Is Moringa Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a supplement is safe for a gluten-free diet, we have to look beyond the main plant extract and examine the excipients—the inactive ingredients that make up the capsule. In the case of the product profile provided, we are looking at two specific components.

First, we have the active ingredient: Horseradish Tree (Moringa) (Moringa oleifera) (leaf). Moringa is a plant native to parts of Asia and Africa. The leaves, which are used to create the powder or extract, are naturally free of gluten. Gluten is a protein complex found exclusively in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Since Moringa is a distinct botanical species, it does not contain these proteins.

Second, we analyze the capsule material: Hypromellose (vegetable capsule). Hypromellose is a widely used cellulose derivative derived from plant fibers. It serves as a vegan alternative to gelatin. Because it is derived from wood pulp or cotton linters rather than wheat starch, it is chemically gluten-free. There is no risk of cross-contamination here, as the manufacturing process for hypromellose does not involve gluten grains.

Nutritional Value

Moringa is often categorized as a 'superfood' due to its dense nutrient profile, but it is also incredibly low in the macronutrients that people often worry about when dieting. A typical serving of Moringa powder is very low in calories, usually sitting around 20 to 30 calories per tablespoon. It contains negligible amounts of fat and almost no sugar.

Because it is low in calories and sugar, Moringa fits easily into strict dietary limits, including Keto, Paleo, and low-carb diets. It provides a nutritional boost without spiking insulin levels. However, because it is low in calories, it should be viewed as a supplement for micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) rather than a primary source of energy or protein.