Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
Description
Gluten free Worcestershire sauce is supposed to be easy to buy but when I first searched for it I couldnt find it.
I had the typical bottle of Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce in my fridge for many years and never gave it much thought. When you start cooking gluten free you give every ingredient a second thought.
In Canada were familiar with the fact that popular items contain different ingredients when sold in the United States or in Canada. The label looks the same but the ingredients can be a bit different and may include gluten. When I wanted to replace gluten containing Worcestershire sauce in my kitchen, the Canadian Lea & Perrins bottle contained gluten.
Thats when it occurred to me that I could probably make a version from scratch in less time than it took to go to the store. So I learned to make it and Im happy with this recipe. All these ingredients are in my cupboard so its quick to come together. Try it and see what you think.
A Guide To Buying And Cooking Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce has a distinct flavor, yet it can be challenging to identify its complex list of ingredients simply by the taste. Enjoyed for generations, it was developed in 1835 by two chemists from Worcester named Lea and Perrins. Worcestershire sauce is a kitchen staple used for marinades and as a condiment. It also serves as a key ingredient in bloody mary mix.
Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes
Want a dressing for your Caesar salad? Or to intensify the taste of bloody mary? If so, there you have it, his majesty Worcestershire sauce.
Use it in salads, meats, dressings, cheese sauces, meat marinades, ragus, tomato dishes, juicy burgers, and sweet-savory cocktails. It will intensify the taste that is quite excellent.
The possibilities are endless. It all depends on your taste and wish to experiment.
If for some reason you run out of it, you can substitute Worcestershire Sauce with balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, coconut aminos, barbecue sauce, or oyster sauce. Or some of the following combinations.
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Ingredients In Worcestershire Sauce
Homemade Worcestershire Sauce is pleasantly forgiving since there are so many depths of flavor. But lets look at the ingredients.
- Vinegar: most recipes you see online have white distilled vinegar but here we use apple cider vinegar. The flavor of apple cider vinegar and the health benefits outweigh its white counterpart.
- Coconut Aminos: this is a great soy sauce alternative. Prized for its high nutrient content, coconut aminos is often used in most cases as soy sauce. Its gluten-free and soy-free and adds great flavor to this Worcestershire Sauce.
- Sweeteners: Molasses and Coconut Sugar: these sweeteners add great depth of flavor and richness to the Worcestershire sauce. Date paste works great as a Whole30 alternative. If making this Whole30 compliant, use only 2 tablespoons of date paste in place of molasses and omit the coconut sugar.
- Anchovy Paste: this is gives the Worcestershire Sauce that umami flavor. In my opinion, it is necessary to include anchovy paste in Worcestershire sauce for best flavor. However, if making vegan Worcestershire sauce, just omit the anchovy paste.
- Spices and Seasonings: these include ground garlic, onion, mustard seed, ginger, cinnamon, and salt and pepper. Some recipes call for fresh ingredients but in the interest of keeping this simple, dried work exceptionally well in this recipe.
Visit The Brands Website
All brands should have a product page that describes the product, its components, and any possible allergies.
Some businesses make this extremely apparent and visible. Others are less enthusiastic. In either case, you should be able to swiftly determine whether a specific brand is safe or requires more examination.
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Heinz 57 Steak Sauce With Lea And Perrins
Yes, Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, but Heinz 57 steak sauce is not. It contains barley in the form of malt vinegar. Therefore, you should avoid this steak sauce-Worcestershire sauce combo.
If you want a combined Worcestershire sauce-steak sauce, consider mixing a gluten-free sauce from this list with a gluten-free steak sauce. There are several good choices.
What Does Worcestershire Sauce Taste Like
Worcestershire sauce is loved because it is packed with explosive tastes. It is sweet and salty, tangy, and savory, all at the same time. But its umami flavor, from the anchovies, is the most prized taste of this sauce. It must be noted however, that the taste of Worcestershire could vary depending on the brand. But overall, this is the general taste of this sauce.
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The Basics Of Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce was named after the place where it originated. While the invention of this sauce seemed like an accident, it involved a lot of effort from two men, John Lea and William Perrins.
So, how was it created? How does it taste that makes it an amazing sauce for every kitchen? Lets find out.
Is Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce Gluten
In the US, Lea and Perrins is under the Heinz brand so you are sure that US made Worcestershire sauce under this name is made of distilled white vinegar and not malt vinegar. Although it is the original manufacturer of Worcestershire, only US made Lea and Perrins can be considered as gluten-free.
As have been mentioned in the previous section, the UK made Lea and Perrins use malt vinegar. There is also a Canadian version, distinguished by its orange packaging. It is not gluten-free as it is also made of malt vinegar.
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Ingredients Of The Original Lea & Perrins
According to the original recipe of Lea & Perrins, the sauce is created by using these ingredients:
- Tamarind extract
- Natural flavoring
As the exact recipe of Lea & Perrins is a secret you have to pay attention to the ingredients list when you buy any Worcestershire sauce. Different brands will have different ingredients.
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Is Aldi Worcestershire Sauce Gluten
This UK-based sauce and condiments brand takes pride for its range of gluten-free products including their Worcestershire sauce.
According to their website, their Worcestershire is certified and sealed with a gluten-free tag which means that it is compliant with the less than 20 million ppm requirement for a product to be declared as gluten-free. If you want to confirm this, you can validate it here.
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Is Frenchs Worcestershire Sauce Gluten
Frenchs is another classic brand for Worcestershire sauce with 100 years of manufacturing, production and distribution of this well-loved sauce. It is not just sealed as gluten-free but also Kosher.
It is commonly used in high-end Kosher restaurants and in many food service companies. It does not contain any artificial colors nor artificial flavors.
What Is The Difference Between Worcestershire Sauce And Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is made up of soybeans, salt, and koji mold. It is typically used with Asian dishes. Soy sauce is fermented, but not as long as Worcestershire sauce and is not as strong as Worcestershire sauce.
Worcestershire sauce has a bunch of different ingredients and is typically used for beef. This sauce contains natural flavorings, which are pickles, peppers soy, and lemon. Traditional Worcestershire sauce is fermented for up to 36 months.
A really important difference to note between the two sauces is that soy sauce is not good for a gluten-free diet. Unlike Worcestershire sauce that does not have gluten products, soy sauce does. Soy sauce contains wheat, making it not a gluten-free sauce.
There are gluten-free brands of soy sauce, like Kikkoman or San-j Tamari. There are also gluten-free brands of Worcestershire sauce, like The Wizards Gluten-Free Organic Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, and Frenchs Worcestershire sauce.
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How To Make Gluten
If your gluten-free Worcestershire sauce runs out and you dont have any suitable replacement for your Worcester sauce, this homemade recipe will help you. It can take some time, but the result will satisfy you.
The good news is that all ingredients can be found in any supermarket or grocery. Now, lets take a look at how to make gluten-free Worcestershire sauce at home.
What It Is Made Of
The most important and leading ingredient of Worcestershire sauce is vinegar. Its also responsible for the tangy flavor. There are also anchovies that add savoriness and tamarind, giving the sauce its unique flavor.
Heres the full list of Worcestershire sauce ingredients:
- Natural flavorings
While the key ingredients remain the same, their proportions mean varied tastes among different versions. This also makes it harder to determine whether your Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly or gluten-free.
In the case of US and UK versions, the US uses distilled vinegar as opposed to malt vinegar used by the UK, and three times as much sugar as the UK version. It makes the US Worcestershire sauce both saltier and sweeter than the UK one.
Find out the origin of the name Worcestershire and how the recipe was created.
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What Are The Ingredients Of The Original Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce
Lea & Perrins is considered as the master innovator behind the Worcestershire sauce in 1835. Originating in the UK, the ingredients of the original recipe Worcestershire sauce would be the following:
- Try Me Wine and Pepper Worcestershire
Some of the featured brands here do not necessarily have the gluten-free label but their product label, reviews, and transparency in their websites would affirm that they are indeed, gluten-free Worcestershire sauces.
Types Of Worcestershire Sauce
There are three varieties of Worcestershire sauce: Gluten-free, Vegan, and Low Sodium.
- Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce: Its popular in the US and uses distilled vinegar to ensure the absence of gluten in the sauce.
- Vegan Worcestershire sauce: It doesnt use anchovies.
- Low Sodium Worcestershire sauce: Its made for those who follow a low-sodium diet and tastes less salty than the original version.
The three varieties of Worcestershire sauce are suitable for different types of eaters. This information is displayed on the label of each bottle.
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These Top Brands Of Worcestershire Sauce Go The Extra Mile To Make Sure Their Sauces Are Labeled Gluten
Caption:
Celiac.com 12/02/2020 – Most Worcestershire sauces are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, many brands do not label their Worcestershire sauce as gluten-free. That’s not necessarily a big deal, but some people like to play it safe.
These brands of Worcestershire sauce go the extra mile to make sure their sauces are labeled “Gluten-Free.” That means that you can breath extra easy about serving them to people with celiac disease.
Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce
Lea and Perrins is the most famous brand of Worcestershire sauce out there. You never quite can beat the original! The ingredients contain no gluten and the label very clearly states that the product itself is gluten-free. The only allergen listed on the bottle is fish . The ingredients used are distilled white vinegar, molasses, sugar, salt, water, sugar, onions, anchovies, garlic, tamarind, and chili pepper all safe for gluten intolerant individuals!
Its cholesterol-free, fat-free, and of course, gluten-free. You can often pick it up in your local grocery store for around $4 a bottle.
Its important to note that if youre outside of the US, Lea and Perrins will not be gluten-free. In Europe, Worcestershire sauce is made with malt vinegar, which means its not safe for consumption if youre following a gluten-free diet.
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Can You Make Your Own Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce At Home
Worcestershire sauce is a complex ingredient that is made with a number of different layers of flavor and ingredients.
While it seems virtually impossible to replicate it at home, you can certainly try your hand at it and decide for yourself!
Here are a few recipes Ive found online to try out and all are gluten-free!
I hope if youve been wondering if you can still use Worcestershire sauce in your cooking on your gluten-free diet, that this post has helped you clear up any questions you may have.
I also hope youve found a brand you can try out and keep in your pantry to use for all your favorite dishes to give them a new layer of flavor.
If you loved this post, I hope that youll share it with your friends on and pin it for future reference on .
What Is A Gluten
If youve read this post and realized that the brand you have in your pantry contains gluten, what can you use in your recipe until youre able to get a gluten-free option?
Of course, the real thing is best, because it has such a myriad of different flavors in just one simple sauce. But if you cant get that, try one of these ideas.
Here are a few ideas for substituting Worcestershire sauce in a recipe:
- Gluten-free tamari soy sauce
For more ideas, check out this post from Food52.
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Is Worcestershire Sauce Gluten Free + The Best Brands
If you are gluten-free you may be wondering: Is Worcestershire sauce gluten free?
Worcestershire sauce is a staple in so many recipes that it has become a household must-have. Knowing what gluten-free options are available to you is sure to come in handy when putting together some of your favorite meals.
This article will answer the question is Worcestershire sauce gluten-free? including a list of gluten-free brands to try and where to buy them.
Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the section of your choice or keep reading for the best gluten-free Worcestershire sauce brands.
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The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isnt that interesting, but you can find it here.
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Cooking With Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce can be used in many ways during cooking or as a condiment. It is often used as an ingredient in marinades or is brushed onto meat, fish, or poultry as it is grilled, fried, or baked. It can be used when steaming, grilling, or stir-frying vegetables. Worcestershire sauce can be used as a condiment on sandwiches and shellfish, or seasoning for salads. It is used in soups and stews for seasoning and adding savoriness.
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What Does It Taste Like
Worcestershire sauce tastes tangy, savory, sweet, and salty. The balance of those flavors makes it an excellent condiment. It is especially valued for adding the umami flavor, which comes from the anchovies. The spices included can vary by brand. Even within the same brand, as in Lea & Perrins, the U.S. version is saltier and sweeter than the U.K. version labeled as the same sauce.
Does Worcestershire Sauce Have Gluten
Often used to flavor caesar salads and shrimp cocktails, Worcestershire sauce is typically made of distilled white vinegar, molasses, sugar, water, salt, onion, anchovies, garlic, clove, tamarind extract, chili pepper and natural flavors.
Most of these ingredients are naturally gluten-free, except for some natural flavors, which could include malt flavoring, or malt vinegar, if used. Both of these may be derived from barley, which contains gluten.
Some brands also include soy sauce in their recipe, and soy sauce isn’t gluten-free. Although soybeans are naturally gluten-free, soy sauce recipes include wheat to add sweetness to the product, according to popular soy sauce manufacturer Kikkoman.
Worcestershire sauces that contain soy sauce or malt flavorings are therefore not a gluten-free food and may cause a reaction in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
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Sauces Which Usually Contain Gluten
Unfortunately these sauces pretty much always tend to contain gluten, save for a few specifically gluten free ones.
Again, its always worth checking, but generally these sauces are NOT coeliac safe:
HP Brown Sauce does contain gluten, however the Tesco and Asdas cheap brown sauces are completely safe.
Plus there are some free from brown sauces such as Chippa which you can sometimes find in the free from aisle.
Soy sauce is the one which catches a lot of people out because its not a thick sauce, its easy to assume its fine.
But soy sauce is NOT gluten free unless it is specifically marked as gluten free, which is usually Tamari instead of standard soy sauce.
I personally think gluten free soy sauce tastes the same, but Asian food connoisseurs might disagree youll have to let me know if you think otherwise!
This does mean a lot of Chinese food is not gluten free either, neither is sushi unless you can get it with a gluten free soy sauce instead.
As discussed above, Marmite is unfortunately not gluten free and is labelled as such, but some of the supermarket yeast extracts are, which are basically the same thing!
Is Heinz Worcestershire Sauce Gluten
Yes, Heinzs Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. It is made of distilled white vinegar, high fructose syrup, molasses, spices, and non-wheat soy sauce.
While the bottles are duly sealed as gluten-free, there are still contentions about cross-contamination since Heinz is using shared facilities for many of their bottled products.
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