Are Juicy Bursts Gluten-Free? A Guide for Savvy Snackers

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, Black Forest, the popular Juicy Bursts fruit-flavored snacks are indeed gluten-free. These chewy, fruit-flavored snacks with a liquid center are a favorite for many, but for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is crucial to confirm the ingredients and manufacturing processes.

Quick Summary

This guide confirms that Black Forest Juicy Burst fruit snacks are labeled gluten-free, breaking down their ingredients and discussing what this label means for people with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. A comparison with other popular snacks is also included, offering a comprehensive overview for concerned consumers.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Certified: Black Forest Juicy Bursts are officially labeled and marketed as gluten-free by the manufacturer, Ferrara Candy Company.
No Gluten Ingredients: The ingredient list for Juicy Bursts does not contain wheat, barley, or rye, and uses naturally gluten-free starches.
FDA Standard Compliance: The product meets the FDA's requirement of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten to earn its 'gluten-free' label.
Check for Allergens: While gluten-free, the product is made in a facility that handles other common allergens like milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, which is important for individuals with multiple sensitivities to note.
Nutritional Awareness: Despite being a fun, fruity snack with added vitamins, Juicy Bursts are considered ultra-processed and high in sugar, so moderation is key for health-conscious consumers.

Are Black Forest Juicy Bursts labeled gluten-free?

Yes, Black Forest Juicy Bursts are officially labeled as gluten-free. The manufacturer, Ferrara Candy Company, takes care to produce these fruit snacks without any gluten-containing ingredients. This means that for most individuals following a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease, these snacks are considered a safe option. The commitment to providing a gluten-free product is a key selling point, often highlighted on the packaging and product listings.

What are the ingredients in Juicy Bursts?

To further reassure consumers, it's helpful to look at the specific ingredients used in the production of Juicy Bursts. A typical ingredient list includes:

Corn Syrup
Sugar
Apple Juice Concentrate
Water
Gelatin
Food Starch-Modified
Citric Acid
Pectin
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Coconut Oil
Sodium Citrate
Fruit and Vegetable Juice (for color)
Natural Flavors
Carnauba Wax

This list is free from common gluten sources like wheat, barley, and rye. The starches used, such as corn and potato starch, are naturally gluten-free. However, ingredient lists can vary by flavor, so it is always wise to double-check the label of the specific product you intend to purchase.

What does 'gluten-free' mean according to the FDA?

For a product to carry a 'gluten-free' label in the United States, it must adhere to strict guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This regulation is designed to protect consumers with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. The FDA standard dictates that any food with this label must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This low threshold is considered safe for the majority of individuals with celiac disease and is the lowest level of gluten that can be reliably detected by scientific testing.

The FDA's standard also covers other related terms, such as 'free of gluten,' 'without gluten,' and 'no gluten,' all of which are subject to the same <20 ppm rule. The regulation applies to both foods that are naturally gluten-free and those that have been processed to remove gluten.

Cross-contamination risks and shared facilities

Even with a 'gluten-free' label, some consumers may have concerns about cross-contamination. While the FDA standard of <20 ppm minimizes this risk, some manufacturing facilities produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free products. Black Forest fruit snacks are made in a facility that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy. The potential for cross-contact with these other allergens is acknowledged, but no warning is typically issued regarding gluten, further supporting the product's gluten-free claim. Those with severe allergies beyond celiac should exercise extra caution and potentially contact the manufacturer directly with specific concerns.

Comparison: Juicy Burst vs. Other Fruit Snacks

To put the gluten-free status of Juicy Bursts into perspective, let's compare it with other well-known fruit snacks.


Feature	Black Forest Juicy Bursts	Welch's Fruit Snacks	Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks
Gluten-Free?	Yes	Yes	Yes
Manufacturer	Ferrara Candy Company	The Promotion In Motion Company	The Promotion In Motion Company
Key Feature	Liquid-filled juicy center	Made with real fruit	Excellent source of Vitamin C
Added Sugars	Contains high levels of added sugar	Contains high levels of added sugar	Contains added sugar
Artificial Flavors/Colors	Uses natural flavors and colors	Uses artificial flavors and colors	Uses artificial flavors and colors
Vitamins	Excellent source of Vitamins A, C, and E	Good source of Vitamins C, A, and E	Good source of Vitamins A, C, and E

As the table shows, Black Forest Juicy Bursts stand out by using colors and flavors from natural sources, which may appeal to consumers who are not only focused on gluten but also on avoiding artificial additives. For those managing multiple food sensitivities, this information helps make an informed decision. For more detailed nutritional information on other snack brands, consult the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Are Juicy Bursts considered a 'healthy' snack?

While Juicy Bursts are gluten-free, it is important to understand that this does not automatically make them a health food. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) classifies these snacks as an 'unhealthy ultra-processed food' due to their high sugar content. One pouch contains a significant amount of sugar, and for many people, the goal of a gluten-free diet is overall better health, not simply avoiding gluten. While they do offer vitamins A, C, and E, the high sugar content should be considered, especially for those with diabetes or other blood sugar concerns.

Conclusion

Black Forest Juicy Bursts are a delicious and juicy fruit snack that is officially labeled as gluten-free by the manufacturer, Ferrara Candy Company. The ingredient list contains no gluten, and the product adheres to the FDA's strict standards for gluten-free labeling. While they are safe for most individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, it is always recommended to read the specific packaging for any updated ingredient information or allergen warnings, as ingredients can vary. For consumers with broader health goals, it's worth noting that while gluten-free, these snacks are still high in sugar and best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Black Forest Juicy Bursts are safe for most individuals with celiac disease. The manufacturer labels them as gluten-free, meeting the FDA standard of containing less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is a safe level for most people with this condition.

Yes, you can generally trust the label. In the U.S., the FDA regulates and enforces the 'gluten-free' label to ensure products carrying it contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, making it a reliable indicator for consumers.

Yes, ingredient lists can vary by flavor. While all Black Forest Juicy Bursts are labeled gluten-free, it is always best practice to check the specific product label for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient information.

For gluten, the risk is extremely low due to FDA regulations. However, the manufacturing facility also processes milk, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts, which could pose a risk for individuals with those specific allergies.

While the article focuses on Juicy Bursts, other products by Black Forest, including some of their gummy bear varieties, are also marked gluten-free. It is important to always check the specific product packaging.

Yes, Black Forest Juicy Bursts are made with real fruit juice from concentrate. However, it is important to remember that these are still fruit-flavored snacks with high sugar content, not a substitute for fresh fruit.

Juicy Bursts are widely available and can be found at most major grocery stores and retailers. They are often sold in boxes containing multiple individually wrapped pouches.