Is Pacific organic vegetable broth Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a packaged food is safe for a gluten-free diet, the first step is always a forensic look at the ingredient list. Pacific Foods has built a reputation on using simple, recognizable ingredients, and their organic vegetable broth is a prime example of this philosophy. Let's look at the specific components listed on the box:

The base is simply water, which is naturally free of allergens. The flavor profile comes from a classic mirepoix mix of carrots, celery, and onions. These are whole vegetables and pose zero gluten risk. They also include leeks and garlic, which add depth without introducing any wheat-based thickeners or fillers.

A common concern in broths is hidden gluten in flavor enhancers or yeast extracts. However, Pacific relies on spices and mushrooms for savory notes. The tomato element comes from tomato puree, which is naturally gluten-free. Crucially, the salt used is sea salt. This is important because some cheaper broths use hydrolyzed wheat protein as a flavor carrier, but Pacific avoids this entirely. There are no modified food starches, maltodextrin (unless specified as corn-based), or natural flavors derived from gluten sources.

While the ingredients are clean, a Senior Food Scientist must always look at the manufacturing process. Pacific Foods states that they follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs). This means they take precautions to prevent cross-contact between gluten-containing products and this broth. However, if you have Celiac disease with extreme sensitivity, it is always best practice to check the packaging for the specific "Certified Gluten-Free" seal, as formulations can occasionally change.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Pacific organic vegetable broth is a low-calorie, low-sodium option compared to many competitors. A standard serving (1 cup) typically contains only about 15 to 20 calories. This makes it an excellent base for soups or a warm beverage when you are watching your caloric intake.

In terms of macronutrients, it contains negligible fat—usually less than 0.5 grams—and zero cholesterol. The carbohydrate count is very low (around 2-3 grams), and because it is made from vegetables, those carbs come with a tiny amount of dietary fiber. There is virtually no added sugar in this recipe, which is a significant health benefit over canned soups that often use sugar to balance acidity.

Sodium is the nutrient to watch in any broth. Pacific offers an "Low Sodium" version, but even their standard organic vegetable broth generally contains around 490mg of sodium per cup. While this fits within standard diet limits, those on a strict low-sodium heart health diet may want to dilute it or opt for the specific low-sodium SKU. Overall, it is a nutrient-dense liquid that provides hydration and trace minerals from the vegetables without spiking your blood sugar.