Tesco

🛒 Tesco's Gluten Free Range

Tesco has been a key player in the gluten free game since launching its Free From range in 2003. Easily recognised by its purple packaging, it’s become a staple in UK supermarket aisles - and the range continues to grow, with new products and seasonal specials landing regularly. We also love how some of Tesco's Free From products are price matched with their gluten containing counterparts, like both pastas costing 75p - a great step forward in making gluten free options more affordable and inclusive.

🔍 Free From Sections

🚪 Cupboard

The layout of Tesco's gluten free products can vary depending on store size, but most larger locations now dedicate about half an aisle to the Free From range. This is a HUGE improvement compared to a few years ago, when gluten free shoppers were lucky to find a small standalone shelf.

Within the aisle, you'll find a mix of well-known gluten free brands, plus Tesco's own-label options, covering the likes of:

• 🍝 Pasta & spaghetti
• 🍞 Bread & rolls
• 🍰 Cakes & desserts
• 🥐 Pastries
• 🍚 Flour & home baking items
• 🥣 Cereal & bars
• 🍫 Sweet Treats
• 🥫 Sauces & Condiments
• 🍺 Beer

🗄️ Chilled

Tesco’s gluten free range isn’t just confined to one area and there is a Free From fridge area, but it's primarily stocked with dairy free and vegan items like milk alternatives and cheese substitutes. That said, there are gluten free gems to be found throughout the main chilled aisles too, often shelved with their gluten containing alternatives - things like:

• 🍗 Breaded chicken
• 🥧 Pies
• 🍮 Desserts
• 🍛 Ready meals

Fresh gluten free products are easy to miss if you’re only browsing the Free From aisle, so it’s worth knowing that some of Tesco’s best finds are scattered throughout the store.

❄️ Frozen

In the frozen aisle, you'll usually find a dedicated Free From freezer section - though it’s worth noting that this is often placed alongside or even within the plant-based section, which can make shopping a bit confusing. Always double-check the labels, especially in mixed sections, and remember that vegan and gluten free are not the same thing! Frozen gluten free items usually include:

• 🍕 Pizza
• 🍗 Breaded products
• 🥧 Pies
• 🍨 Desserts
• 🍛 Ready meals

🥪 Gluten Free Meal Deals

Tesco’s meal deal includes a few decent gluten free options, including at least a couple of sandwiches - plus a festive special during Christmas. Their sushi is also a surprisingly safe bet, as they use tamari instead of soy sauce which is gluten free - just double check the varieties as some not all packs are free from gluten containing ingredients. You’ll also find a few gluten free salad options, along with plenty of gluten free sides & snacks to enjoy as part of the deal.

❗ Always double-check labels, particularly on meal deals, as availability and ingredients can vary.

🏪 Smaller Stores

Even Tesco Express and smaller stores stock a mini Free From section with cupboard staples like gluten free pasta, flour, and cereal. It won't match the range of a Tesco Extra, but it's often enough to grab the essentials - especially handy after larger stores close on Sundays!

⚠️ Not Everything Free From = Gluten Free

This is something that trips up even seasoned shoppers: not everything in the Free From aisle is gluten free. Tesco’s Free From label is an umbrella term that includes products catering to a wide range of dietary requirements - including dairy free, egg free and nut free. The majority of products in the Free From aisle are free from gluten (as well as other allergies), but don't get caught out buying something that's actually just dairy free, and not also gluten free.

✌🏻 Naturally Gluten Free Products

On that note, like all supermarkets, Tesco carries hundreds of products that are gluten free by default so you don't need to buy something within the Free From aisle just because it's there - you can find a safe, gluten free product outside of the Free From aisle which is usually cheaper.

A good example? Pesto. You might spot it in the Free From section and assume it’s the one to go for, but standard pesto is usually gluten free. The version in the Free From aisle is more likely there because it’s dairy free (no parmesan) or nut free (no pine nuts).

Knowing what doesn't need to be bought from the Free From section can save you money and open up a whole new world of safe, naturally gluten free products.

Keep an eye out for the usual suspects: no BROW (Barley, Rye, Oats, Wheat), and no 'may contain' warnings if you have coeliac disease.

👉🏽 For a refresher on how to read labels and ingredient lists, click here

👉🏽 Tips on shopping outside of the Free From aisle and how you can save money

💜 Our Favourite Free From Tesco Products

• 🤩 Tesco Free From Cod & Parsley Fishcakes
• 🤩 Tesco Free From Hot Dog Rolls
• 🤩 Tesco Free From Belgian Chocolate Wafers
• 🤩 Tesco Free From Profiteroles
• 🤩 Tesco Finest Free From Rigatoni

💙 Our Favourite Naturally Gluten Free Tesco Products

• 🤩 Tesco Mozzarella Sticks
• 🤩 Tesco Teriyaki Stir Fry Sauce
• 🤩 Tesco Finest 6 British Pork & Caramelised Onion Sausages
• 🤩 Tesco Finest Prawn Marie Rose Crisps
• 🤩 Tesco Yeast Extract