Does Folger's Instant Coffee Have Gluten in It?

November 25, 2025 •

2 min read

While pure coffee is naturally gluten-free, the processing and packaging can sometimes introduce gluten through cross-contamination. For those on a strict gluten-free diet, a common question is: Does Folger's instant coffee have gluten in it? The answer lies in understanding the difference between ingredients and manufacturing risks.

Quick Summary

Plain Folger's instant coffee contains no gluten ingredients, but the manufacturer notes a risk of agricultural cross-contamination, and it is not a certified gluten-free product.

Key Points

No Gluten Ingredients: Plain Folger's instant coffee is made with 100% coffee and contains no gluten-based ingredients.
Not Certified Gluten-Free: Folger's products do not carry a gluten-free certification, citing potential cross-contamination risks.
Agricultural Risk: The primary risk comes from shared equipment used to harvest, transport, and store agricultural products, potentially exposing coffee beans to grains.
Flavored Products: Flavored Folger's coffees carry a higher risk of containing non-gluten-free additives.
Celiac Caution: Individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity should choose certified gluten-free products for maximum safety.
Informed Choice: For mild sensitivities, the low risk may be acceptable, but knowing the manufacturing process is key to making an informed decision.

The Natural Gluten-Free Status of Coffee Beans

At its most basic level, coffee is naturally gluten-free. Coffee beans come from the coffee cherry fruit and are unrelated to gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, pure, unflavored coffee beans themselves do not contain gluten.

Folger's Official Stance on Gluten

Folger's states that pure coffee is not a source of gluten and their products are made without gluten-containing ingredients. However, they include a significant note about potential cross-contamination.

Understanding the Cross-Contamination Risk

Folger's does not certify its products as gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination in the global supply chain.

Agricultural Transportation: Folger's warns that shared equipment used for harvesting, storing, and transporting various crops within the agricultural community could lead to trace amounts of grain-based ingredients in their roast and ground products. This is a key reason for their uncertified status.
Manufacturing and Flavoring: While Folger's indicates plain coffee is made on dedicated lines, the possibility of contamination in the broader manufacturing environment exists for uncertified products. Flavored Folger's coffees may also contain non-gluten-free ingredients.

Is Folger's Instant Coffee a Safe Choice for a Celiac?

For individuals with celiac disease who must avoid even trace gluten, Folger's instant coffee comes with a warning due to the risk of agricultural cross-contamination. The level of risk depends on individual sensitivity. Many sensitive individuals may opt for products with third-party gluten-free certification, which ensures rigorous standards.

Comparison of Coffee Gluten Status


Feature	Plain Folger's Instant Coffee	Certified Gluten-Free Instant Coffee
Ingredients	100% pure coffee	100% pure coffee, verified sources
Certification	No, due to supply chain risks	Yes, e.g., GFCO or GFFP
Manufacturing Risk	Potential for cross-contamination	Strict controls, minimal to no risk
Flavored Versions	May contain non-GF ingredients	Ingredient check still needed
Best For	Casual gluten-avoidance or low sensitivity	Severe celiac disease or high sensitivity

How to Ensure a Truly Gluten-Free Instant Coffee

To ensure your instant coffee is truly gluten-free:

Seek Third-Party Certification: Look for certifications like GFCO, which verify products meet strict gluten-free standards.
Stick with Plain: Avoid flavored coffees and choose products with simple ingredient lists, like 100% coffee.
Contact Manufacturers: For uncertified products, inquire about their cross-contamination prevention.
Use Caution with Add-ins: Be mindful of creamers or mixes that may contain gluten; opt for plain or certified gluten-free additions.

Conclusion

While Folger's instant coffee contains no gluten ingredients, it is not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in the supply chain. Individuals with celiac disease should consider certified gluten-free alternatives for the highest safety. Others may find Folger's acceptable while being aware of the potential for trace amounts. For more information, the Gluten Intolerance Group is a useful resource.

Your Gluten-Free Instant Coffee Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, plain brewed Folger's coffee is also naturally gluten-free. Like the instant version, it is not certified due to potential cross-contamination risks during agricultural handling.

No, flavored Folger's coffee products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. The flavorings and additives can contain gluten-based ingredients, so it is best to avoid them for a strict gluten-free diet.

Cross-contamination can occur when the same equipment used to harvest, store, or transport gluten-containing grains is also used for coffee beans. Folger's acknowledges this risk in its supply chain.

Not necessarily. While instant coffee undergoes more processing, the primary cross-contamination risk for both instant and ground coffee often stems from the initial agricultural phase, as stated by Folger's.

Look for instant coffee brands that carry a third-party gluten-free certification, such as the GFCO mark. This ensures stringent controls and testing throughout the entire production process.

While it is possible for fillers to be added to some products, pure coffee does not contain gluten. In the case of Folger's instant coffee, the ingredients list is simple and does not include fillers.

Folger's decaf coffee, like its regular counterparts, is made from pure coffee beans and does not contain gluten. However, it also carries the same disclaimer regarding potential cross-contamination risks and lacks formal certification.