Is Pesto Gluten Free?
Coeliac Disease
No restrictions. Check jarred versions for additives.
Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
No restrictions. Flavourful sauce.
Why Does Pesto Not Contain Gluten?
Pesto is basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. No gluten proteins.
Australia vs United States
Australia (FSANZ)
FSANZ recognised as GF. Widely available in Australian supermarkets.
United States (FDA)
FDA recognises as naturally GF.
Nutrition Information
Source: USDA FDC. Values are for the generic food in its standard form. Branded products may vary. Always check the product label for the most accurate nutrition information.
Brand Comparison
Not all brands are created equal. Here is how popular pesto brands stack up for gluten content.
| Brand | Region | Gluten Free? | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barilla | both | Check | None | Many pestos contain gluten additives |
| Banza | US | Yes | None | Chickpea-based pesto often GF |
| Homemade | both | Yes | None | Fresh basil pesto naturally GF |
| Praise | AU | Check | None | Check label for gluten thickeners |
What to Watch For
Cross-contamination during manufacturing, some jarred pestos may have additives
Gluten Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Green sauce alternatives, sundried tomato spread, herb-based sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pesto gluten free?
Pesto is made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and oil with no gluten.
Can coeliacs eat pesto?
No restrictions. Check jarred versions for additives.
Related Foods in Sauces and Condiments
More from RefDat
Explore more reference data at refdat.com.
How We Verify This
Every food in our database is reviewed against current FSANZ and FDA gluten-free standards. Brand data is verified against manufacturer labelling. We cross-reference with Coeliac Australia ingredient lists and the USDA FoodData Central database. When Australian and US standards differ, we apply the stricter standard.
Sources
FSANZ, Nutrition Australia
Last reviewed: May 2026