Are Candy Cherries Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, over 2 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring them to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Navigating grocery aisles for safe sweets can be tricky, which brings up a common question: are candy cherries gluten-free? The answer depends heavily on the specific brand and how they are processed.

Quick Summary

The gluten-free status of candy cherries varies by brand and production method. While the fruit itself contains no gluten, potential additives like flavorings or glucose syrups can contain gluten, and cross-contamination is a significant risk. Careful label-reading and manufacturer communication are essential for safely enjoying this treat.

Key Points

Not all brands are safe: The gluten-free status of candy cherries is not universal and depends on the manufacturer's ingredients and production methods.
Cross-contamination is a major risk: Unless certified, standard candy cherries carry a high risk of gluten contamination from shared factory equipment.
Always check for certification: Look for a 'certified gluten-free' label, which provides the highest level of assurance for safe consumption.
Read ingredient lists carefully: Be wary of vague terms like 'glucose syrup' and inquire with the manufacturer about the source if you have concerns.
Trusted brands offer safe options: Brands like Luxardo, Chukar Cherries, and Pennant have certified gluten-free candied cherry products available.
Consider homemade alternatives: Making your own candied cherries at home from fresh fruit is a simple and guaranteed gluten-free option.

Understanding the Ingredients in Candy Cherries

At their core, fresh cherries are naturally gluten-free. The gluten concerns arise from the processing that transforms a fresh cherry into a candied or glacé cherry. This process involves soaking the cherries in a sugar syrup, along with other ingredients, to preserve them and create their characteristic sweetness and texture.

Potential Gluten Sources in Processing

Syrups: Many candied fruit manufacturers use simple sugar syrup or corn syrup, which are naturally gluten-free. However, some might use a glucose-fructose syrup derived from wheat, which could introduce gluten. Always check the ingredient list for the specific source.
Flavorings: Artificial and natural flavorings are common in candy cherries, especially maraschino varieties, which often include almond extract for taste. While almond extract is typically gluten-free, the possibility of a gluten-based stabilizer or carrier in a complex flavoring blend exists.
Preservatives and Colorings: Ingredients like red food coloring (e.g., Red 40) and preservatives like sulfur dioxide are standard but generally considered gluten-free. The primary risk is not the additives themselves, but how they are sourced and handled.

The Critical Risk of Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, cross-contamination is a major concern. This occurs when a food product, though not containing gluten ingredients, comes into contact with gluten during processing. Many food companies produce a wide array of products in the same facility, some containing gluten and some not. Here is why this is so critical for candy cherries:

Shared Equipment: The same machines used to create baked goods with wheat flour might also be used to process candy cherries. Unless the manufacturer explicitly states their equipment is thoroughly cleaned or uses dedicated production lines for gluten-free products, the risk is real.
Factory Environment: Airborne flour particles in a factory can settle on surfaces and ingredients, leading to contamination.
Packaging: Even packaging lines can be a source of contamination if shared with gluten-containing products.

How to Verify if Candy Cherries are Safe

To ensure your candy cherries are truly gluten-free, follow these steps:

Read the Label Carefully: Look for a certified gluten-free label from an organization like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This is the gold standard for safety.
Check Ingredient Statements: Look for any red-flag ingredients like 'wheat starch,' 'wheat protein,' or generic terms that might hide gluten. If it simply lists 'glucose syrup,' verify the source if you are highly sensitive.
Contact the Manufacturer: A quick call or email to the company's customer service can provide definitive answers about their production practices, especially regarding shared facilities and equipment cleaning procedures.
Search for Dedicated Gluten-Free Brands: Some brands, like Chukar Cherries, specifically label and market their products as gluten-free. This reduces risk significantly.

Comparison of Candied Cherries

Here is a table comparing different types and their gluten-free considerations.


Feature	Conventional Candied Cherries	Certified Gluten-Free Candied Cherries
Ingredients	May contain wheat-based glucose syrup or other hidden gluten in flavorings.	Uses gluten-free sweeteners like corn syrup and verified gluten-free flavorings.
Processing	High risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment and facilities.	Processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility or on a certified gluten-free line.
Certification	No specific gluten-free claim; may be accidentally gluten-free but unsafe due to processing.	Clearly labeled with a gluten-free certification logo for guaranteed safety.
Safety for Celiacs	Not recommended. The risk of cross-contamination is too high, even if ingredients seem safe.	Safe to consume. Certification guarantees rigorous standards are met, minimizing risk.
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores, especially during holidays.	Often found in the health food aisle, specialty stores, or online from dedicated manufacturers.

Gluten-Free Alternatives and Brands

If you're looking for a safe option, several brands offer explicitly gluten-free candied cherry products. For those who enjoy baking, making homemade glacé cherries is another excellent, risk-free alternative.

Reputable Gluten-Free Candied Cherry Brands

Pennant Candied Fruit: Known for clearly labeling their glacé fruit as gluten-free, offering a reliable option for bakers.
Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries: These popular, high-end cherries are certified gluten-free and kosher.
Chukar Cherries: A brand known for its commitment to gluten-free processing, with a range of chocolate-covered and candied cherry products.

Conclusion: Always Verify Your Sweets

While the fruit itself is naturally gluten-free, the processing of candy cherries introduces significant risks for gluten-sensitive individuals. Generic, non-certified brands cannot be trusted to be free from cross-contamination or hidden gluten-containing ingredients. The safest approach is to purchase only from brands that are explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free, or to make your own. For a definitive list of safe options and up-to-date information, regularly consult resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation or contact manufacturers directly. Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy sweet treats without compromising your health.

Where to find reliable information

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not assume they are safe. A product might not list gluten if it isn't an intentional ingredient, but cross-contamination from shared equipment can still occur. Always look for a 'certified gluten-free' label for assurance.

Most plain maraschino cherries from reputable brands are gluten-free, including Luxardo and Mezzetta. However, the same cross-contamination risks and ingredient vigilance apply, especially with generic brands.

The primary risk comes from cross-contamination during processing and the potential use of wheat-derived ingredients in flavorings or syrups. The fresh fruit itself is naturally gluten-free.

To avoid cross-contamination, purchase products specifically certified and labeled as gluten-free. These products are manufactured in dedicated facilities or on lines with strict protocols to prevent contamination.

Similar to candied cherries, it depends on the brand. Many gummy candies are gluten-free, but you must check the label and manufacturer information. Some, like Haribo Happy Cherries, are confirmed gluten-free, but always verify the specific product.

The safest options are those with a third-party 'certified gluten-free' label. These products have undergone rigorous testing and auditing to ensure they meet the standards for gluten-free safety.

Yes, making your own candied cherries is an excellent way to ensure they are 100% gluten-free. The process involves cooking fresh cherries in a sugar syrup, using ingredients you can control and verify.