Does great value honey have gluten? Your guide for a nutrition diet

October 21, 2025 •

2 min read

For a food to be officially labeled gluten-free by the FDA, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This standard provides a crucial benchmark for consumers asking, "Does great value honey have gluten?", as pure honey is naturally devoid of gluten, but processing can introduce risks.

Quick Summary

Great Value honey is explicitly labeled as gluten-free, confirming its safety for those avoiding gluten. The potential risk of cross-contamination during processing, however, warrants careful label reading for all honey products, especially for individuals with celiac disease.

Key Points

Great Value Honey is Labeled Gluten-Free: Specific Great Value honey products are clearly labeled as gluten-free and are considered safe for a gluten-free diet.
Pure Honey is Naturally Gluten-Free: Honey, in its raw and unadulterated form, contains no gluten-containing grains.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk Factor: The primary threat to gluten-free integrity comes from shared processing facilities and equipment used for other gluten-containing foods.
Certified Products are Safest for Celiac: For those with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, looking for third-party certified gluten-free honey offers the highest assurance against contamination.
Always Check the Ingredients and Label: Before purchasing, carefully read the product label for gluten-free claims, allergen statements, and added ingredients, especially with flavored honeys.
Processing Can Add Gluten: Certain manufacturing processes or flavorings can introduce gluten into honey, making careful label reading essential.

Is Honey Naturally Gluten-Free?

Yes, pure honey is naturally gluten-free as it's made by bees from flower nectar, not gluten-containing grains. However, the risk of gluten can be introduced during processing or if other ingredients are added.

Does Great Value Honey Have Gluten?

Based on labeling, Great Value honey products are identified as gluten-free. Walmart's product information for Great Value raw honey and organic strained raw honey confirms this. This indicates compliance with the FDA's gluten-free standard of under 20 ppm of gluten.

The Risk of Cross-Contamination in Honey Production

Even naturally gluten-free products like honey can be subject to cross-contamination during manufacturing, which is a concern for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.

Potential Contamination Points:

Shared Facilities: Processing honey in facilities that handle gluten-containing items can lead to contamination.
Additives and Flavorings: Some processed or flavored honeys may contain gluten-based ingredients.

Navigating Labels: Certified vs. Unlabeled Honey

The distinction between a "gluten-free" label and a "certified gluten-free" label is important for those managing a gluten-free diet.

Important Considerations:

Voluntary Labeling: The "gluten-free" label on products like Great Value honey means it meets FDA standards, but not necessarily that it was made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Certified Gluten-Free: This label, from third-party organizations, signifies rigorous testing and auditing of the production process, offering greater assurance for those with severe sensitivity.

Comparison of Honey Types for Gluten-Free Diets


Feature	Pure, Raw Honey	Flavored Honey	Certified Gluten-Free Honey
Inherent Gluten Status	Naturally Gluten-Free	May contain gluten additives	Naturally Gluten-Free
Processing Risk	Very Low (minimal processing)	High (additives and blending)	Very Low (audited, dedicated processes)
Labeling	Not always explicitly labeled	Must be checked carefully	Displays a certification mark
Safety for Celiac	Generally Safe (but check sourcing)	High Risk	Safest option

A Checklist for Choosing Gluten-Free Honey

To ensure your honey is gluten-free, consider these steps:

Look for a "gluten-free" label.
Check the ingredient list for any gluten-containing additives.
For maximum safety, especially with celiac disease, choose certified gluten-free honey.
Be aware of allergen statements regarding shared facilities.
Contact the manufacturer if you have any doubts.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Great Value honey is labeled gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten. However, understanding that pure honey is naturally gluten-free but can be contaminated during processing is crucial for all gluten-free shoppers. Checking labels, being aware of cross-contamination risks, and considering certified options can help you safely include honey in your diet.

For more information on managing a gluten-free diet, resources like the Celiac Disease Foundation can be helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, pure honey derived directly from flower nectar is naturally free of gluten. However, contamination can occur during processing if equipment is shared with gluten-containing products.

Cross-contamination can occur if honey is processed or packaged in the same facility as foods with gluten. This can transfer gluten particles into the honey, making it unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity.

Several Great Value honey products are explicitly labeled as gluten-free, which means they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten as per FDA regulations. For those with celiac disease, these are considered a safe choice.

Flavored honey products carry a higher risk of containing gluten. Always read the ingredient list to check for any additives or flavorings that might contain gluten, like barley malt extract.

For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, 'certified gluten-free' is often the safer option. Certification from a third party means the product and facility have been independently audited to verify strict gluten-free standards.

This is a very low risk. While bees could theoretically forage near gluten-producing grains, pure honey is derived from flower nectar, not grain pollen. Contamination is far more likely during processing and packaging.

Manuka honey, particularly varieties with a UMF or MGO grading, is highly regulated. Certified versions are typically processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities with strict protocols, making them one of the safest options for those with severe sensitivities.