Is Farro Gluten Free? This Grain Isn’t Healthy for Some People!

This post contains affiliate links including Amazon affiliate links.

With different grains and flours being called healthy, it’s hard to know which ones are safe to eat on a gluten free diet. Is farro gluten free?

Farro is a type of grain that has been eaten for centuries. It is commonly used in Italian and Middle Eastern cuisines and is becoming increasingly popular in North America.

Is Farro Gluten Free? A bowl of raw farro.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

What is Farro? 

Farro is an ancient wheat grain that is the hulled grain of spelt, emmer, and einkorn.

It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor and is often used as a substitute for rice.

Farro is considered a whole grain and is a good source of fiber, protein, and minerals. 

Is Farro Gluten Free? A spoon of farro.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Farro Ingredients

Farro is made from whole wheat kernels that are hulled and then cracked. It is typically sold in three forms: semi-pearled, pearled, and whole. 

Is Farro Gluten Free? A plate of farro salad.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

How is Farro Processed? 

Farro is made by removing the hull from the grain and then cracking it. This is done to reduce cooking time and make it easier to digest. The grains are then cooked in boiling water until they are tender.

Is Farro Gluten Free? Soup with farro in it.
Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Is Farro Gluten Free? 

No, farro is not gluten free. Farro is a type of wheat that has gluten protein. Those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid eating farro. 

It looks like a tasty grain so I’m sorry that you can’t eat it. A lot of articles suggested using rice instead of farro in recipes. Maybe consider wild rice so you get that same nutty flavor.

DISCLOSURE: Not intended for the treatment or prevention of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. Use of recommendations is at the choice and risk of the reader. Ditch the Wheat is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. I only endorse products that I believe in.

Website |  + posts

Carol Lovett is the founder of Ditch the Wheat and a Globe and Mail bestselling author of the cookbook, Ditch the Wheat. She has been eating gluten free since 2010. She loves all things food, natural living, and spiritual. She's also a reiki master and crystal healer.

Gluten Free Resources

Do you need help with gluten free meals?
I recommend this meal-planning app. It makes cooking gluten free dinners extremely easy and family-friendly.
What gluten free snacks can I eat?
Lots! I have a ton of practical gluten free snack recipes in my cookbook.
How can I eat dessert on a gluten free diet?
You can 100% eat dessert while eating gluten free. Try my dessert cookbook for easy gluten free dessert recipes.
How do I know what is gluten free and what isn’t?
I have a whole section is it gluten free?
How do I make substitutions?
If you need substitution advice I created a ton of resources here.

Two square white bowls are filled with ground turkey chili with an instant pot in the background.

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Dairy Free Shrimp Bisque

Dairy Free Shrimp Bisque

Cassava banana muffins in a stack.

Cassava Flour Banana Muffins

A white platter with two skewers of Pinchos de Pollo.

Pinchos de Pollo

A white bowl with a strawberry salad and dressing in a jar with a spoon.

Unlock Endless Salad Ideas With This Genius Mix & Match Cheat Sheet

A plate with a blue rim that is filled with monster energy balls.

No Bake Monster Balls