Is sourdough bread gluten free?
Not verified. Not verified: no authority statement to check. Packaged foods differ, so check the label of the product you buy.
What the sources tell us
The Gluten Intolerance Group describes gluten-free sourdough bread as one popular recipe for home bakers. It is made with a gluten-free sourdough starter and a mixture of gluten-free flour, and the group notes that gluten-free bread can be made from rice flour, sorghum, bean flour, nut flours like almond flour and tapioca starch.[8]
The Celiac Disease Foundation lists breads such as bagels, flatbreads and rolls among common foods that contain gluten, and the Gluten Intolerance Group tailgate guide says to avoid sandwich bread and other bread products unless the package shows they are labeled or GFCO-certified gluten-free.[4][6]
Injera, the Ethiopian sourdough flatbread, shows how much the flour matters. The group says it is made from teff, which is naturally gluten-free, but it is not always gluten-free because some restaurants may combine teff flour with barley or wheat. It suggests confirming with staff that the injera is made solely with teff.[5]
The group also points to GFCO-certified sourdough sandwich rolls as one gluten-free bread option for summer gatherings.[7]
The GFCO list includes Original Sourdough from Bella Bread, Deli Style Gluten Free Sourdough from Franz Bakery and Sourdough Bread - Country Loaf from Alkeme.[3][1][2]
What the authorities say
Not stated
Certified gluten-free alternatives
Products on the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) list. Each links to its GFCO listing. A product counts as certified only when its package also carries the GFCO mark.
Sources
- [1] products.gfco.org/?s=72220010183 "Deli Style Gluten Free Sourdough Franz Bakery 72220010183" GFCO certified product list · fetched 2026-10-24 · no date on page
- [2] products.gfco.org/?s=854278001159 "Sourdough Bread - Country Loaf Alkeme 854278001159" GFCO certified product list · fetched 2026-10-24 · no date on page
- [3] products.gfco.org/?s=860014838910 "Original Sourdough Bella Bread 860014838910" GFCO certified product list · fetched 2026-10-24 · no date on page
- [4] celiac.org/what-is-gluten/sources-of-gluten "Breads and Pastries : croissants, pita, naan, bagels, flatbreads, cornbread, potato bread, muffins, donuts, rolls" Nonprofit · fetched 2026-10-23 · no date on page
- [5] gluten.org/2021/09/29/embark-on-an-exploration-of-ethiopian-food "Is injera always gluten-free? No, not always. Some restaurants may combine teff flour with a more economical flour such as barley or wheat." Nonprofit · fetched 2026-10-24 · no date on page
- [6] gluten.org/2022/10/12/gluten-free-tailgate-parties "avoid eating these foods: ... Sandwich bread and other bread products" Nonprofit · fetched 2026-10-23 · no date on page
- [7] gluten.org/2023/06/19/summertime-living-and-gluten-free-eating-is-easy "There are many great GFCO-certified options to consider for your summer gathering, such as BREAD SRSLY Sourdough Sandwich Rolls" Nonprofit · fetched 2026-10-24 · no date on page
- [8] gluten.org/2023/11/09/homemade-gluten-free-bread-for-national-homemade-bread-day-enjoy-the-celebration-without-compromise "One popular recipe is gluten-free sourdough bread, which is made with a gluten-free sourdough starter and a mixture of gluten-free flour." Nonprofit · fetched 2026-10-23 · no date on page