Is liquid smoke gluten-free?

We use liquid smoke to add a smokey flavor to recipes when we want that fresh from the smoker flavor without the actual smoking time. But is liquid smoke gluten-free?

It's summer, which means we are enjoying all the bbq foods. It also means that there is a risk of getting sick from hidden sources of gluten. I love bbq foods, but there are actually a lot of sources of potential gluten, from cross-contact on the grill to the actual ingredients.

Liquid smoke is one of the holy grail of ingredients to add a smokey flavor to recipes without having a smoker or waiting for hours. But, have you ever wondered, is liquid smoke gluten-free?

This post is not sponsored by Wright's liquid smoke.

How is liquid smoke made?

Believe it or not, liquid smoke is actually made from smoke. Wood chips, usually hickory or mesquite, are burned at a high temperature. As the wood burns, the smoke is collected and then condensed down to what we buy at the store as liquid smoke.

Is liquid smoke gluten-free?

The short answer is yes, and no. Some brands of liquid smoke are gluten-free, and some brands of liquid smoke are not gluten-free. How is that possible? Whether or not liquid smoke is gluten-free or not comes down to the ingredients.

What are the ingredients in liquid smoke?

Liquid smoke ingredients should just be listed as smoke and water. If those are the only ingredients, then the liquid smoke is gluten-free.

Some brands of liquid smoke add extra ingredients, including flavorings, molasses, vinegar, and even coloring like caramel coloring. These ingredients could make certain brands of liquid smoke not gluten-free.

What brands of liquid smoke are gluten-free?

In the U.S., most brands of liquid smoke are considered gluten-free.

• According to the site, Colgin hickory liquid smoke is gluten-free.
• Wrights brand hickory and mesquite flavors of liquid smoke are gluten-free.
• Stubbs brand liquid smoke is gluten-free.
• Figaro hickory liquid smoke is considered gluten-free.
• Tones liquid smoke is gluten-free.

How do you know if your liquid smoke is safe to use?

For any brand you are looking at using, be sure to read the ingredients and check if it is labeled gluten-free. When in doubt, check with the manufacturer, and if you still aren't sure, don't' use it.