Do Great Value Fruit Smiles Have Gluten? Navigating Diet and Nutrition

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product listings on major retail sites, many popular candies are formulated to be gluten-free, but consumers must remain vigilant about checking labels. This is particularly true for a common query: Do great value fruit smiles have gluten? This guide delves into the specifics to help those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities make an informed choice.

Quick Summary

Great Value Fruit Smiles are officially labeled as gluten-free, relying on corn-based starches rather than wheat for their chewy texture. While the ingredients themselves are safe, cautious consumers should note potential cross-contamination warnings. This product line, including both original and tangy varieties, provides a safe snack option for many following a gluten-free lifestyle.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Great Value Fruit Smiles are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on retail listings.
Corn-Based Ingredients: Their chewy texture comes from corn syrup and cornstarch, not wheat or other gluten-containing grains.
Varieties are Safe: Both the Original and Tangy varieties are indicated as gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination Potential: Labels may contain warnings about shared facilities with allergens like milk, eggs, and soy, which is a consideration for those with severe celiac disease.
Always Check the Label: Ingredient formulations can change, so always verify the 'gluten-free' status on the product packaging before consuming.
Many Candy Alternatives Exist: Numerous other candy brands, including Welch's and Albanese, offer gluten-free gummies.

A Clear Answer for Your Diet

For consumers with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding which products are safe to eat is paramount. When asking, "Do great value fruit smiles have gluten?", the answer is a reassuring yes, they are gluten-free. The official product listings on retailers like Walmart and Instacart explicitly state that Great Value Fruit Smiles do not contain gluten, cholesterol, or saturated fat, positioning them as a suitable snack for those on a restrictive diet.

A Deeper Look at the Ingredients

The primary concern for many with gluten intolerance is what ingredients are used to create the product's texture. In the case of Great Value Fruit Smiles, the chewy consistency is achieved using corn-based products, not wheat. A look at the ingredient list reveals:

Sugar
Corn Syrup
Modified Cornstarch
Apple Juice Concentrate
Cornstarch
Canola Oil
Citric Acid
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Natural & Artificial Flavors
Sodium Citrate
White Mineral Oil
Carnauba Wax
Artificial colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 5, Yellow 6)

Notably absent are any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye. Cornstarch and modified cornstarch are safe alternatives to wheat flour, as they do not contain gluten proteins.

The Importance of Variety and Cross-Contamination Warnings

The "gluten-free" label applies across different variations of the product, including both the Original Fruit Smiles and the Tangy Fruit Smiles. However, some listings contain important advisories for those with severe allergies. For instance, the Instacart listing for the tangy variety includes a warning that it "May contain traces of milk, eggs, almonds, coconut, peanuts and soy". This kind of statement is common in food manufacturing and typically indicates that the product was made in a facility that also processes other allergens. While this doesn't change the official gluten-free status, it is an important consideration for anyone with severe celiac disease who is particularly sensitive to cross-contamination risks.

Making Smart Gluten-Free Candy Choices

Being on a gluten-free diet doesn't mean giving up all your favorite sweet treats. Many popular candy brands offer gluten-free options. However, due diligence is always recommended, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. Always read the most recent nutrition label on the product packaging before consuming.

Comparison of Common Fruit Snack Brands


Brand	Product	Gluten-Free Status	Key Ingredients	Manufacturer Information
Great Value	Fruit Smiles	Labeled Gluten-Free	Corn Syrup, Modified Cornstarch, Apple Juice Concentrate	Walmart brand, check labels for cross-contamination
Welch's	Fruit Snacks	Labeled Gluten-Free	Fruit Purée, Corn Syrup, Modified Cornstarch	Popular brand, clearly labeled, good source of Vitamins A, C, and E
Annie's Organic	Fruit Snacks	Labeled Gluten-Free	Organic Fruit Juice, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Pectin	Emphasizes organic ingredients, suitable for various dietary needs
Albanese	Gummi Bears	Labeled Gluten-Free	Corn Syrup, Sugar, Gelatin	Renowned for gummies, multiple flavor options available
Black Forest	Gummies	Often labeled Gluten-Free	Corn Syrup, Sugar, Gelatin	Known for juicy flavor, frequently appear on gluten-free lists

Tips for Navigating the Candy Aisle

Check for Certifications: Look for a certified gluten-free label, which guarantees the product meets strict standards and minimizes cross-contamination risk.
Contact the Manufacturer: If in doubt, especially for severe sensitivities, contacting the manufacturer directly for their latest allergen information is the safest bet.
Read the 'May Contain' Warnings: Understand what cross-contamination warnings mean for your specific level of sensitivity.
Stay Updated: Ingredient formulations can change, so even if a product was previously gluten-free, it is essential to check the label on every purchase.
Be Wary of Seasonal Products: The formulation or manufacturing process for seasonal or limited-edition candies can differ from the standard version, sometimes introducing gluten.

Conclusion

For those wondering Do great value fruit smiles have gluten?, the answer is no, they are confirmed as gluten-free by their official product descriptions. By relying on corn-based ingredients, they provide a safe snack option for many following a gluten-free diet. However, for individuals with celiac disease, the possibility of cross-contamination in shared facilities, as indicated by some label warnings, is always a consideration. The best practice remains to carefully read the product label and, when necessary, verify the information with the manufacturer, ensuring a worry-free indulgence. Beyond Celiac offers extensive resources on navigating a gluten-free diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

While Great Value Fruit Smiles are explicitly labeled as gluten-free, it is not safe to assume this applies to all Great Value fruit snacks. Always check the specific product's packaging for a 'gluten-free' label and review the ingredients list, as formulations can vary.

No, cornstarch and modified cornstarch are naturally gluten-free as they are derived from corn. They are widely used as safe thickening agents in gluten-free foods, including Great Value Fruit Smiles.

No, both the Original and Tangy versions of Great Value Fruit Smiles are officially labeled as gluten-free, according to manufacturer-provided information on retail websites.

A cross-contamination warning indicates that the product is made in a facility or on equipment that also processes common allergens, like milk, eggs, or nuts. This poses a risk for individuals with severe allergies or celiac disease, even if the ingredients themselves do not contain gluten.

For absolute certainty, especially with severe celiac disease, you should always check the product's packaging for a certified 'gluten-free' label. Additionally, contacting the manufacturer directly can provide the most current and accurate information about their production practices.

Many other gummy brands are known to be gluten-free, including Welch's Fruit Snacks, Albanese gummies, and gummies from brands like Black Forest and Ferrara.

No, not all fruit snacks are gluten-free. While many are, some brands may use gluten-containing ingredients or process them in shared facilities. Always check the ingredient label and allergen information to be sure.