Are Any Ice Cream Brands Gluten-Free? Your Guide to Safe Scoops

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, many plain, single-flavor ice creams are naturally free of gluten, but the risk of mix-ins and cross-contact can be high. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the good news is that yes, many ice cream brands are gluten-free, with some even offering certified options.

Quick Summary

This guide explores which popular ice cream brands offer safe gluten-free options and explains how to navigate packaging labels and cross-contamination risks. It features a comparison of top brands and provides essential tips for safely enjoying a scoop, whether store-bought or from a shop.

Key Points

Check for Certification: The most reliable way to confirm an ice cream is safe for celiacs is to look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo on the packaging, often from GFCO.
Read All Labels: Always review ingredient lists and allergen statements for hidden gluten sources like barley malt or wheat-based thickeners, especially in products without certification.
Beware of Mix-ins: Flavors containing baked goods like cookies, brownies, or cake are at high risk of containing gluten unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Manage Cross-Contamination: At scoop shops, always ask for a clean, fresh scooper and a new tub of ice cream to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing flavors.
Trust Specific Brands: Brands like Ben & Jerry's, Talenti, Breyers, and So Delicious offer clearly labeled or certified gluten-free options and have processes in place to address contamination.
Opt for Plain Flavors: Simpler flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are generally safer bets, but labels should still be checked for additives.

Navigating the freezer aisle with a gluten-free diet can be a challenge, especially when craving a sweet treat like ice cream. While the basic ingredients of most ice creams—milk, sugar, and cream—are naturally gluten-free, many commercial products include additives and mix-ins that contain gluten. Fortunately, the market for gluten-free products has grown significantly, and several major brands now offer explicitly labeled or certified gluten-free options, making it easier than ever to find a safe and delicious dessert.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Label

For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, the presence of a 'certified gluten-free' label is the safest bet. This certification, often from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), means the product has been rigorously tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Brands that simply label a product 'gluten-free' meet the FDA standard of also containing less than 20 ppm but may not be as transparent about their manufacturing processes. It is crucial to read labels carefully, as ingredients and production methods can change over time.

Brands with Certified or Labeled Gluten-Free Options

Several well-known ice cream brands have made commitments to providing safe, gluten-free choices. These brands often use dedicated production lines or have stringent cleaning procedures to minimize cross-contact. However, flavors with mix-ins like cookies, brownies, or cake pieces should always be avoided unless specifically labeled as gluten-free.

Ben & Jerry's: A wide selection of their flavors are certified gluten-free by GFCO, including popular options like Cherry Garcia® and Phish Food®. They have specific testing protocols to ensure safety.
Talenti Gelato & Sorbetto: Talenti offers a variety of gluten-free gelatos and sorbettos, clearly marking them on their packaging and website. The company is transparent about its allergen control plan, though they do use shared equipment.
Breyers: Many classic Breyers flavors are labeled gluten-free, including their Natural Vanilla and Chocolate. They maintain strict protocols to prevent cross-contact, although not all products are made in a dedicated facility.
Häagen-Dazs: This brand's basic flavors, without bakery mix-ins, are often gluten-free and clearly labeled as such on the container. Like others, they recommend checking each label for the most current information.
So Delicious Dairy Free: Known for its plant-based products, many of So Delicious's frozen desserts are also certified gluten-free by GFCO. They utilize rigorous allergen testing and control measures.
Jolly Llama: This brand specializes in certified gluten-free products, including ice cream sandwiches and cones. Many of their items are also dairy-free.
NadaMoo!: Offering a range of certified gluten-free, dairy-free frozen desserts, NadaMoo! uses a coconut milk base and provides options like Cookies & Creme made with gluten-free ingredients.

Navigating Cross-Contamination Risks

Even with safe ingredients, cross-contamination is a major concern for those with celiac disease. This risk can occur during manufacturing, at the grocery store, and especially at ice cream shops.

Manufacturing Facilities: Many brands produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free flavors on shared equipment. While most use strict cleaning procedures, this can still be a risk for highly sensitive individuals. The safest option remains products with a third-party certification stamp.
Ice Cream Parlors: These establishments present a high risk due to shared scoops and proximity of flavors. To minimize risk, always inform the server of your dietary restriction, ask for a clean scooper, and request they get your serving from an unopened tub.
Toppings and Cones: Be vigilant about toppings like sprinkles or sauces, as well as cones, which are almost always wheat-based. Opt for a cup and be wary of topping bars where cross-contact is rampant.

Comparison of Top Gluten-Free Ice Cream Brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Dairy Status	Special Features
Ben & Jerry's	Many certified GF flavors available.	Dairy and non-dairy options offered.	Strong brand recognition, wide flavor selection, social mission focus.
Talenti Gelato	Most products are GF; clearly labeled.	Dairy and sorbetto (non-dairy) options.	Premium, authentic Italian-style gelato and sorbetto.
Breyers	Many classic flavors labeled GF.	Primarily dairy-based; lactose-free options available.	Widespread availability, often budget-friendly, classic flavors.
So Delicious	Many certified GF options.	Dairy-free, plant-based (cashew, coconut, oat milk).	Focus on allergen-friendly, vegan-friendly options.

How to Check if an Ice Cream is Gluten-Free

For those who need to double-check a product, here are a few steps:

Look for the label: The most reliable indicator is a 'Certified Gluten-Free' or 'Gluten-Free' label on the packaging. Do not rely on assumptions based on the flavor name alone.
Read the ingredient list: Scan the ingredient list for common gluten-containing items like wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Also, be aware of natural flavors or thickeners that could be derived from gluten sources.
Check the allergen statement: Review the allergen statement, typically located near the ingredient list, for 'may contain' warnings. This indicates potential cross-contamination.
Research the manufacturer: If you have any doubts, visit the manufacturer's website. Most will have a dedicated section for allergen information and production procedures. For a definitive answer regarding cross-contact, calling customer service is the most reliable method.

Conclusion

While the search for a safe scoop might seem daunting, many ice cream brands are gluten-free, and most have specific labeling to help you make an informed choice. From classic vanilla to more complex flavors, plenty of options exist for everyone to enjoy. By sticking to products with clear gluten-free labels, especially certified ones, and being cautious of cross-contamination in scoop shops, you can enjoy a delicious and worry-free dessert. Remember to always double-check the most current packaging information, as recipes and practices can evolve over time. For those navigating this dietary landscape, the availability of safe and tasty options proves that a gluten-free lifestyle doesn't have to mean sacrificing simple pleasures.

For more information on certification and standards, you can visit the official site of the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, people with celiac disease can eat ice cream, but they must choose products specifically labeled 'gluten-free,' especially those that are third-party certified, due to the high risk of cross-contamination in manufacturing and scooping.

The safest option is to buy pre-packaged ice cream that carries a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a reputable organization, as this indicates stricter standards and testing for gluten content.

While the basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, plain flavors are not guaranteed to be safe. Some brands may use gluten-containing additives, thickeners, or colorings, so checking the label is always necessary.

When ordering at a shop, inform the server of your allergy, ask them to wash their hands and use a fresh scooper, and request your ice cream from a new, unopened tub to avoid contact with other flavors.

Hidden gluten can be found in ingredients like barley malt, certain natural flavors, and even some starches used as thickeners. Always read the full ingredient list carefully.

Not necessarily. While many brands offer dairy-free options, this does not automatically make them gluten-free. It's essential to check the label for both dietary claims, as some plant-based versions might use gluten-containing ingredients.

Brands like Ben & Jerry's, So Delicious Dairy Free, and NadaMoo! offer certified gluten-free, dairy-free frozen desserts. It's best to verify specific flavors on their websites.