Is Bonne Maman Marmalade Gluten-Free? A Complete Guide

According to the brand's official FAQ, all Bonne Maman jams, jellies, and marmalades are certified gluten-free, with gluten levels below 20 parts per million (PPM). This means that for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, Bonne Maman marmalade is a safe and delicious option to enjoy.

Quick Summary

All Bonne Maman marmalades are gluten-free, made with simple, natural ingredients like fruit, sugar, and pectin. The company maintains strict production standards to ensure gluten levels remain below 20 PPM, making the product safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Key Points

• Officially Gluten-Free: Bonne Maman has publicly declared that all of its marmalades, jams, and jellies are gluten-free, with testing confirming less than 20 PPM.

• Naturally Gluten-Free Ingredients: The primary ingredients—fruit, sugar, and pectin—are naturally free of gluten.

• Dedicated Production: The facility where Bonne Maman jams and marmalades are made is also gluten-free, which prevents cross-contamination.

• Safe for Celiac and Sensitive Diets: The brand's strict standards make its marmalade a safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

• Caution on Other Products: While marmalade is safe, other Bonne Maman products, such as baked goods, are not gluten-free and should be avoided.

• Simple, Natural Recipe: Bonne Maman's commitment to using simple, natural ingredients adds to its appeal as a safe choice.

Understanding Gluten-Free Status

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, confirming the gluten-free status of any food product is critical. While marmalade's core ingredients—citrus fruit, sugar, and pectin—are naturally gluten-free, the risk often lies in manufacturing practices and cross-contamination. Bonne Maman addresses these concerns directly on their website, providing clear assurance. The company explicitly states that all of its compotes, jams, marmalades, jellies, and spreads are gluten-free. This declaration is supported by their commitment to keeping gluten levels under 20 PPM, the standard required by regulatory bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Importance of Safe Production

The gluten-free statement from Bonne Maman is further strengthened by their factory processes. The company asserts that its entire production site is gluten-free, which drastically reduces the risk of cross-contamination that can occur in facilities handling multiple types of food. For individuals with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can trigger a severe autoimmune response. The manufacturer's dedication to maintaining a controlled, gluten-free environment is a critical piece of information for peace of mind. While they do produce some other items, like pastries, that are not gluten-free, the facility for jams and marmalades is dedicated to ensuring product purity.

The Ingredients of Bonne Maman Marmalade

Bonne Maman prides itself on using simple, natural ingredients in its products. The standard orange marmalade, for instance, contains sugar, bitter oranges, water, brown cane sugar, concentrated lemon juice, and fruit pectin. These ingredients contain no gluten. This transparency allows consumers to feel confident in their choice. Fruit pectin, a natural gelling agent derived from fruit, is confirmed to be gluten-free.

• Sugar: A fundamental component, sugar (including brown cane sugar) is naturally gluten-free. Bonne Maman does not use high-fructose corn syrup.
• Citrus Fruit: The use of oranges and lemons is standard for marmalade and is naturally free of gluten.
• Pectin: As a plant-based gelling agent, fruit pectin is a gluten-free ingredient that helps the marmalade set properly.

Gluten-Free Alternatives and Considerations

While Bonne Maman offers a reliable gluten-free option, it is good to be aware of other choices. Many marmalade products are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is a risk to consider. Always check labels and manufacturer websites for explicit gluten-free claims, especially if you have celiac disease. Some brands offer organic or sugar-free varieties that also happen to be gluten-free, providing more dietary choices.

Comparison: Bonne Maman vs. Other Marmalades

Feature	Bonne Maman Marmalade	Generic Store-Brand Marmalade	Certified Gluten-Free Marmalade	Homemade Marmalade
Gluten-Free Status	Officially declared gluten-free (<20 PPM)	Often naturally gluten-free but check for claims and cross-contamination warnings	Certified by a third-party organization, providing the highest level of assurance	Safe, assuming all ingredients are verified gluten-free and prepared without cross-contamination
Ingredients	Simple, natural ingredients: fruit, sugar, pectin, lemon juice	Ingredients vary; may contain high-fructose corn syrup or additives	Ingredients vary by brand, but must comply with certification standards	User controls all ingredients, offering complete transparency
Manufacturing Safety	Produced in a dedicated, gluten-free facility	Varies by manufacturer; cross-contamination may be a risk in shared facilities	Produced and tested according to strict third-party standards	Prepared in your own kitchen, eliminating external cross-contamination risk
Availability	Widely available in supermarkets and online	Varies by store and brand; easily found in most grocery stores	May require shopping at specialty stores or online	Requires purchasing ingredients and dedicating time for preparation

Tips for Safe Gluten-Free Consumption

Even with a confirmed gluten-free product, a little extra caution can prevent accidental contamination. Here are some tips:

• Read the Label: Although Bonne Maman is reliable, it's always best to double-check the label for any changes or specific warnings, especially for a new product.
• Prevent Cross-Contamination at Home: If you share a kitchen with non-gluten-free products, use a separate, clean knife for your marmalade jar to avoid transferring gluten from toast or other bread.
• Check Different Product Lines: While the marmalade is safe, remember that some of Bonne Maman's other products, like cakes and pastries, are not gluten-free.
• Consider Third-Party Certification: While Bonne Maman’s internal standards are excellent, for maximum assurance, some individuals may seek products with independent certifications from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

Conclusion

In summary, for those needing to avoid gluten, Bonne Maman marmalade is a safe and reliable choice. The brand's official declaration, combined with its simple ingredients and dedicated production process, provides a high level of confidence. By following a few simple precautions, individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities can enjoy the classic, delicious taste of Bonne Maman marmalade without worry. [https://bonnemaman.us/pages/faq]

References

• FAQ Bonne Maman USA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bonnemaman.us/pages/faq
• Cooklist. (n.d.). Bonne Maman Orange Marmalade. Retrieved from https://cooklist.com/product/bonne-maman-orange-marmalade-49023
• Frequently Asked Questions Bonne Maman CA. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://bonnemaman.ca/en/pages/faq
• Common questions - Bonne Maman. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk/common-questions
• r/Celiac - Bonne Maman Preserves. (2025, June 23). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/Celiac/comments/1lidr9r/bonne_maman_preserves/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bonne Maman marmalade safe for people with celiac disease?

Yes, Bonne Maman marmalade is considered safe for people with celiac disease. The company confirms that its products are gluten-free and produced in a dedicated facility, minimizing any risk of gluten contamination.

What ingredients are in Bonne Maman orange marmalade?

Bonne Maman orange marmalade is made with simple, natural ingredients: sugar, bitter oranges, water, brown cane sugar, concentrated lemon juice, and fruit pectin.

Does Bonne Maman use high-fructose corn syrup in its marmalade?

No, Bonne Maman does not use high-fructose corn syrup in its recipes. The sweetness comes from a blend of sugar and brown cane sugar.

Can I trust the 'gluten-free' claim on Bonne Maman marmalade?

Yes, Bonne Maman's gluten-free claim is credible. It is based on internal testing that keeps gluten levels below the 20 PPM threshold required by regulatory standards and is backed by a dedicated, gluten-free production facility for its spreads.

Are all Bonne Maman products gluten-free?

No, not all Bonne Maman products are gluten-free. While their conserves, marmalades, and compotes are, some chilled desserts (like Baba au Rhum) and baked goods (biscuits and tartlets) are not.

How can I prevent cross-contamination of Bonne Maman marmalade at home?

To prevent cross-contamination, always use a separate, clean knife or spoon when serving Bonne Maman marmalade, especially if other members of your household consume gluten-containing foods like regular toast.

Is the pectin used in Bonne Maman marmalade gluten-free?

Yes, the fruit pectin used in Bonne Maman marmalade is naturally gluten-free. It is a plant-based gelling agent derived from fruit.