Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Gluten-Free?

Refried beans are a staple ingredient in many Mexican dishes. Their creamy, rich texture makes them perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and more. But for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if store-bought refried beans are safe can be tricky. One popular brand of refried beans is Old El Paso. But are Old El Paso refried beans gluten-free?

What Are Refried Beans?

Refried beans start out as regular pinto beans that are cooked until very soft. The cooked beans are then mashed and fried in a small amount of oil. Traditional refried beans also contain lard which gives them their signature creamy texture.

On their own, refried beans contain no gluten ingredients. They are made from just beans, oil or lard, and sometimes onions, garlic, salt, and other seasonings. However, many store-bought varieties contain preservatives and other additives that could potentially contain gluten.

Are Old El Paso Refried Beans Naturally Gluten-Free?

Old El Paso refried beans contain no wheat or gluten ingredients. According to the Old El Paso website their traditional refried beans contain the following ingredients

• Cooked pinto beans
• Water
• Salt
• Vegetable oil (cottonseed, corn, canola)
• Spices
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Natural flavor
• Extractives of paprika

None of these ingredients contain gluten. Old El Paso does not specifically label their traditional refried beans as “gluten-free.” However, there are no gluten ingredients included.

Does Old El Paso Have Specific Gluten-Free Items?

While the traditional Old El Paso refried beans do not contain gluten ingredients, Old El Paso also makes flavored and specialty varieties of refried beans. Some of these varieties are labeled “gluten-free” on the packaging.

The Old El Paso gluten-free refried bean products include:

• Fat Free Refried Beans – Mild
• Fat Free Refried Beans – Traditional
• Organic Refried Black Beans

The gluten-free status is clearly marked on the packaging of these items. So if you want to be absolutely certain your refried beans are 100% gluten-free, opt for one of the certified gluten-free varieties.

What About Cross-Contamination Risks?

Even though traditional Old El Paso refried beans don’t contain gluten ingredients, some people wonder about the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Old El Paso does not claim their facilities are gluten-free or have special protocols in place to avoid cross-contamination. Certain Sensitive individuals have to avoid products processed on shared equipment with wheat. For these people, choosing a certified gluten-free product is the safest option.

However, the risk of gluten cross-contamination is likely minimal in Old El Paso’s case. Refried beans have a very simple ingredient list. The major components (beans, water, oil) are naturally gluten-free. And Old El Paso likely has dedicated equipment and facilities for refried bean production.

Are Other Refried Bean Brands Gluten-Free?

Old El Paso is one of the most popular brands of refried beans. But there are several other brands that produce gluten-free varieties as well:

• Amy’s Organic – Amy’s Organic Refried Beans are certified gluten-free. They come in both pintos and black bean varieties.

• Rosarita – Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans contain no gluten ingredients and are not processed on shared equipment with gluten.

• Bush’s – Bush’s Traditional Southwestern Style Refried Beans are marked gluten-free.

• Taco Bell – Taco Bell Refried Beans served in restaurants may contain cross-contamination. But the canned beans sold in grocery stores contain no gluten ingredients.

Again, be sure to check labels carefully, even on brands that are generally gluten-free. Manufacturing can change, and some flavor varieties may contain questionable ingredients. When in doubt, look for the certified gluten-free label for the greatest assurance.

Are Homemade Refried Beans Gluten-Free?

The best way to avoid cross-contamination completely is to make your own homemade refried beans. When you prepare them yourself, you control the entire process.

Homemade refried beans only require a few simple ingredients:

• Cooked pinto beans
• Bacon fat or oil
• Onion (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Salt
• Spices like cumin or oregano

With minimal ingredients that you source yourself, you can feel fully confident homemade refried beans are gluten-free. You can tweak the seasonings to suit your tastes. Homemade also allows you to avoid preservatives and other additives found in store-bought versions.

The Verdict on Old El Paso Refried Beans

Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans do not contain any gluten ingredients. The major components – beans, water, oil, and seasonings – are naturally gluten-free. While Old El Paso doesn’t label their traditional variety as “gluten-free,” many people consume them without issue.

However, Old El Paso does specially mark certain flavored bean products as certified gluten-free. If you want to be extra cautious about cross-contamination, choosing these varieties is the safest option.

Making your own refried beans at home is also an easy way to control the ingredients. But for a quick and convenient store-bought option, traditional Old El Paso Refried Beans are likely safe in a gluten-free diet as long as you check labels for changes.