Do Smokehouse Almonds Have Gluten? What You Need to Know

December 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Beyond Celiac, all pure, raw, and unaltered nuts are naturally gluten-free. However, this changes with processed foods, leading many to question: do smokehouse almonds have gluten? The answer depends heavily on the manufacturer, ingredients, and processing methods used.

Quick Summary

The gluten status of smokehouse almonds depends on the brand and how they are processed. While almonds are naturally gluten-free, some manufacturers add flavorings or use shared equipment that can cause cross-contamination. Always check labels and brand certifications for a definitive answer.

Key Points

Naturally Gluten-Free: Almonds themselves do not contain gluten, as it is a protein found in grains.
Brand-Dependent: Whether a flavored almond product is gluten-free depends entirely on the manufacturer, ingredients, and processing.
Blue Diamond is Safe: Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds are labeled gluten-free by the company and are safe for those avoiding gluten, with the exception of certain other flavors.
Cross-Contamination Risk: The primary concern for processed, flavored nuts is cross-contamination from shared equipment in the manufacturing facility.
Look for Certifications: For the highest level of safety, seek products with a third-party gluten-free certification logo.
Homemade Option: You can make your own gluten-free smoked almonds at home with raw almonds and certified gluten-free liquid smoke to ensure purity.
Always Read the Label: Regardless of brand reputation, it is crucial to always read the ingredient list for potential hidden sources of gluten.

Understanding Gluten in Nuts

Naturally, all nuts, including almonds, are gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. The concern with products like smokehouse almonds arises when manufacturers add seasonings or process them in facilities that also handle gluten-containing ingredients.

The key to a safe snack lies in careful label reading and, for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, seeking products from certified gluten-free facilities. The seasonings and smoke flavorings added to nuts can sometimes contain hidden gluten, such as in certain malts or additives.

The Case of Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds

Blue Diamond is a well-known brand that produces popular Smokehouse Almonds. For many years, consumers have sought clarity on the gluten status of this specific product. According to recent information available on reputable celiac resources, Blue Diamond has confirmed that their Smokehouse Almonds are gluten-free. This status is often highlighted on the product packaging and online listings. However, this does not apply to all Blue Diamond products; some, like Wasabi & Soy Sauce Flavored Almonds, contain gluten and are explicitly noted as such. This emphasizes the importance of checking each flavor and product individually.

Potential for Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant risk for those with celiac disease. It occurs when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing food, either through shared equipment, surfaces, or even airborne particles in a manufacturing facility. Even if a product's ingredients are gluten-free, the processing environment can introduce risk.

For this reason, certified gluten-free products offer the highest level of safety. A third-party certification ensures that the product has been tested to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the standard for gluten-free labeling in many countries. For those with milder sensitivities, a simple "gluten-free" claim on the packaging might suffice, but those with celiac disease should always look for a certification mark.

How to Verify if a Flavored Nut Snack is Gluten-Free

Read the Ingredient List: Look for any red-flag ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, or malt flavoring. Be aware that some smoke flavorings use barley malt as a carrier, though this should be listed.
Check for Certifications: Look for a third-party gluten-free certification logo, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This is the most reliable indicator of safety.
Contact the Manufacturer: If the labeling is unclear, contacting the company directly is the safest option. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on their processing practices and whether a product is suitable for a strict gluten-free diet.

Comparative Analysis: Gluten-Free Nuts


Feature	Plain Raw Almonds	Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds	Non-Certified Flavored Nuts
Naturally Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes (Almonds)	Yes (Nuts)
Added Ingredients	No	Seasonings, smoke flavor	Seasonings, flavors
Gluten-Free Status	Inherently safe	Labeled gluten-free	Varies; requires verification
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Minimal to none	Declared gluten-free by manufacturer; low risk	Potentially high; depends on facility
Best for Strict Diets	Safest option	Safe if labeled gluten-free	High risk; verify with manufacturer

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Smoked Almonds

For those who prefer to be 100% certain about their food, making smoked almonds at home is an excellent option. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and eliminates the risk of cross-contamination. Many recipes use a combination of liquid smoke, gluten-free spices, and salt to achieve the signature smokehouse flavor.

Here is a simple gluten-free smoked almonds recipe:

Ingredients: Raw almonds, liquid smoke (ensure it's a certified gluten-free brand like Wright's), gluten-free salt, and a dash of garlic and onion powder.
Instructions: Mix the almonds with a small amount of oil, the liquid smoke, and seasonings. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until toasted. This allows you to create a delicious and safe snack for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion: Staying Vigilant is Key

While Blue Diamond Smokehouse Almonds are generally considered gluten-free based on company and third-party information, the world of flavored nuts is not a free-for-all for gluten-sensitive individuals. The key takeaway is to always check the product's label, look for specific gluten-free certifications, and stay informed about potential cross-contamination risks, especially for those with celiac disease. By being a vigilant consumer, you can enjoy this tasty snack without worry.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Always check product labels and consult a healthcare professional regarding dietary restrictions and concerns related to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to information from Blue Diamond and resources like Celiac.com, their Smokehouse Almonds are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. However, those with severe sensitivities should always look for a third-party certification for peace of mind, although cross-contamination is considered a low risk for this specific product.

While liquid smoke is often naturally gluten-free, some powdered versions or flavorings can use carriers like barley malt flour, which contains gluten. It's important to check the ingredient list or use a brand that explicitly states it is gluten-free, such as Wright's Liquid Smoke.

Cross-contamination is when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing ingredients. For nuts, this can happen during processing on shared equipment in a manufacturing facility. It poses a risk, especially for individuals with celiac disease, if the manufacturer doesn't have strict protocols in place.

To be certain, look for a third-party certification logo on the packaging, such as GFCO. This verifies the product has been tested to meet strict gluten-free standards. If a certification is not present, carefully read the ingredients list and contact the manufacturer directly to inquire about their processing practices.

Yes, raw and unprocessed almonds are naturally gluten-free. It is only when other ingredients, flavors, or manufacturing processes are involved that there is a risk of gluten exposure.

Some Blue Diamond flavors, such as Wasabi & Soy Sauce, contain gluten and are marked accordingly. It is crucial to check the packaging of each flavored variety, as not all flavored nuts are safe for a gluten-free diet.

Making your own smoked almonds is the safest option for those with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as it gives you full control over all ingredients and eliminates the risk of cross-contamination during processing. You can use raw almonds and certified gluten-free flavorings.