Understanding the Different 'So Good' Brands
For consumers seeking to understand the gluten status of 'So Good' ice cream, it's essential to first differentiate between the two main brands that use this or a similar name. In Australia and New Zealand, Sanitarium Health Food Company manufactures a line of plant-based frozen desserts under the brand name So Good™. In North America, the brand most commonly associated with dairy-free frozen treats is So Delicious® Dairy Free. Both companies offer dairy-free products, but their ingredients, manufacturing practices, and allergen policies differ significantly. Knowing which brand you are consuming is the first step toward confirming its suitability for a gluten-free diet.
The Gluten-Free Status of So Good™ (Sanitarium - Australia/NZ)
Sanitarium’s So Good™ frozen desserts are a safe option for individuals avoiding gluten. The company explicitly states on its product pages for flavors like Vanilla Bliss and Chocolate Bliss that the product contains "absolutely no... Gluten". This is a strong, definitive claim regarding the ingredients used. The nutritional information tables on the product sites further confirm this, showing 0.0g of gluten per serving. The base of these frozen desserts is typically soy, and they are also free from lactose, dairy, and cholesterol. While the products themselves are gluten-free, it is always wise to double-check the allergen warnings on the label, which for some Sanitarium products may indicate the potential presence of other allergens like peanuts and tree nuts.
The Gluten-Free Status of So Delicious® Dairy Free (North America)
So Delicious® Dairy Free, the North American counterpart, offers a wide range of dairy-free frozen desserts using various plant-based milk alternatives, including coconut, almond, cashew, and oat. According to their FAQ, "Most of our products are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO)". This certification is a trusted indicator that the product meets stringent standards and contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, making it generally safe for individuals with celiac disease. However, not all products are certified, so checking the packaging is crucial. A key point of caution for individuals with severe gluten sensitivity or celiac disease is the risk of cross-contamination. As discussed on Celiac.com forums, some So Delicious products have historically carried advisories about being manufactured in facilities that also process wheat, which could pose a risk to highly sensitive individuals. For this reason, checking the product's packaging for a specific gluten-free certification symbol and any facility warnings is non-negotiable for those with a high sensitivity.
How to Verify if Your 'So Good' Product is Gluten-Free
- Examine the packaging: The most reliable source of information is always the product label. Look for explicit claims like "Gluten Free" or the Certified Gluten-Free logo from GFCO.
- Check the ingredients list: While many companies are transparent, it's a good practice to scan the ingredients list for hidden gluten sources, especially on flavors with mix-ins like cookie dough or brownie pieces, which are prime suspects for containing gluten.
- Read allergen statements: The "Contains" and "May Contain" statements offer important information about potential cross-contamination risks from shared manufacturing facilities.
- Consult the manufacturer's website: Visit the official website for the specific brand (Sanitarium for AU/NZ or So Delicious for NA) and check the product's details online. Websites often have dedicated allergen pages with the most up-to-date information.
Comparison of Brand Policies and Labeling
| Aspect | Sanitarium So Good™ (AU/NZ) | So Delicious® Dairy Free (NA) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Base | Soy | Varied (Coconut, Almond, Soy, etc.) |
| Gluten Status | All frozen desserts are gluten-free | Most products are certified gluten-free |
| Allergen Certification | Explicitly states "no gluten" on label | Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO on applicable products |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Manufacturer mentions other allergens may be present (e.g., peanuts) | Potential risk from shared facilities, especially for the highly sensitive |
| Flavors | Limited to plain flavors like Vanilla and Chocolate Bliss | Extensive range with both plain and additive-containing flavors |
| Key Action | Read the full allergen statement on packaging | Look for the GFCO certification symbol for peace of mind |
Conclusion: Does So Good Ice Cream Have Gluten?
The answer is twofold and depends on the brand in question. So Good™ frozen desserts from Sanitarium (in Australia and New Zealand) are explicitly made without gluten and are a safe choice. For products labeled So Delicious® Dairy Free (primarily in North America), many are certified gluten-free by GFCO, but consumers with high sensitivity must be vigilant and check for cross-contamination warnings on the label. As with any packaged food for specific dietary needs, relying on clear certification symbols and reading all allergen information is the safest approach. The GFCO website provides further details on their certification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Sanitarium's So Good frozen dessert completely free of gluten? Yes, Sanitarium states that their So Good frozen desserts contain "absolutely no gluten," and their ingredient lists and nutritional information confirm 0.0g of gluten.
- Are all So Delicious Dairy Free products gluten-free? No, most So Delicious products are certified gluten-free, but not all. It is critical to check the individual product packaging for the Certified Gluten-Free logo.
- What should I do if I have celiac disease and want to try So Delicious ice cream? For those with celiac disease, always look for the Certified Gluten-Free logo on the product packaging. If you are highly sensitive to cross-contamination, also check the allergen warnings for any facility statements.
- Is the Cookies and Creme flavor from So Delicious gluten-free? The So Delicious Cookies and Creme Plant-based Blend pint is labeled gluten-free, but it's important to verify the latest information on the packaging and be mindful of cross-contamination risks.
- How can I tell the difference between Sanitarium's and So Delicious's products? The primary indicator is the branding and region. Sanitarium's So Good is sold in Australia and New Zealand, while So Delicious Dairy Free is prominent in North American markets. The packaging and product range will also differ.
- Is it possible for a 'plain' flavored ice cream to contain gluten? While classic flavors like vanilla or chocolate are often gluten-free, they can become a risk if manufactured in facilities that handle wheat or if additives containing gluten are used. Always check the label.
- Does the dairy-free label mean a product is also gluten-free? No, dairy-free and gluten-free are two separate dietary restrictions. Many products are only one or the other, or contain both. The product must be specifically labeled or certified as gluten-free.
