Baked beans are great to keep in the pantry for a last-minute side dish. They go great with many meals, especially meaty ones like ribs, burgers, and hot dogs.
Beans don’t naturally have gluten, but what about baked beans? Are baked beans gluten free? Now you can find out if you can eat them safely if you have celiac disease, an intolerance, or a sensitivity.
While all kinds of beans themselves are naturally gluten free, that doesn’t mean baked beans are gluten free. (Don’t worry; I list some gluten-free brands below for you!).
I have been doing lots of research to see what foods are gluten free. You can read Is Shredded Cheese Gluten Free if you want to put cheese on top of your beans.
B&M baked beans are a staple in many homes across America. Their familiar brick-shaped cans with the distinctive yellow blue and red labeling are iconic. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, enjoying these nostalgic baked beans may seem off limits. The good news is that B&M baked beans are certified gluten-free, but it pays to understand the details.
Why Follow a Gluten-Free Diet?
Approximately 1% of Americans have celiac disease and about 6% have gluten sensitivity. For both conditions, consuming gluten triggers an immune system reaction that damages the small intestine. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues, so a strict gluten-free diet is required to manage symptoms.
Following a gluten-free diet eliminates sources of gluten such as wheat, barley, and rye That means no bread, baked goods, pasta, cereals, beer, etc It also means scrutinizing ingredient labels, since gluten can hide in unexpected places like sauces, seasonings, and processed foods.
Are B&M Baked Beans Truly Gluten-Free?
The concern with baked beans is that many brands add wheat as a thickening agent. However, B&M explicitly states that all their varieties are gluten-free. This applies to their Original Baked Beans, Vegetarian Baked Beans, Maple Baked Beans, and all other flavors.
B&M’s FAQ page states
All B&M baked beans varieties are gluten-free. During the cooking process, the beans absorb the rich flavors from our gluten-free blend of premium seasonings and tomatoes cultivated from the rich soil of California’s San Joaquin Valley.
The Celiac.com forums also identify B&M baked beans as one of the safe, gluten-free options:
When you’re shopping for gluten-free baked beans, stick with these four brands: Amy’s Kitchen (all varieties are gluten-free) B&M (all varieties are gluten-free)…
So B&M beans can be considered gluten-free, but it never hurts to take a close look at the label when purchasing.
Gluten-Free Certification Matters
When a product carries an official gluten-free certification, like one from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), it adds an extra layer of assurance. The GFCO audits manufacturing facilities and products to verify they meet the strict standards for gluten-free labeling set by the FDA, which are:
- No ingredients with gluten-containing grains
- No cross-contamination
- Gluten testing to verify
B&M baked beans do not currently carry GFCO certification. However, the clear gluten-free designations from B&M and validation from reputable celiac resources firmly establish their gluten-free status.
Of course, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to use their own judgment when making product choices. If you have concerns about B&M beans, opt for another certified gluten-free brand.
What About Cross-Contamination Risks?
Even when a product contains no gluten ingredients, cross-contamination is still a potential concern. Cross-contamination happens when gluten is unintentionally introduced from shared equipment, processing lines, etc.
Many manufacturers take steps to prevent cross-contamination, like scheduling gluten-free production before gluten-containing production and thoroughly cleaning equipment in between.
B&M has not publicly provided details on how they prevent cross-contamination in their facilities. Again, the lack of certification means we have less information than with a certified gluten-free brand.
However, B&M’s strong reputation in the gluten-free community suggests cross-contamination is well-controlled in their facilities. But your individual sensitivity levels play a role in your acceptable risk tolerance.
What About Other B&M Products?
While B&M’s baked beans are gluten-free, that does not necessarily apply to all B&M products. You still need to check the gluten-free status of any other products made by B&M.
According to Celiac.com’s forums, other B&M products that are gluten-free include:
- Brer Rabbit Molasses
- Vermont Maid Syrup and Light Syrup
Meanwhile, these B&M products contain gluten or wheat-derived ingredients:
- B&M Brown Bread
- Underwood Deviled Ham Spread and Underwood Sardines (both contain wheat)
So do not assume everything from B&M is gluten-free just because their baked beans are. The status of B&M products varies, so always carefully read labels and check manufacturer’s sites if unsure.
Tips for Safely Enjoying B&M Baked Beans
Here are some tips for safely incorporating B&M Baked Beans into a gluten-free diet:
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Verify beans are produced by B&M – avoid generic or store brands which may differ.
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Check for any signs of cross-contamination, like stray pasta in the beans.
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Consider extra rinsing to help remove traces of sauces or seasonings.
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Use a clean spoon to remove beans from the can to avoid cross-contact from utensils.
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Enjoy beans by themselves or paired with naturally gluten-free sides like corn bread or potato salad.
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Introduce B&M beans gradually and monitor symptoms to gauge personal tolerance.
The Bottom Line
B&M’s explicit statements and reputation in the celiac community confirm their baked beans are gluten-free as claimed. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should weigh their personal risk factors when deciding whether to incorporate B&M products into their diet.
The lack of gluten-free certification means less validation compared to a certified brand. But many find B&M beans to be a safe, nostalgic pantry staple they can confidently enjoy as part of a gluten-free diet. With proper precautions, B&M baked beans can be a hearty, protein-packed option that makes grain-free meals feel more complete.
What Are Baked Beans?
Baked beans have been part of North American cuisine for quite some time. They were initially made with white beans, which were indigenous to the settlers. In the 17th century, the colonists in New England began adding them to their meals.
When making baked beans from scratch, navy beans are what most people use. But you can also use Great Northern beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even black beans.
Usually, maple syrup is added to sweeten up the sauce. However, now, molasses and brown sugar are used to get that signature sweet taste and thick texture.
While you are here, check out all of my meal ingredients to see what is gluten free.
Answer: Are Baked Beans Gluten Free?
The answer can be complicated. Some brands of baked beans are gluten free, and some are not. Gluten can get into beans in a few unsuspecting ways.
Due to cross-contamination during the processing and packaging steps, it is possible that the gluten could be in your baked beans.
Baked beans are not always gluten free. There may not be any gluten in the beans when they are grown, processed, or packed, but gluten can be added when vinegar or liquid smoke is used.
To choose gluten-free baked beans, you need to read the labels. Avoid protein additives like wheat, seitan, TVP, and hydrolyzed plant protein. Texture additives like flour, vegetable gum, and starches should also be avoided. Taste boosters that say miso, spices, flavoring, or seasonings should be thrown back on the shelf. Otherwise, you shouldn’t take that chance unless the baked beans you’re holding say they are gluten-free.
Happy to say that some brands of baked beans are gluten-free, so you can safely eat baked beans from a can.
Are Baked Beans Gluten And Wheat Free
FAQ
Which Bush’s beans are gluten-free?
Which canned beans are gluten-free?
What are the ingredients in B&M baked beans?
What coffee beans are gluten-free?
Are B&M Baked Beans gluten free?
Their baked beans consist of white beans, mixed with tomato puree, apple cider vinegar, and a tinge of salt. Apart from that, Amy fulfils the legal criteria of a gluten free product. Also, the beans that they use are lactose-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. Their products contain less than 20 million per parts of gluten. 2. B&M Baked Beans
Which brands of baked beans are gluten-free?
Therefore, when you’re shopping for gluten-free baked beans, stick with these four brands: Amy’s Kitchen offers organic vegetarian and vegan baked beans that also appear on Amy’s extensive gluten-free list.
Are B&M Baked beans fat free?
Our baked beans have the perfect texture and deep flavor we know you’ll love. B&M baked beans are sweetened with molasses and sugar, are an excellent source of fiber, and 98% fat free. With B&M baked beans, you’ll enjoy every spoonful!
Are baked beans gluten-free?
The traditional baked beans recipe starts with organic white beans and mixes in tomato puree, mustard seed, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup . The company meets legal gluten-free standards of less than 20 parts per million of gluten in its products. The baked beans also are dairy-, lactose-, soy-, and tree nut-free, as well as kosher.