Is masa flour gluten free?

Yes, pure masa flour (also known as Masa Harina) is naturally 100% gluten-free. Masa Harina is made from dried corn kernels that undergo nixtamalization—a traditional process where corn is soaked and cooked in an alkaline limewater solution—before being rinsed, dried, and ground into fine flour.

This traditional preparation improves flavor, frees up nutrients, and creates dough that binds easily when mixed with warm water. Masa flour is the primary ingredient for making authentic corn tortillas, tamales, pupusas, and gorditas. While pure masa contains no gluten, always check commercial product labels to confirm there is no wheat flour blended in or factory cross-contamination from shared machinery.