Are Great Value Peaches Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Canned Fruit

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

Naturally, fresh peaches are a gluten-free fruit, but processing can introduce ingredients or cross-contamination that affect their status. When considering canned versions, consumers often ask: are Great Value peaches gluten-free? The answer is that many are explicitly labeled as such, but vigilance is key due to product variations.

Quick Summary

Great Value canned peaches offer several varieties, and many are explicitly marked gluten-free. It is crucial to read the specific product's label to confirm its status, as ingredients can differ between types like those in juice versus heavy syrup.

Key Points

Check the Label: Many Great Value canned peaches explicitly state they are gluten-free, but the product label should always be your final verification.
Natural Fruit is Gluten-Free: Fresh, raw peaches are naturally free of gluten, so the risk only comes from processing.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: For severe gluten sensitivities, be aware of the possibility of cross-contamination in processing facilities, although many products are labeled safe.
Variety Matters: The gluten-free status is generally consistent across flavors, but checking the specific product (e.g., in juice, heavy syrup) is still a good practice.
Beware of Hidden Gluten: While canned peaches typically have simple ingredients, always scan the ingredient list for any unexpected thickeners or starches.
Store Safely: To avoid contamination at home, store canned peaches away from gluten-containing items and use clean utensils.

The Gluten-Free Verdict on Great Value Peaches

Many Great Value brand canned peach products are indeed labeled and marketed as gluten-free. However, the key takeaway for anyone with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity is that you should never assume a product is safe without checking the label of that specific item. As with any processed food, ingredients can change, and different varieties or preparations may use different formulations. For instance, a product canned in heavy syrup may have different ingredients than one packed in 100% fruit juice, although both are often gluten-free.

Fresh peaches are naturally gluten-free, but it's the added ingredients and the manufacturing environment that can pose risks. In the case of Great Value, their transparency on many product labels is a major benefit for gluten-conscious shoppers.

What to Look for on the Label

Navigating the grocery store for gluten-free options requires a practiced eye, especially with private label brands like Great Value. Here is a checklist of what to examine on the product packaging:

Explicit 'Gluten-Free' Label: The most definitive sign is a clear "gluten-free" label or certification mark on the packaging. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires products with this label to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Ingredient List: Read the ingredients carefully, even if a gluten-free label is present. Standard ingredients like peaches, water, sugar, and citric acid are naturally gluten-free. Be wary of any modified food starches or unspecified 'natural flavors' that could contain hidden gluten sources.
Allergen Statements: An allergen statement, often in bold text near the ingredients, will explicitly state if the product contains or was processed with wheat, one of the primary sources of gluten.
Facility Information: If you are extremely sensitive, look for products that specify they were manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

Understanding the Risk of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern for individuals with celiac disease. It occurs when a food item that is naturally gluten-free comes into contact with gluten during processing, packaging, or storage. For a large brand like Great Value, which is carried by Walmart, manufacturing processes can be complex. While many canned fruit products are processed in facilities dedicated to fruits, there is always a potential for shared lines or equipment in facilities that produce a wide range of goods. Recent reports suggest some Great Value products may have had their gluten-free claims removed or updated with 'may contain wheat' warnings, though this can vary by product and region. This makes reading the most current packaging critical.

Comparing Different Great Value Canned Peach Varieties


Feature	Great Value Sliced Peaches in Juice	Great Value Yellow Cling Peaches in Heavy Syrup	Great Value No Sugar Added Sliced Peaches
Gluten-Free Label?	Yes, explicitly stated on the packaging.	Yes, explicitly stated on the packaging.	Yes, labeled as naturally gluten-free food.
Ingredients	Peaches, Water, Pear Juice Concentrate.	Peaches, Water, Sugar, Citric Acid.	Peaches, Water, Artificially Sweetened (Sucralose).
Liquid	100% real pear juice from concentrate and water.	Heavy syrup made with sugar and water.	Water, artificially sweetened.
Taste Profile	Lighter, fruit-forward sweetness.	Richer, sweeter, more dessert-like flavor.	Lower in calories, no added sugar, uses Splenda®.
Best For	Snacking, adding to yogurt, or light desserts.	Topping desserts, baking cobblers, or sweeter recipes.	Calorie-conscious diets or sugar-controlled diets.

Safe Preparation and Storage at Home

Even after purchasing a verified gluten-free product, handling it properly at home is crucial to prevent cross-contamination. Here are a few best practices:

Store canned peaches separately from gluten-containing items to avoid accidental contact.
Use clean utensils when serving the peaches. Avoid using the same spoon that has been in contact with gluten products like breadcrumbs or pasta.
If using the peaches in a recipe, ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free. For example, if making a peach cobbler, use a certified gluten-free flour blend.
Wash hands and any surfaces or bowls that will come into contact with the peaches to remove any lingering gluten particles.

Conclusion: Your Safest Bet is the Label

While fresh peaches are always a safe bet for a gluten-free diet, many Great Value canned peaches also offer a convenient and safe option, provided you read the packaging carefully. With several varieties explicitly labeled gluten-free, the brand offers good choices for those managing a gluten-free diet. The differences lie mainly in the liquid they are packed in (juice, light syrup, heavy syrup, or water), which affects taste and nutritional content but does not impact gluten status in these specific products. For those with severe allergies or celiac disease, verifying the gluten-free status on every can, checking for allergen statements, and being mindful of cross-contamination remains the most reliable approach.

For more information on managing cross-contact in a shared kitchen, reputable sources like Coeliac Australia offer practical advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot assume all Great Value canned fruits are gluten-free. While many fruit products are safe, their instant oatmeal, for example, is not. You must check the label of each individual product to confirm its gluten-free status.

For Great Value products, both the heavy syrup and fruit juice varieties are labeled gluten-free. The main difference is the nutritional content and sweetness, not the gluten status. However, always check the label, as formulations can change.

Cross-contamination is a risk with any processed food. For those with high sensitivity, checking for a certified gluten-free label or a specific statement about facility processing is advisable, although many canned fruits are processed on dedicated lines.

Look for a clear "Gluten-Free" symbol or text on the label. In the US, the FDA sets standards requiring less than 20 ppm of gluten for this label. For stricter standards, look for a third-party certification mark.

While uncommon in basic canned peaches, potential hidden sources of gluten in processed fruit could include malt flavoring, certain modified food starches, or thickeners used in fillings or sauces. Always review the ingredient list thoroughly.

Most Great Value canned peaches labeled gluten-free should be safe for individuals with celiac disease. However, because of varying manufacturing processes and ingredients, always check the current label for any allergen warnings and consider risk tolerance for cross-contamination.

Yes, many other major canned fruit brands like Dole and Del Monte offer gluten-free peaches. The same rule applies: always read the specific product label to confirm its status.