Are Newman's own raisins gluten free and safe for a gluten-free diet?

January 7, 2026 •

3 min read

Over 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, and many more have gluten sensitivities, making accurate product information critical. Newman's Own raisins are explicitly labeled and confirmed to be a gluten-free product, processed in a dedicated allergen-free facility.

Quick Summary

Newman's Own organic raisins are labeled gluten-free, made from organic grapes, and processed in a dedicated facility to prevent cross-contamination. This makes them a safe option for individuals following a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Explicit Labeling: Newman's Own Organic Raisins are clearly labeled 'gluten-free' on the package.
Allergen-Free Facility: The product is packed in a facility that is free of peanuts, tree nuts, and gluten, mitigating cross-contamination risk.
Naturally Gluten-Free: Raisins are inherently gluten-free as they are simply dried grapes and do not contain wheat, barley, or rye.
Reliable for Celiacs: Due to the explicit labeling and specialized processing, Newman's Own raisins are a safe option for individuals with celiac disease.
Importance of Verification: Always check product labels, even for naturally gluten-free foods, as processing methods can introduce gluten.

Are Newman's Own Raisins Gluten Free? The Definitive Answer

For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, confirming the gluten-free status of any packaged product is essential. While raisins are naturally gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during processing, packaging, or storage is a primary concern. The good news for consumers is that Newman's Own raisins are not only made from naturally gluten-free ingredients but are also processed in a way that minimizes cross-contact.

Newman's Own and Gluten-Free Certification

According to several sources and direct product descriptions, Newman's Own Organic Raisins are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. This claim indicates that the product meets the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) standard of containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For many individuals with celiac disease, this threshold is considered safe. Additionally, some product descriptions highlight that they are packed in an allergen-free facility, a crucial detail for preventing cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye.

The Importance of Processing and Cross-Contamination

Raisins, which are simply dried grapes, do not naturally contain gluten. However, the journey from vine to package is where potential issues can arise. If a manufacturer uses shared equipment or a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, tiny gluten particles can transfer and contaminate otherwise gluten-free foods. For a product to be reliably safe, especially for those with severe sensitivities, a dedicated or carefully managed processing line is necessary. Newman's Own appears to address this concern directly with its allergen-free facility. The Celiac Disease Foundation also emphasizes the importance of looking for a 'gluten-free' label on grain-based or potentially contaminated products, a guideline Newman's Own follows.

How to Verify the Gluten-Free Status of Packaged Foods

Beyond just the brand, knowing how to interpret food labels empowers consumers to make informed choices. Here are some key points to remember:

Look for the 'Gluten-Free' Label: The most direct indicator is the official 'gluten-free' designation on the package. This is regulated by the FDA and ensures the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Check the Ingredient List: Always scan the ingredient list, especially if there is no explicit 'gluten-free' claim. Avoid products with ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, malt, or brewer's yeast.
Read 'May Contain' Warnings: Be cautious of advisory statements like 'may contain traces of wheat' or 'made on shared equipment with wheat.' For those with severe sensitivities, these products pose a significant cross-contamination risk.
Look for Certification Logos: While not required by the FDA, some companies seek third-party certification. Logos like the 'Certified Gluten-Free' mark from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) can offer additional assurance.

Navigating Your Choices: Newman's Own vs. Alternatives


Feature	Newman's Own Organic Raisins	Sun-Maid Raisins (Standard)	Other Certified Brands (e.g., Yupik)
Gluten Status	Explicitly labeled gluten-free.	Naturally gluten-free, but check for processing risks.	Often explicitly labeled and certified.
Cross-Contamination	Processed in an allergen-free facility.	Potential for cross-contamination exists, may have advisory labels.	Typically processed in dedicated facilities or lines.
Packaging	Sealed for freshness and safety.	Standard retail packaging.	Variety of packaging, often with clear gluten-free marking.
Certification	Manufacturer-claimed, often trusted.	May lack formal gluten-free certification, depends on product line.	May hold third-party certification for added trust.
Safety for Celiacs	High confidence due to allergen-free processing.	Lower confidence due to potential shared equipment; read labels carefully.	High confidence with appropriate labeling/certification.

Conclusion

For those adhering to a gluten-free diet, Newman's Own Organic Raisins are a reliable and safe choice. Their explicit gluten-free labeling, combined with manufacturing practices that minimize cross-contamination in dedicated facilities, provides a high level of assurance. While raisins are naturally gluten-free, the processing environment is the critical factor that can introduce risk for sensitive individuals. By reading labels carefully and understanding the measures brands like Newman's Own take, consumers can confidently incorporate these dried fruits into their diet without worry. For additional guidance on managing a gluten-free diet, consider resources from reputable organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation. (Celiac.org)

Frequently Asked Questions

While Newman's Own explicitly labels their organic raisins as gluten-free, indicating they meet FDA standards, they may not carry a third-party certification. However, they are processed in an allergen-free facility, which provides strong assurance against cross-contamination.

This means the production facility is specifically designed to prevent cross-contamination with common allergens like gluten, peanuts, and tree nuts. The use of separate equipment and dedicated processing lines ensures the product remains free from these contaminants.

Raisins are naturally gluten-free since they are just dried grapes. However, cross-contamination is a risk if they are processed or packaged in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains. Always check the label, especially for bulk or mixed products.

For processed foods, look for a clear 'gluten-free' label. For non-labeled items, read the ingredient list carefully and check for 'may contain' warnings related to wheat. For severe allergies, certified products or those from dedicated allergen-free facilities are the safest.

Yes, Newman's Own raisins are an excellent and safe addition to gluten-free baking recipes. Their reliable gluten-free status ensures they won't compromise your dish's integrity.

Yes, in the U.S., the FDA regulates the 'gluten-free' claim. Any product with this label must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, a level considered safe for most individuals with celiac disease.

Not all Newman's Own products are gluten-free. For example, some cookies contain gluten. Newman's Own has specific gluten-free product lines, such as certain salad dressings and pasta sauces, but it is crucial to always check the specific product label for the 'gluten-free' claim.