Are Fruit Rippers Gluten Free?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to manufacturers like Nothing Naughty and Little Spoon, Fruit Rippers are indeed a gluten-free snack option. However, navigating the world of packaged snacks can be tricky for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and it's essential to understand that not all fruit snacks are created equal.

Quick Summary

Fruit Rippers, from brands like Nothing Naughty and Little Spoon, are gluten-free, but consumers must check labels for other brands. This guide explains why ingredients in fruit snacks can vary and provides tips for choosing safe, certified gluten-free options.

Key Points

Specific Brands are Gluten-Free: Fruit Rippers from manufacturers like Nothing Naughty and Little Spoon are confirmed gluten-free and safe for consumption.
Ingredient Scrutiny is Essential: While fruit is naturally gluten-free, many processed fruit snacks can contain gluten-based thickeners, starches, or other additives.
Certification is the Safest Indicator: The most reliable way to confirm a fruit snack is gluten-free is by looking for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label on the packaging.
Natural Fruit is a Reliable Option: Natural dried fruits and freeze-dried fruits are typically gluten-free and can serve as a safe alternative to highly processed fruit snacks.
Product Formulations Change: It's important to check product information regularly, as manufacturers can alter ingredient lists and manufacturing processes over time.
Be Cautious with Generic Terms: Don't assume all snacks marketed as 'fruit rippers' or 'fruit rolls' are gluten-free; different brands have different recipes and production methods.

Understanding Gluten in Packaged Foods

While fruit itself is naturally gluten-free, many processed fruit snacks contain additives that might include gluten. It's crucial to distinguish between naturally gluten-free ingredients and the final product, which might contain binders, starches, or thickeners derived from gluten-containing grains. The risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing also makes label verification a critical step for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

What are Fruit Rippers Made Of?

For the specific brands marketed as 'Fruit Rippers,' the ingredient list typically includes only fruit puree and fruit juice concentrates. Brands like Nothing Naughty explicitly state their products are gluten-free and made from 100% real fruit, with no added sugar or other unnecessary additives. Similarly, Little Spoon's fruit rippers are made with real fruit and no artificial ingredients, with allergens listed on the packaging, confirming their gluten-free status.

Other Popular Gluten-Free Fruit Snack Brands

Welch's Fruit Snacks: Many of Welch's fruit snacks are labeled as gluten-free, though it's always best to check the specific product packaging.
BEAR Yoyos: These fruit rolls are made with only real fruit and vegetables, are certified gluten-free, and contain no concentrates or added sugar.
Betty Crocker Fruit Roll-Ups and Gushers: These products often come in varieties that are explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Kellogg's Fruity Snacks: Certain varieties, like their Mixed Berry, are fat-free and gluten-free, made with fruit puree.
Shary's Dried and Freeze-Dried Fruits: This brand offers a range of naturally gluten-free dried fruit snacks with no added sugars or preservatives.

How to Verify if a Fruit Snack is Gluten-Free

For those on a strict gluten-free diet, simply assuming a fruit-based product is safe can lead to issues. Here is a checklist for confident snacking:

Check the 'Certified Gluten-Free' Label: This is the most reliable indicator, meaning the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Read the Ingredient List: Look for potential gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat starch, malt, or barley-based additives. Even some modified starches can be a concern if not explicitly labeled as gluten-free. Some fruit snacks can contain flour or thickeners with gluten, so this step is non-negotiable.
Scan for Allergen Warnings: The packaging should clearly state if a product contains wheat or is manufactured on shared equipment with wheat products. A 'may contain' warning is a red flag for individuals with celiac disease.
Confirm with the Manufacturer: If you are still unsure, visit the manufacturer's website or contact their customer service for confirmation. Product formulations can change, and online information may not always be up-to-date.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Fruit Snack Types


Feature	Fruit Rippers (Little Spoon/Nothing Naughty)	BEAR Yoyos	Conventional Fruit Snacks (e.g., Welch's, Betty Crocker)
Ingredients	Real fruit, fruit juice concentrates, citrus fibre, pectin	Whole fruit and vegetables	Fruit puree concentrate, corn syrup, sugar, modified starch, artificial flavors and colors
Gluten-Free Status	Explicitly advertised as gluten-free by manufacturers	Explicitly advertised and certified gluten-free	Often explicitly labeled gluten-free, but always requires checking
Added Sugar	No added sugar	No added sugar	Often contain added sugars and corn syrup
Processing	Made from real fruit puree and juice	Gently baked to preserve nutrients	Highly processed with various additives

Conclusion

In summary, specific Fruit Ripper products from brands like Nothing Naughty and Little Spoon are gluten-free and a safe choice for those avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or sensitivity. However, the term 'fruit rippers' or 'fruit snacks' is general, and the gluten-free status is not universal across all brands and products. Consumers must adopt the practice of carefully reading labels and looking for official certifications to ensure a product is safe for their dietary needs. When in doubt, choosing options made purely from fruit, or verified with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label, is the safest bet for a worry-free snack experience.

Visit Celiac.org for more information on safe gluten-free foods

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all fruit snacks are gluten-free. While the fruit base is naturally gluten-free, many commercial fruit snacks contain thickeners, fillers, or starches that may be derived from wheat or other gluten-containing grains.

Fruit Rippers are a type of chewy fruit snack made from real fruit puree and juice concentrate, often marketed toward children. Brands like Nothing Naughty and Little Spoon produce versions that are confirmed gluten-free.

To be certain, look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' label on the product's packaging. This indicates that the product has been tested and meets standards for being free of gluten.

Yes, many popular brands like Betty Crocker and Welch's offer specific fruit snack varieties that are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. It is important to check the labeling of the specific product you intend to purchase.

Yes, brands such as BEAR Yoyos offer fruit rolls that are certified gluten-free, made from whole fruit, and have no added sugar. Natural dried and freeze-dried fruit options are also widely available.

Yes, for individuals with celiac disease, there is a risk of cross-contamination if the snacks are processed in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products. Checking for allergen warnings on the packaging is crucial.

Authoritative sources such as the Celiac Disease Foundation and the Celiac.org website offer comprehensive information and resources on maintaining a safe gluten-free diet.