Is Sundried tomatoes Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why these Sundried tomatoes are safe for a gluten-free diet, we need to look at the specific components listed on the jar. The primary ingredient is, naturally, Sundried tomato. Tomatoes themselves are fruits and are naturally free of gluten. The drying process does not introduce gluten unless the facility processes wheat products, but the ingredient itself is safe.

The liquid components in this recipe are Tassos Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, and Balsamic Vinegar. Olive oil is pure fat and is naturally gluten-free. Salt is a mineral. Balsamic vinegar is derived from grapes; while some vinegars are malt-based (which comes from barley), balsamic vinegar is safe. There is no indication of malt vinegar here.

Finally, the flavor profile is built with Garlic, Laurel (bay leaf), Piment, and Oregano. These are all standard culinary spices and herbs. They are rarely processed with gluten-containing grains. Therefore, the entire ingredient profile is clean, with no gluten-containing grains or starches detected.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile of Sundried tomatoes, the most prominent factor is the concentration of nutrients. Because the water content has been removed, vitamins like Lycopene become more concentrated compared to fresh tomatoes. However, the addition of olive oil and balsamic vinegar alters the macronutrient balance.

This product will be higher in fat due to the olive oil, which is a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It will also likely be higher in sodium due to the added salt, which is used as a preservative and flavor enhancer. Regarding carbohydrates, the natural sugars in the tomatoes are concentrated, but the balsamic vinegar adds a touch of acidity and residual sugar. If you are monitoring your sugar intake, this is something to be mindful of, though the portion size is usually small.