The Different 'Go Healthy' Brands
It's easy to mistake two distinct supplement companies that use the "Go Healthy" name. One is a New Zealand-based company, GO Healthy, and the other is a USA-based company, Go Healthy Natural. Both brands have different policies and practices regarding their gluten-free claims, which is a critical detail for consumers with dietary restrictions.
GO Healthy (New Zealand)
Based in New Zealand, this company offers a range of supplements. Their official FAQ explicitly addresses the question of gluten, stating, “All GO Healthy products have no added gluten. However, we don't test ingredients or our products for gluten (and don't state Gluten Free on the label)”. This is a vital distinction. The phrase "no added gluten" means that gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye are not included in the product's formula. However, the lack of testing and a formal "gluten-free" certification means there is no guarantee against potential cross-contamination. This could occur if the products are manufactured in a facility that also handles gluten-containing ingredients.
Examples of GO Healthy (NZ) products that state "no added gluten" include:
- Go Probiotic 40 Billion
- Go Multi Everyday
- Go Glucosamine 1-A-Day
- Go Magnesium 500mg
For individuals with a severe sensitivity, such as celiac disease, products that are not tested and certified carry a significant risk. The New Zealand brand is transparent about this, which helps consumers make an informed choice based on their own risk tolerance.
Go Healthy Natural (USA)
In contrast, the USA-based company Go Healthy Natural follows a much stricter standard for its liquid and gummy vitamins. Their FAQ page states, “Yes, all Go Healthy products are non-GMO, gluten-free, plant based and vegetarian suitable”. Furthermore, an Amazon listing for their liquid multivitamin confirms it is free of the nine major allergens, including wheat (gluten). The explicit claim of being "gluten-free" and the additional context of being a family-owned, USA-made brand with a cGMP certified facility suggest a higher degree of control and commitment to eliminating gluten from their products.
Go-Go Healthy (Australia)
There is also an Australian brand, Go-Go Healthy, that focuses on health food products like cookies. Their Facebook page indicates that they produce "gluten, grain & dairy free health food products". While this refers to food items and not supplements, it's another example of a brand with a similar name and different product lines, reinforcing the need for consumers to verify the exact company and product they are considering.
Understanding 'No Added Gluten' vs. 'Certified Gluten-Free'
For anyone on a gluten-free diet, the difference between these two claims is critical. "No added gluten" is a manufacturer's declaration that gluten ingredients are not included in the formula. It does not provide any assurance against potential contamination. This is often an acceptable standard for people who are avoiding gluten by choice or have a mild sensitivity.
"Certified Gluten-Free," however, means an independent, third-party organization has audited the manufacturer's facility and tested the final products to ensure they meet a strict standard, typically less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This certification involves meticulous checks on ingredients, manufacturing processes, and testing procedures. Only products with this certification can be considered safe for those with celiac disease.
The Risks of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a significant risk in any manufacturing facility that handles multiple ingredients. Traces of gluten can remain on shared equipment, surfaces, and even airborne particles. While a company like GO Healthy (NZ) may clean its equipment between batches, without a dedicated, segregated facility and testing, there is always a risk that trace amounts of gluten could end up in a product labeled "no added gluten." This is why certification is so important for those with severe gluten-related health issues.
How to Verify the Gluten-Free Status of Your Supplements
To ensure you are purchasing a truly gluten-free product, follow these steps:
- Check the brand's website and origin: Look closely at the packaging for the country of origin and the company's website. If you are buying from the USA-based Go Healthy Natural, their website will state their products are gluten-free. For the NZ brand, the website clarifies they have no added gluten but are not tested.
- Look for certification marks: Reputable certifying bodies like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) have a mark on the product label. This mark is a reliable indicator that the product has been verified by a third party.
- Read the label carefully: Look for phrases like "certified gluten-free" versus "no added gluten." The difference is critical. Also, scan the ingredient list for common gluten sources.
- Buy from trusted sources: Purchase from official websites or reputable retailers to reduce the risk of counterfeit products or inaccurate labeling.
Conclusion
The simple answer to "are Go Healthy gluten-free?" is complex because it depends entirely on which company's product you are purchasing. For those seeking a definitively gluten-free supplement, the USA-based Go Healthy Natural is the reliable choice, as their products are explicitly labeled as such and free of major allergens. For individuals with less severe sensitivities, the New Zealand-based GO Healthy products, which contain "no added gluten," may be an acceptable option, but they come with a cross-contamination risk due to the lack of testing. Always read the label and verify the brand to ensure your health and safety. For more information on certified products, you can check the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website.
| Feature | Go Healthy Natural (USA) | GO Healthy (New Zealand) |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Claim | Explicitly 'gluten-free' | 'No added gluten' |
| Gluten Testing | Yes, implied via 'gluten-free' claim and certified status | No testing for trace amounts |
| Third-Party Certification | Implied via 'gluten-free' claim in certified facility | No, specifically states products aren't labelled 'gluten-free' |
| Risk of Cross-Contamination | Low | Possible |
