Is Worcestershire Sauce Gluten Free?

Check the Label
Often contains gluten; some wheat-free versions exist.
Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains gluten from barley malt. Some modern brands claim wheat-free but may contain additives. Check label carefully.

Coeliac Disease

Check label. Most traditional Worcestershire contains barley. Some newer GF brands exist.

Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Assume gluten unless explicitly GF labelled.

Why Does Worcestershire Sauce Sometimes Contain Gluten?

Worcestershire sauce is made from fermented anchovies, spices, and often barley malt. Barley contains gluten. Some brands use gluten-free bases.

Australia vs United States

Australia (FSANZ)

FSANZ warns. British condiment popular in Australia; many versions contain barley malt.

United States (FDA)

FDA allergen label mandatory if barley present.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g ยท Typical serve: 100 mL
Energy293 kJ / 70 kcal
Protein0.0g
Fat, total0.0g
Saturated fat0.0g
Carbohydrate17.0g
Sugars12.0g
Dietary fibre0.0g
Sodium980mg

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

Barley malt, additives, cross-contamination

Gluten Free Alternatives

If you need a gluten free substitute, consider: Regular Worcestershire (barley-based), wheat-free Worcestershire brands, tamari-based versions.

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 Worcestershire Sauce gluten free?

Traditional Worcestershire sauce contains gluten from barley malt. Some modern brands claim wheat-free but may contain additives. Check label carefully.

Can coeliacs eat worcestershire sauce?

Check label. Most traditional Worcestershire contains barley. Some newer GF brands exist.

Related Foods in Sauces and Condiments

Soy Sauce Tamari Fish Sauce Oyster Sauce Hoisin Sauce Tomato Sauce/Ketchup Mustard Mayonnaise

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, Coeliac Australia, WHO

Last reviewed: May 2026