Are Sun Valley Raisins Gluten Free? A Comprehensive Guide

January 5, 2026 •

3 min read

Naturally gluten-free foods like dried fruit are often assumed to be safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, as many gluten-sensitive consumers know, the manufacturing process can introduce hidden risks through cross-contamination, making it crucial to investigate every brand and product.

Quick Summary

Sun Valley raisins are naturally gluten-free since they are simply dried grapes. Potential for cross-contamination during processing, not the fruit itself, poses the only risk. Consumers should carefully check product labels for explicit gluten-free certification or allergen warnings.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Sun Valley raisins are inherently gluten-free as they are just dried grapes.
Check for Cross-Contamination: The only risk for celiacs or sensitive individuals is potential cross-contamination from shared processing equipment.
Always Read the Label: Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo or explicit allergen warnings on the Sun Valley package.
Avoid Bulk Bins: For those with celiac disease, purchasing dried fruit from bulk bins is not recommended due to high cross-contamination risk.
Plain is Safest: Stick to plain Sun Valley raisins; flavored varieties or trail mixes may contain additional, gluten-based ingredients.
Manufacturer Information: The official Sun Valley company confirms their plain raisins are gluten-free, but reviewing the latest packaging is always a best practice.

The Definitive Answer: Sun Valley Raisins Are Naturally Gluten-Free

The simple, and reassuring, answer is that Sun Valley raisins are naturally gluten-free. Raisins are merely dried grapes, and grapes do not contain any gluten-forming proteins. Sun Valley Raisins, Inc. confirms that its products, including the popular Thompson seedless variety, are essentially just grapes dried in the sun.

The Critical Concern: Mitigating Cross-Contamination Risk

While the base product is safe, the primary concern for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity is cross-contamination. This risk occurs during the manufacturing, packaging, or storage processes if equipment is shared with gluten-containing products. For example, other dried fruit products or trail mixes are sometimes packaged in the same facility, and if those products contain gluten-based ingredients, a risk exists.

To ensure maximum safety, especially for those with severe sensitivities, it is essential to look for products with specific labeling. While the natural product is free of gluten, a certified gluten-free label provides an additional layer of assurance by indicating that the product and its manufacturing process have been independently verified to meet strict standards.

How to Vet Your Sun Valley Raisins Package

To make an informed choice, always inspect the product packaging for specific indicators. Here is a checklist of what to look for:

Explicit "Gluten-Free" Labeling: Look for a clear statement or a certified symbol on the packaging, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark. This is the most reliable indicator of safety.
Ingredients List: The ingredient list for plain Sun Valley raisins should simply state “raisins” or “Thompson seedless raisins”. No other grain-based ingredients should be present.
Allergen Warning Statement: Below the ingredient list, check for a 'Contains:' or 'May Contain:' statement. If the product is processed in a shared facility, it may include a warning like "Packed in a facility that also packs products containing wheat."

Comparison: Plain vs. Processed Dried Fruit

To highlight why caution is necessary, let's compare different types of dried fruit products based on their gluten risk.


Product Type	Naturally Gluten-Free?	Risk of Cross-Contamination	Requires Label Check?
Sun Valley Plain Raisins	Yes, grapes are gluten-free.	Low to medium, depends on facility.	Yes, for celiac or severe sensitivity.
Flavored Raisin Snacks	Not necessarily. Flavorings may contain gluten.	Higher, due to added ingredients and processing.	Yes, always.
Dried Dates	Yes, inherently gluten-free.	Higher, often coated with oat or wheat flour to prevent sticking.	Yes, always.
Mixed Dried Fruit	Not necessarily. Mixes can contain non-fruit gluten ingredients.	High, especially if processed in multi-purpose facilities.	Yes, always.

Best Practices for a Gluten-Free Diet

For those managing a gluten-free lifestyle, especially due to celiac disease, vigilance is key. Here are some extra tips for handling not just raisins, but all your food choices:

Avoid Bulk Bins: Bulk items, including dried fruits, carry a high risk of cross-contamination from shared scoops or accidental exposure. Opt for packaged products with verified labeling.
Contact the Manufacturer: When in doubt, contact Sun Valley Raisins, Inc. or any other manufacturer directly. Many food companies have customer service lines to address allergen and cross-contamination questions.
Store Properly at Home: Keep all gluten-free items, especially snacks, in separate, sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination from gluten-containing products in your own pantry.
Understand 'Natural' vs. 'Certified': The term 'natural' does not guarantee that a product is processed in a gluten-free environment. For true peace of mind, prioritize items with a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo.

Conclusion

Plain Sun Valley raisins are a safe and delicious snack for those following a gluten-free diet, given that they consist solely of dried grapes. The primary risk is not from the fruit itself but from potential cross-contamination during production in a facility that also handles gluten-containing grains. To ensure your safety, always carefully read the product label, look for gluten-free certification, and avoid bulk bins. By taking these simple precautions, you can confidently enjoy Sun Valley raisins as a safe part of your gluten-free regimen. For additional guidance and resources on safe gluten-free food, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plain Sun Valley raisins, which are simply dried grapes, are naturally gluten-free. However, special-flavored varieties or snack mixes may contain other ingredients, so always check the label for any added gluten or cross-contamination warnings.

For the highest confidence, look for a product with a third-party "Certified Gluten-Free" logo on the packaging. This confirms the product meets stringent standards for both ingredients and processing environment.

It is not recommended to purchase any dried fruit from bulk bins if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity. The risk of cross-contamination from shared scoops or airborne particles is too high. Always buy factory-sealed packages.

For simple foods like raisins, reading the label is crucial to check for potential cross-contamination warnings. Some manufacturers, even if the primary ingredient is gluten-free, will include an allergen statement if the product is packed in a shared facility.

Even if the plain raisins don't have a specific 'gluten-free' label, they are still naturally free of gluten. The lack of a label typically just means the manufacturer has not sought third-party certification. However, for those with severe sensitivities, a lack of the explicit label is a cue to check for allergen warnings or contact the company.

Raisins themselves cannot trigger a gluten reaction. If you experience a reaction, it is likely due to cross-contamination, either during processing or preparation, or from another source.

Flavored raisin products should be approached with caution. They are not guaranteed to be gluten-free, as added flavorings or coatings could contain gluten. Always check the ingredient list and allergen warnings carefully.

No, grapes contain no gluten proteins. Gluten is specifically a protein composite found in wheat, barley, and rye. Raisins are safe from a gluten perspective as a base ingredient.