Swanson chicken broth is labeled gluten-free by Campbell Soup Company — Campbell’s-brand chicken broth is NOT.
Yes for Swanson. Swanson chicken broths, stocks, and bone broths are made with gluten-free ingredients and verified via rigorous testing per Campbell Soup Company. Look for “Swanson” on the carton plus the “Gluten Free” label on the front. CRITICAL EXCEPTION: Campbell’s-brand chicken broth (a separate product from Campbell Soup Co., same parent company) carries a “May contain traces of wheat” warning and is NOT gluten-free for celiacs.
Swanson chicken broth is one of the few mainstream broths with a formal “Gluten Free” label on the carton — Campbell Soup Company’s published position is that Swanson gluten-free broths and stocks are tested to GF standards. But the same company also makes Campbell’s-brand chicken broth (a totally separate product line under the Campbell’s name), and that one carries a “May contain traces of wheat” warning. Same parent company, two different broths, two opposite verdicts. Always check the carton brand name.
Swanson vs. Campbell’s Brand — Read the Carton
Per Campbell Soup Company’s Swanson gluten-free page: “Swanson Gluten Free Broths and Stocks are made with gluten free ingredients and rigorously tested to ensure they meet our high standards for quality and safety.” Swanson’s GF line covers 100% Natural Chicken Broth, Natural Goodness Lower Sodium Chicken Broth, Unsalted Chicken Broth, Beef Broth, Vegetable Broth, and the Bone Broth lineup.
What’s in Swanson Natural Goodness Chicken Broth
Per Campbell’s published ingredient list: chicken stock, salt, natural flavoring, chicken fat, yeast extract, carrot juice concentrate, celery juice concentrate, onion juice concentrate. Per FDA labeling rules, none of these is a gluten-containing grain. Campbell maintains its GF claim through verified testing.
Cross-Contamination Risk
Manufacturing
Low
- Swanson GF broths verified via rigorous testing per Campbell.
- Formal “Gluten Free” label on carton — qualifies for FDA <20 ppm claim.
- Campbell’s-brand chicken broth (separate product) is not GF — verify the carton says Swanson.
Restaurant / Kitchen
Low
- Sealed cartons; standard kitchen use is safe.
- Restaurant in-house chicken stock may differ from Swanson — verify if severely sensitive.
Home
Low
- Sealed carton, refrigerate after opening.
- Use within 14 days once opened per Campbell.
Swanson Gluten-Free Product Line
- Swanson 100% Natural Chicken Broth — GF, in carton
- Swanson Natural Goodness Lower Sodium Chicken Broth — GF
- Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth — GF
- Swanson Beef Broth — GF
- Swanson Vegetable Broth — GF
- Swanson Bone Broth (Chicken, Beef, Sipping varieties) — GF
- Swanson Chicken Stock — GF
What to Look For — Or Avoid
- “Swanson” on the carton (not “Campbell’s”)
- “Gluten Free” label on the front of the carton
- Ingredient list with no wheat, barley, rye, or oats
- No “Contains: Wheat” or “May contain wheat” callout
- Campbell’s-brand chicken broth (red and white can) — has “May contain traces of wheat”
- Restaurant in-house chicken stock — may use wheat-containing base
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Swanson chicken broth gluten-free?
Yes. Per Campbell Soup Company, Swanson chicken broths and stocks are made with gluten-free ingredients and rigorously tested to meet GF standards. The cartons carry a formal “Gluten Free” label on the front.
Is Campbell’s chicken broth gluten-free?
No. Campbell’s-brand chicken broth (sold in the red and white can) carries a “May contain traces of wheat” advisory and is not safe for celiacs. This is a different product from Swanson, even though both are owned by Campbell Soup Company. The Swanson-branded broth is the gluten-free one.
Is Swanson bone broth gluten-free?
Yes. Swanson Bone Broth (chicken, beef, and sipping varieties) is on Campbell’s gluten-free product list, verified via the same testing program as Swanson broths and stocks.
What about the “natural flavoring” in Swanson broth?
Per Campbell, the natural flavoring in Swanson broths contains no wheat-derived components. FDA top-9 allergen labeling would require disclosure of wheat if used — Campbell’s allergen declaration on Swanson GF broths does not list wheat.
Is yeast extract in Swanson gluten?
No. The yeast extract in Swanson broths is typically derived from non-barley sources, and Campbell maintains gluten-free controls on Swanson’s GF line. Campbell would disclose if barley-derived yeast extract were used.
Is restaurant chicken broth gluten-free?
Depends on the restaurant. House-made chicken stock at a restaurant may use a wheat-containing base (bouillon cubes sometimes contain wheat). Restaurant chains that publicly state they use Swanson broth are safe; others should be verified with staff before ordering soup or anything broth-based.