Are all fruits by the foot gluten-free?

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to General Mills, the manufacturer of Fruit by the Foot, their popular fruit-flavored snack products do not contain gluten ingredients. However, navigating dietary restrictions requires careful label-reading, as not all versions or fruit snacks are created equal, and cross-contamination is a potential risk for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the gluten-free status of Fruit by the Foot products, examines the ingredients to verify safety for gluten-sensitive individuals, and discusses cross-contamination risks and certification statuses. It also provides guidance on reading labels for hidden gluten and suggests alternative snack options.

Key Points

Generally Gluten-Free: Fruit by the Foot products are formulated by General Mills without gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye.
Check the Label: Always look for the 'Gluten Free' claim explicitly printed on the package to ensure the product is safe for consumption.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Individuals with celiac disease should be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination during manufacturing, as mentioned by the manufacturer.
Ingredients Analysis: The modified food starch used in Fruit by the Foot is typically corn or tapioca-based and gluten-free, but verifying the source is always a good practice.
Safer Alternatives Exist: For highly sensitive individuals, certified gluten-free brands like Welch's or making homemade fruit leather offers a more secure option.
Not a Health Food: Despite containing fruit puree, Fruit by the Foot is a sugary candy snack and should be consumed in moderation as a treat.
Malt is a Warning Sign: Watch for ingredients like malt flavoring, which is a common hidden source of gluten derived from barley, in other fruit snacks.

What is Fruit by the Foot?

Fruit by the Foot is a fruit-flavored candy snack made by General Mills under the Betty Crocker brand. It is known for its long, rolled-up strips and various flavors. Key ingredients include sugar, maltodextrin, corn syrup, pear puree concentrate, and palm oil, along with stabilizers, flavorings, and colors. It's considered a treat due to its high sugar and additive content.

Is Fruit by the Foot Gluten-Free?

General Mills states that all flavors of Fruit by the Foot are made without gluten ingredients. The product does not contain wheat, barley, or rye. This applies to all flavors, which are typically marked as gluten-free on packaging and official websites.

Understanding the risk of cross-contamination

Even though Fruit by the Foot is made without gluten, cross-contamination during manufacturing is a concern for those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. General Mills often includes a disclaimer about this possibility, indicating a small risk for highly sensitive individuals. While this risk is minimal for most, those with celiac disease should be aware. Independent testing has shown gluten levels are below the FDA's 'gluten-free' threshold of 20 ppm, but this doesn't guarantee a complete absence.

Reading labels: What to look for

Always check the ingredients and allergen statements. Look for explicit 'Gluten Free' claims on Fruit by the Foot packaging. Also, check the ingredient list for hidden gluten sources. For Fruit by the Foot, the modified food starch is usually from corn or tapioca, which are gluten-free, but verifying the source is recommended for any packaged food.

Comparing Gluten-Free Fruit Snacks


Feature	Fruit by the Foot	Welch's Fruit Snacks	Homemade Fruit Leather
Gluten-Free Status	Formulated gluten-free, but potential for cross-contamination mentioned.	Explicitly states all products are gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free, with no additives.
Main Ingredients	Sugar, maltodextrin, corn syrup, fruit puree.	Real fruit as the first ingredient.	Whole fruit, potentially with a small amount of sweetener.
Additives	Contains artificial colors and flavors in some variants.	Contains vitamins A, C, and E; some varieties have artificial flavors.	No additives or preservatives.
Convenience	Individually wrapped for easy, on-the-go snacking.	Also available in individual, on-the-go pouches.	Requires prep time, but can be made in large batches.

Alternatives and DIY options

For alternatives, Welch's fruit snacks are explicitly marketed as gluten-free. Other brands offer certified gluten-free options. Homemade fruit leather is a naturally gluten-free alternative; blend fruit and bake on a sheet at a low temperature.

Conclusion

While Fruit by the Foot is formulated without gluten ingredients, the potential for cross-contamination means a qualified 'yes' for those with celiac disease. The product does not contain gluten ingredients, but the production environment poses a slight risk. Always check packaging for allergen information and consider certified gluten-free options like Welch's or homemade fruit leather if you have extreme sensitivity. Careful label-reading is key to a strict gluten-free diet.

Navigating a gluten-free lifestyle

Managing a gluten-free diet is becoming easier with specialized products and clear labeling. For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, understanding the difference between products made without gluten and those certified entirely free of cross-contamination is crucial. Resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation offer information on identifying gluten-free foods and understanding labels. Being a careful label reader is essential, checking for obvious and potential hidden sources of gluten like malt or modified food starches where the source isn't clear. Being informed allows for safe and confident enjoyment of various snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer General Mills, all varieties of Fruit by the Foot are made without gluten ingredients. The packaging also typically bears a clear 'Gluten Free' label.

The main ingredients are sugar, maltodextrin, corn syrup, and pear puree concentrate.

While the product is made without gluten ingredients, the manufacturer acknowledges a potential risk of cross-contamination during production. Very sensitive individuals or those with celiac disease should consider this risk or opt for certified gluten-free alternatives.

Always read the product label for an explicit 'Gluten Free' claim and check the ingredients list. You can also look for snacks from brands that are certified gluten-free, which indicates more rigorous testing and safety standards.

Yes, all products from Welch's Fruit Snacks, including their rolls and gummies, are gluten-free and clearly marketed as such.

Not necessarily. In Fruit by the Foot, it is typically corn or tapioca-based and is gluten-free. However, the source of modified food starch can vary in other products, so checking the label is essential.

Yes, homemade fruit leather is a great, simple, and naturally gluten-free alternative. It can be made by pureeing fruits and drying them in a low-temperature oven.