Is Worcestershire Sauce Gluten-Free?

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Unfortunately for those sensitive to gluten, the compound sneaks into unexpected foods. It takes a trained eye to spot hidden gluten in store-bought seasonings, and many ubiquitous condiments like mustard, ketchup, and salad dressings also end up on the list. Subsequently, it's reasonable to inquire regarding Worcestershire sauce; the name doesn't exactly allude to an obvious composition.

So if you're wondering what is Worcestershire sauce to begin with, be prepared for an extensive ingredient list. This ultra-savory and complex condiment packs in everything from anchovies, to tamarind, garlic, sugar, different kinds of vinegars, and a diverse range of spices. Some ingredients are fermented while others cured, and no two recipes are the same. Generally, the bulk of the ingredients are gluten-free, but there is one catch: Barley malt vinegar. Part of the original recipe, this component still shows up in certain Worcestershire sauce recipes, especially of small batch or homemade origins. However, most producers — including the widespread Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce — now employ white vinegar.

If you're not eating gluten, you should definitely glance at the Worcestershire sauce ingredient list prior to purchase. However thankfully, this condiment presents lots of options for an alternative. Not only do the majority of commercial producers use white vinegar, apple cider vinegar also frequently shows up in recipes. If you're feeling especially nervous regarding the composition, you can even craft the sauce at home; it involves a lengthy list of ingredients, but the assembly is straightforward.

Furthermore, with its hard to pin down savory flavor, there's a variety of substitutes for Worcestershire sauce. Soy sauce bears strong resemblance to its flavor, as does fish sauce. Throw in some gluten-free ketchup into the mix — and if you're really going all-out, also tamarind paste — and you'll get a flavor profile that'll still satisfy. Subsequently, you'll be able to use the Worcestershire sauce in cooking with ease.