Ranch dressing is a popular condiment that many people like to use for salads, vegetables, chicken wings, and more. For those who need to follow a gluten-free diet, an important question is whether popular brands of ranch dressing like Hidden Valley Ranch are gluten-free.
The Gluten-Free Status of Hidden Valley Ranch
The good news is that regular Hidden Valley Ranch dressings are certified gluten-free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). On Hidden Valley’s website, they have a list of all their salad dressings that are certified gluten-free, and it includes all their traditional ranch dressings like Original Ranch, Homestyle Ranch, Roasted Garlic Ranch, Zesty Ranch, and more.
So regular Hidden Valley Ranch dressings that are GFCO certified can be considered gluten-free and safe to consume on a gluten-free diet. However, it’s important to check the label and verify the GFCO certification symbol is present to ensure you are purchasing a gluten-free version.
Ingredients in Hidden Valley Ranch
Hidden Valley Ranch dressings that are certified gluten-free contain ingredients like:
- Soybean oil
- Water
- Distilled vinegar
- Egg yolks
- Sugar
- Salt
- Spices
- Garlic
- Onion
- Natural flavors
- Yeast extract
- Lemon juice
- Potassium sorbate
- Calcium disodium EDTA
Hidden Valley states that all the ingredients used in their certified gluten-free ranch dressings are gluten-free. So there are no obvious sources of gluten like wheat, barley, rye or their derivatives.
Testing Methods
In order to receive GFCO certification, Hidden Valley Ranch dressings must contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is considered an undetectable level that is safe for gluten-free diets.
GFCO testing is completed by randomly sampling finished products and testing them using the R5 Competitive ELISA method. This sensitive test can accurately detect if gluten is present above 10 ppm.
Products are also tested if any recipe or ingredient changes are made to ensure they continue meeting the strict certification standards.
Manufacturing Precautions
In addition to recipe screening and finished product testing, GFCO certification also requires companies to follow protocols to avoid cross-contamination during manufacturing. Some precautions include:
- Maintaining separate gluten-free and gluten-containing production lines
- Scheduling gluten-free production before gluten-containing production
- Completely cleaning equipment between product changeovers
- Using dedicated utensils and machinery for gluten-free production
- Testing food contact surfaces for gluten residues
- Providing gluten-free employee training
These manufacturing precautions provide additional controls to prevent gluten from getting into certified gluten-free products.
Non-Certified Hidden Valley Products
While the regular Hidden Valley Ranch dressings are certified gluten-free, there are some Hidden Valley products that do not currently carry the GFCO certification. These include:
- Hidden Valley The Original Ranch Pasta Salad Kit
- The Original Ranch Dry Seasoning Mix
- The Original Ranch Buttermilk Recipe Mix
- Restaurant Style Ranch
- The Original Ranch Greek Yogurt Dressing
If you need to avoid gluten, it’s important to check labels and contact the company if the GFCO symbol is not present on these other Hidden Valley products before consuming.
Should Celiacs Consume Hidden Valley Ranch?
For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, Hidden Valley Ranch dressings that are GFCO certified contain an extremely low level of gluten and are generally considered safe. Many celiacs regularly consume these dressings without issue.
However, there is always a small risk of trace amounts of gluten with any product. Those who are highly sensitive should exercise judgment and consume smaller portions or avoid if concerned. Consulting a doctor can help evaluate individual tolerance levels.
Table of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressings and Certification Status
| Ranch Dressing | GFCO Certified Gluten-Free |
|---|---|
| Original Ranch | Yes |
| Homestyle Ranch | Yes |
| Roasted Garlic Ranch | Yes |
| Zesty Ranch | Yes |
| Buffalo Ranch | Yes |
| Chipotle Ranch | Yes |
| Bacon Ranch | Yes |
| Jalapeno Ranch | Yes |
| Mango Habanero Ranch | Yes |
| Honey Mustard Ranch | Yes |
| Ranch Pasta Salad Kit | No |
| Ranch Dry Seasoning Mix | No |
| Ranch Buttermilk Recipe Mix | No |
| Restaurant Style Ranch | No |
| Ranch Greek Yogurt Dressing | No |
Contacting Hidden Valley About Gluten-Free Status
If you ever have any questions about the gluten-free status of Hidden Valley Ranch products, you can contact their Consumer Relations team:
- Phone: 1-888-756-8663
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: P.O. Box 24305, Oakland, CA 94623
The company states that their customer service team can verify if dressings and other products are gluten-free or made on gluten-free production lines.
Other Salad Dressings Certified Gluten-Free
In addition to Hidden Valley Ranch, other popular salad dressing brands that offer GFCO certified gluten-free options include:
- Ken’s Steak House Dressings
- Kraft Salad Dressings
- Newman’s Own Salad Dressings
- Brianna’s Salad Dressings
- Marzetti Salad Dressings
- Marie’s Salad Dressings
Checking for the certified gluten-free symbol is the best way to identify salad dressings that fit a gluten-free diet when shopping.
Homemade Gluten-Free Ranch Recipe
Making homemade ranch dressing is also an option to control ingredients. This recipe uses simple gluten-free ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice and vinegar in a bowl.
- Add parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- Whisk well to fully combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Store homemade ranch in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Making your own dressing allows you to control the ingredients. Just be sure to use brands you trust and certified gluten-free when buying items like mayonnaise.
Bottom Line
When shopping for Hidden Valley Ranch dressings, look for the GFCO certification symbol to ensure it is gluten-free. This includes popular flavors like Original, Roasted Garlic and Zesty Ranch. Non-certified products may contain gluten or be at risk for cross-contamination. Contact the company if ever unsure about an item’s gluten-free status. Sticking with certified dressings provides assurance that Hidden Valley Ranch can be included safely in a gluten-free diet.