calorie diet, but it does not fit into a clean-eating or allergen-free diet.