Are Any Ben and Jerry's Flavors Gluten Free? A Comprehensive Guide

Since 2020, Ben & Jerry's has been working to get some of its most popular flavors officially certified as gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This means that for fans with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the answer to 'Are any Ben and Jerry's flavors gluten free?' is a resounding yes, provided they know which ones to choose and where to look.

Quick Summary

Ben & Jerry's offers a growing list of certified gluten-free ice cream and non-dairy flavors, which are clearly marked with a GFCO logo on the packaging. The list includes several iconic options for those managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, but careful label-reading is always recommended due to potential changes. In-store scoop shop options carry a higher risk of cross-contamination.

Key Points

• Look for the GFCO Logo: The most reliable way to identify a safe pint is to find the official Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark on the packaging.

• Check Labels for the Latest Information: Due to potential recipe and production changes, always double-check the ingredient list and certifications on the pint before purchasing.

• Exercise Caution at Scoop Shops: While some flavors are certified gluten-free at the factory, the risk of cross-contamination in-store is high. Request a fresh tub and a clean scoop.

• Explore Certified Non-Dairy Options: Ben & Jerry's offers an expanding selection of certified gluten-free non-dairy flavors, using alternative milk bases like oat milk.

• Avoid Flavors with Baked Goods: Flavors containing ingredients like cookie dough, brownies, or oatmeal cookies are typically not gluten-free unless explicitly certified otherwise.

• Consider Your Sensitivity Level: For those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, sticking strictly to certified pints is the safest bet.

Navigating the Certified Gluten-Free Pints

For individuals with celiac disease or other significant gluten sensitivities, relying on third-party certification is the safest option. The Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark guarantees that a product has been tested to meet strict standards, containing less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Ben & Jerry's has gone through this rigorous process for an expanding list of their flavors, providing much-needed peace of mind for consumers. It is important to look for the GFCO logo directly on the pint, as recipes can sometimes change.

Certified Gluten-Free Dairy Flavors (In Pints)

• Cherry Garcia®: The original fruit and fudge favorite is a long-standing certified gluten-free option.
• Chunky Monkey®: This banana ice cream with fudge chunks and walnuts is a classic celiac-safe choice.
• Coffee, Coffee BuzzBuzzBuzz!®: A coffee ice cream that promises all the flavor without the gluten.
• New York Super Fudge Chunk®: Chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks, pecans, walnuts, and fudge-covered almonds.
• Phish Food®: The iconic chocolate ice cream with marshmallow and caramel swirls and fudge fish is certified gluten-free in both dairy and non-dairy versions.
• Pistachio Pistachio: A pistachio ice cream packed with roasted pistachios.
• Salted Caramel Almond: A rich, salty and sweet combination that is certified gluten-free.
• Vanilla: A deceptively simple yet popular flavor, available as a certified gluten-free pint.
• Vanilla Caramel Fudge: A vanilla ice cream swirled with caramel and fudge.
• Peanut Butter Cup: Peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter cups is a certified GF option.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Split: A certified gluten-free flavor featuring chocolate and peanut butter ice cream with peanut butter cups and a fudge swirl.
• Everything But The…®: A swirl of different goodies for those who want a bit of everything, without the gluten.

Certified Gluten-Free Non-Dairy Flavors (In Pints)

Ben & Jerry's offers an increasing number of vegan and non-dairy options that are also certified gluten-free, using bases like almond or oat milk.

• Cherry Garcia® Non-Dairy: The classic flavor now available with an almond-milk base.
• Phish Food® Non-Dairy: This popular flavor is also available as a certified gluten-free non-dairy version.
• Karamel Sutra® Core Non-Dairy: A caramel ice cream with a soft caramel core and certified gluten-free status.
• Oatmeal Dream Pie Non-Dairy: This unique flavor features gluten-free oatmeal cookies and marshmallow swirls, certified GF.
• Bananas Foster Core Non-Dairy: A certified gluten-free, banana-based non-dairy core flavor.
• Boom Chocolatta! Core Non-Dairy: A certified gluten-free, non-dairy chocolate core flavor.

The Scoop Shop Dilemma: Certified vs. Cross-Contamination

While Ben & Jerry's factory-sealed pints can be certified gluten-free, a significant distinction exists for those buying from scoop shops. Many of the same flavors that are certified in pints are available in scoop shops, but they cannot carry the same certification due to the high risk of cross-contamination. Scoops, spatulas, and serving containers are often shared between flavors, meaning a cookie-filled ice cream could easily transfer gluten to a certified-safe one.

Best practices for ordering at a scoop shop:

1. Ask for a fresh tub: Politely ask the scooper to open a brand-new tub of one of the known gluten-free flavors. Most shops will accommodate this request for allergy sufferers.
2. Request a clean scoop: Ensure the scooper uses a freshly cleaned utensil or a new one to prevent transferring any particles from other flavors.
3. Use a cup: Always opt for a cup instead of a cone, as cones are not gluten-free.

Gluten-Containing Flavors to Avoid

Many of Ben & Jerry's most decadent flavors contain gluten and should be avoided by anyone on a gluten-free diet. These typically involve cookies, brownies, or other baked goods. Always check the ingredients list and look for a clear gluten-free certification logo to be safe.

Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Pints	Gluten-Containing Flavors
Certification Mark	Features the official GFCO logo on the packaging.	Does not have the GFCO logo.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Extremely low risk, sealed in the factory.	Contains gluten ingredients; not a risk of contamination but an ingredient risk.
Example Flavors	Phish Food®, Cherry Garcia®, Chunky Monkey®.	Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Half Baked®, The Tonight Dough®.
Best for Celiac Diet?	Yes, the safest option from Ben & Jerry's.	No, should be avoided entirely.
Scoop Shop Availability	Available, but always request a new tub to avoid cross-contamination.	Available, but should be avoided due to gluten ingredients.

Conclusion: Enjoying Ben & Jerry's on a Gluten-Free Diet

For those following a gluten-free diet, the question "Are any Ben and Jerry's flavors gluten free?" has a positive answer, with a wide array of certified-safe options available in stores. By understanding the distinction between factory-certified pints and higher-risk scoop shop environments, consumers can safely enjoy this popular frozen dessert. The key is vigilant label-reading and, when in doubt, choosing a flavor with the official GFCO logo. With careful attention, a euphoric and delicious gluten-free treat is within reach.

For more information on Ben & Jerry's gluten-free offerings, always check their official website or the product packaging for the most current information. Ben & Jerry's Gluten-Free Flavors

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Ben & Jerry's flavors gluten-free if they don't list gluten ingredients?

No, not all flavors are gluten-free just because they don't list obvious gluten ingredients. For celiac safety, you should only consume flavors that have the official GFCO certification logo on the packaging, which indicates they have been tested for gluten levels.

Which Ben & Jerry's flavor was one of the first to be certified gluten-free?

Cherry Garcia® was one of the first of many flavors to receive official gluten-free certification from Ben & Jerry's, which was announced in 2020.

Is Phish Food a certified gluten-free flavor?

Yes, Ben & Jerry's Phish Food® is a certified gluten-free flavor in both its traditional dairy and non-dairy pint versions.

Can I eat certified gluten-free flavors from a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop?

While the same ingredients are used, the risk of cross-contamination is high in a scoop shop environment. For celiac safety, it is best to request that the scooper opens a fresh, sealed tub and uses a clean scoop.

Are there any certified gluten-free and non-dairy Ben & Jerry's flavors?

Yes, Ben & Jerry's offers several certified gluten-free and non-dairy options, including Cherry Garcia Non-Dairy, Phish Food Non-Dairy, and Oatmeal Dream Pie Non-Dairy.

Why can't scoop shops certify their ice cream as gluten-free?

Scoop shops cannot certify their ice cream as gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment, such as scoops and dipping cabinets.

Does Ben & Jerry's offer any gluten-free cookie dough options?

Their standard Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor is not gluten-free. However, some special editions or non-dairy options, like Oatmeal Dream Pie Non-Dairy, use certified gluten-free ingredients.