Is butter gluten free?

What the sources tell us

The Gluten Intolerance Group says most dairy products are naturally gluten-free, and it names butter, together with milk, cheese and plain yogurt, as foods that do not contain gluten in their natural form.[5]

In the same shopping guide, the group still recommends a quick label check on flavored or processed dairy products, because some contain added thickeners or flavorings that introduce gluten. When in doubt, it suggests sticking to plain, unflavored varieties.[5]

The Celiac Disease Foundation points to a risk in the kitchen. It lists butter among the condiments that may become contaminated when utensils used on gluten-containing food are double-dipped.[1]

The Gluten Intolerance Group gives a picnic example. When people spread butter, mayo or mustard on regular bread, it says to watch for someone using the same knife on gluten-free bread, which it calls a common cross-contact mistake. It suggests having two of each condiment and labeling the ones meant for gluten-free eaters.[3]

In its grilling tips, the group suggests corn on the cob with herb butter, with a reminder to check the butter source.[4]

Butter also shows up in dishes that do contain gluten. The group lists soup thickened with roux among foods where gluten may be hidden, and explains that roux is a mixture of fat, usually butter, and flour.[2]