Are Pickles Gluten Free?

Gluten verdict for Pickles: Check the Label

Check the Label Pickles

Pickles are gluten free unless made with malt vinegar.

AU FSANZ & Coeliac Australia US FDA

Rated against the stricter of the two standards. Compare AU and US rules

Vegetables and brine contain no gluten, but pickles made with malt vinegar (from barley) are not gluten free. Pickles made with white or spirit vinegar are fine, so check the vinegar.

Coeliac Disease

Check the vinegar. White or spirit vinegar pickles are safe; avoid malt vinegar ones.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance.

Why Do Pickles Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Vegetables and brine contain no gluten, but pickles and pickled onions made with malt vinegar (from barley) are not gluten free. Pickles made with white or spirit vinegar are fine.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ requires barley to be declared. Some Australian pickles use malt vinegar, so check the label.

United States (FDA)

Most US pickles use distilled vinegar and are gluten free, but check for malt vinegar.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts

Per 100g · Typical serve: 100 g (dill, cucumber)

Energy46 kJ / 11 kcal

Protein0.3g

Fat, total0.2g

Saturated fat0.0g

Carbohydrate2.3g

Sugars1.1g

Dietary fibre1.2g

Sodium1208mg

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.

What to Watch For

Malt vinegar on the ingredient list, common in some pickles, pickled onions and relishes.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Any pickled vegetable, fresh vegetables, vinegar-preserved items.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information about gluten content, not medical advice. If you have coeliac disease, non-coeliac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy, always consult your doctor or accredited practising dietitian before making dietary changes. Product formulations change. Always read the label.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pickles gluten free?

Vegetables and brine contain no gluten, but pickles made with malt vinegar (from barley) are not gluten free. Pickles made with white or spirit vinegar are fine, so check the vinegar.

Can coeliacs eat pickles?

Check the vinegar. White or spirit vinegar pickles are safe; avoid malt vinegar ones.

Related Foods in Fruits and Vegetables

GF, gluten free Fresh Fruit GF, gluten free Fresh Vegetables GF, gluten free Frozen Vegetables (Plain)Check the label Frozen Vegetables (with Sauce)GF, gluten free Dried Fruit GF, gluten free Canned Fruit GF, gluten free Canned Vegetables GF, gluten free Olives

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of blenders for coeliac-friendly options. 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, Coeliac Australia

Last reviewed: July 2026