Are Great Value chopped walnuts gluten-free? A Critical Look at Labeling and Risk

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

While raw walnuts are naturally gluten-free, over 420,000 people globally die each year from foodborne diseases, with cross-contamination being a significant factor. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this risk is especially critical, and the question of whether are Great Value chopped walnuts gluten-free has a surprising answer that depends on their processing.

Quick Summary

Great Value chopped walnuts are not considered a gluten-free product because they are processed in facilities and on equipment that also handles wheat and other gluten-containing items, creating a significant cross-contamination risk.

Key Points

Great Value Walnuts: The packaged chopped walnuts are not considered gluten-free because they are processed in a shared facility with gluten-containing items.
Natural Walnuts: All unprocessed walnuts in their natural state are inherently gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination: The presence of other gluten-containing products on shared processing lines creates a significant risk of cross-contamination.
Label Verification: For safety, sensitive individuals should only buy products with a third-party "Certified Gluten-Free" label, which guarantees strict testing protocols.
Bulk Bin Risk: Walnuts purchased from bulk bins should be avoided due to the high likelihood of cross-contamination from shared scoops and open air exposure.
Safe Alternatives: To ensure a gluten-free product, choose brands that specifically carry an official certification mark.

The Gluten-Free Status of Walnuts

To understand the safety of Great Value chopped walnuts, it's essential to first differentiate between walnuts in their natural state and the final packaged product. Walnuts, like all nuts, are naturally gluten-free. They are the edible seeds of trees and do not contain the gluten protein complex found in cereal grains like wheat, barley, and rye. This means that if you were to crack open a walnut shell and consume the raw nut, it would be a gluten-free food.

The Problem with Processing: Cross-Contamination Risk

The issue with packaged foods like Great Value chopped walnuts is not the ingredient itself, but what happens during manufacturing. The Celiac Disease Foundation, a trusted resource for gluten-related information, emphasizes the need to be cautious with packaged nuts, even those with naturally gluten-free ingredients. In the case of Great Value chopped walnuts, multiple sources confirm a high risk of cross-contamination.

According to user reports on Celiac.com and Facebook groups, Great Value products are often processed on shared equipment and in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains. One user was specifically told that Great Value's policy is to not label products as gluten-free if they are made in a facility with wheat, even if not on the same line. This is because gluten particles can become airborne and settle on other equipment or products. The result is that the packaged Great Value chopped walnuts are no longer a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, despite walnuts being naturally gluten-free.

How to Verify Gluten-Free Claims

For consumers with celiac disease, relying on a product's ingredient list alone is not enough. The FDA has labeling regulations, but precautionary allergen labeling (PAL), such as "May contain wheat," is voluntary and not always present. The only way to be certain that a packaged food is safe is to look for a third-party certification seal. The following steps should be followed when evaluating a product:

Look for a "Certified Gluten-Free" seal: This is the most reliable indicator that a product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards (typically under 10 ppm).
Check the "Contains" statement: The FDA requires that allergens like wheat are clearly labeled, often in a summary statement. If a product contains wheat, it is not gluten-free.
Look for precautionary statements: Warnings like "Processed in a facility that also processes wheat" or "Manufactured on shared equipment" are red flags and should be avoided by sensitive individuals.

Comparison Table: Great Value vs. Certified Gluten-Free Walnuts


Feature	Great Value Chopped Walnuts	Certified Gluten-Free Chopped Walnuts
Label Claim	No gluten-free claim; may have cross-contamination warning.	Features a certified gluten-free logo (e.g., GFCO, NSF).
Processing	Processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products.	Processed on dedicated equipment or with rigorous protocols to prevent cross-contamination.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	High risk due to shared facilities/equipment.	Negligible risk due to third-party certification standards.
Suitability for Celiacs	Not suitable for celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.	Safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Availability	Available at Walmart and associated retailers.	Available at specialized health food stores, larger grocery chains, and online retailers.

Making Safe Choices on a Gluten-Free Diet

For individuals seeking truly gluten-free walnuts, the most dependable option is to select a brand that carries a reputable third-party certification seal, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These brands invest in testing and dedicated processing to ensure their products are safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Furthermore, avoid purchasing nuts from bulk bins, as they are a common source of cross-contamination from shared scoops and airborne particles. The additional cost for a certified product is a small price to pay for peace of mind and health.

Another important takeaway is to always read labels, even on products you have purchased before. Manufacturing processes and suppliers can change, and so can the risk of cross-contamination. As the Celiac Disease Foundation recommends, becoming an expert label reader is one of the most effective ways to navigate a gluten-free diet safely.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while walnuts themselves are gluten-free, Great Value chopped walnuts are not considered safe for those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance due to the high risk of cross-contamination during processing. For complete safety, consumers should opt for brands that display an official "Certified Gluten-Free" seal. This practice removes the guesswork from label reading and ensures that your chopped walnuts are truly free from gluten contamination, protecting your health and well-being. For more information, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources on safe food selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Great Value chopped walnuts are not considered gluten-free. This is due to the high risk of cross-contamination, as they are manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat and other gluten-containing products.

All walnuts are naturally gluten-free in their raw, unprocessed state. However, their safety depends entirely on the manufacturing and packaging process. Always check the label for potential cross-contamination warnings.

Look for a third-party certification seal on the packaging, such as the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) logo. This indicates the product has been tested to meet strict standards for gluten content.

Cross-contamination is when a gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing ingredients, either directly or indirectly, during processing. This can happen from shared equipment, airborne particles, or improperly sanitized surfaces.

A "May Contain" statement is a voluntary advisory warning that indicates a risk of accidental cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, any product with such a warning should be avoided.

No, it is not safe to buy walnuts or any nuts from bulk bins if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. There is a high risk of cross-contamination from shared scoops and adjacent products.

No, a "Wheat-Free" label only means the product doesn't contain wheat. It could still contain other grains with gluten, such as barley or rye. For a product to be considered gluten-free, it must be labeled as such.