Is Sushi Gluten Free?

Check the Label
Sushi may contain gluten depending on the fillings and sauces.
Sushi rice and nori (seaweed) are gluten free. However, fillings may include gluten (crab stick which contains starch, tempura which is breaded), and soy sauce dipping sauce contains wheat.

Coeliac Disease

Sushi rice is safe, but watch for gluten in fillings and soy sauce. Use gluten free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Same as coeliac guidance. Always check fillings and use gluten free soy sauce.

Why Does Sushi Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Soy sauce contains wheat. Some fillings (tempura, crab stick) may contain gluten.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ treats sushi rice as gluten free. Soy sauce is the main gluten risk; use tamari instead.

United States (FDA)

FDA treats sushi rice as gluten free. Soy sauce is the main gluten risk; use tamari instead.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g ยท Typical serve: 100 g (salmon nigiri, representative)
Energy607 kJ / 145 kcal
Protein5.0g
Fat, total2.5g
Saturated fat0.5g
Carbohydrate26.0g
Sugars4.0g
Dietary fibre0.5g
Sodium500mg

Source: AFCD. 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

Soy sauce (main risk), crab stick (may contain wheat starch), tempura coating. Always check fillings.

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Sashimi (raw fish only), cucumber rolls, avocado rolls, vegetable rolls (check sauces).

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

Is Sushi gluten free?

Sushi rice and nori (seaweed) are gluten free. However, fillings may include gluten (crab stick which contains starch, tempura which is breaded), and soy sauce dipping sauce contains wheat.

Can coeliacs eat sushi?

Sushi rice is safe, but watch for gluten in fillings and soy sauce. Use gluten free tamari instead of soy sauce.

Related Foods in Processed Foods

Soup (canned) Soup (packet or instant) Baked beans Canned spaghetti Frozen pizza Frozen dinners or meals Veggie burgers (commercial) Meat substitutes

More from RefDat

Looking for kitchen gear that handles gluten-free cooking? See RefDat's Australian reviews of food processors 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 guidelines, ingredient analysis

Last reviewed: May 2026