Is Kraft only peanuts gluten-free? A Comprehensive Guide for Celiacs

November 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the National Peanut Board, peanuts in their natural form are inherently gluten-free, but manufacturing processes can introduce risks. For those with celiac disease, the question of "is Kraft only peanuts gluten-free?" involves understanding these potential hazards beyond the simple ingredient list.

Quick Summary

Kraft Only Peanuts peanut butter is made from 100% roasted peanuts and does not contain gluten ingredients. However, because it lacks a certified gluten-free label, there is an unverified risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.

Key Points

Ingredient Purity: Kraft Only Peanuts contains just one ingredient: 100% roasted peanuts, with no added gluten ingredients.
No Official Certification: The product does not carry a certified gluten-free label, meaning Kraft does not verify or guarantee against potential cross-contamination.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Due to shared facilities where other products containing gluten may be processed, a risk of trace gluten exists for the highly sensitive.
Labeling Policy: Kraft relies on its standard labeling policy, where any gluten-containing ingredients are listed, but this doesn't protect against unintentional contact.
Celiac Safest Option: For those with celiac disease, certified gluten-free brands offer the highest level of safety and assurance against trace gluten.

Decoding the Ingredients: A Look at Kraft Only Peanuts

To determine if a product is safe for a gluten-free diet, the ingredients are the first line of defense. The Kraft Only Peanuts All Natural peanut butter is distinctive because its ingredient list is exceptionally short: 100% select roasted peanuts. This simple composition is the best-case scenario for a gluten-free consumer, as it means no added sugars, oils, or preservatives that might potentially contain gluten. In its raw, unprocessed state, peanut butter is completely safe for individuals with celiac disease.

The Nuance of Natural vs. Certified Gluten-Free

While the pure ingredient list is reassuring, it is not the full picture for those with heightened sensitivities or celiac disease. Many manufacturers, including Kraft, produce a wide array of products in shared facilities. For a product to be certified gluten-free by an organization like Celiac Canada, it must undergo specific testing to ensure gluten levels are below the 20 parts per million (ppm) standard and must meet strict manufacturing protocols. Kraft Only Peanuts does not carry this certification, which means the company cannot officially guarantee against cross-contamination from other products that do contain gluten.

The Cross-Contamination Conundrum

Cross-contamination is a significant concern in shared manufacturing facilities. It occurs when a gluten-free product comes into contact with gluten-containing ingredients, either through shared equipment, airborne particles, or ingredient handling. Kraft has stated that they will clearly label any ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye. However, their policy also clarifies that without specialized testing procedures, they cannot guarantee a product is 100% gluten-free, especially regarding trace amounts that might come from flavorings, colors, or spices. The simple ingredient list of Only Peanuts minimizes this risk, but does not eliminate it entirely for the most sensitive consumers.

Navigating Peanut Butter for Celiac Disease

For a person with celiac disease, relying on a product without a certified gluten-free label requires a personal risk assessment. For some, the simple ingredient list is enough, especially if they have a low sensitivity or do not experience immediate, severe reactions to trace amounts. For others, particularly those who are highly sensitive or newly diagnosed, a certified product is the only safe option. The growing availability of certified gluten-free brands offers a clear, verifiable alternative that removes any doubt about cross-contamination.


Feature	Kraft Only Peanuts (Not Certified GF)	Certified GF Peanut Butter (e.g., Nuts to You)
Ingredients	100% Select Roasted Peanuts	Peanuts, sometimes salt, specifically sourced
Gluten-Free Label	No	Yes, often with certification mark
Cross-Contamination Risk	Possible, due to shared facilities	Minimally to non-existent due to strict protocols
Consumer Confidence	Based on simple ingredients and brand trust	Guaranteed by a third-party certification program
Best for...	General consumers or those with low sensitivity	Individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity

Important Safety Tips for Gluten-Free Dieters

Here are some practical tips to ensure your peanut butter is safe:

Read the Label Every Time: Ingredients and processing can change. Always check for a certified gluten-free label and read the ingredient list to be sure.
Avoid Cross-Contamination at Home: Never double-dip utensils from a communal jar of peanut butter. This is especially important in a household with both gluten-free and gluten-eating individuals.
Contact the Manufacturer: If you have questions about a specific product's manufacturing process, reach out to the company directly for clarity on their policies and procedures.
Consider Certified Alternatives: When in doubt, opt for a brand that is specifically labeled and certified gluten-free. This removes any ambiguity and provides peace of mind.
Start with Whole Foods: As a general rule, prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods is the safest bet for a gluten-free diet, as they don't involve the complex supply chains of processed goods.

Conclusion

So, is Kraft only peanuts gluten-free? The simple ingredient list of 100% roasted peanuts means it contains no intentional gluten. However, without a certified gluten-free label, it cannot be guaranteed free of cross-contamination. For individuals with celiac disease, this distinction is critical. While some may feel comfortable with the simple ingredient list, the potential for trace gluten from shared equipment remains unverified. The safest choice for those with celiac disease is always a product with an official gluten-free certification, which ensures rigorous manufacturing standards are met to prevent cross-contact. For everyone else, Kraft Only Peanuts remains a simple, tasty spread. For more detailed information on living with celiac disease, consider consulting reputable sources like the Beyond Celiac Foundation.

Beyond Celiac provides guidance on safe manufacturing practices for gluten-free foods

Frequently Asked Questions

Natural peanut butter, which is just peanuts and sometimes salt, is inherently gluten-free. However, if it's processed in a facility with gluten-containing products, there is a risk of cross-contamination.

For most Kraft products, you must rely on the ingredient list. The company will clearly state if an ingredient contains wheat, barley, or rye. For an official gluten-free guarantee, look for a specific 'gluten-free' claim on the packaging.

The risk is based on whether the product is manufactured on shared equipment with other gluten-containing foods. While the pure ingredient list minimizes risk, the absence of a certified gluten-free label means cross-contamination is a possibility for sensitive individuals.

Yes, many brands offer certified gluten-free peanut butter. These products have undergone rigorous testing and adhere to strict manufacturing protocols to ensure they meet the 20ppm standard for gluten.

This depends on the individual's level of sensitivity. While the product is free of gluten ingredients, the unverified risk of cross-contamination is a factor. Highly sensitive individuals and those with celiac disease should opt for a certified gluten-free alternative to be safe.

Yes, Kraft has some products that are specifically labeled and certified gluten-free, such as certain mac and cheese dinners. This indicates they have followed strict procedures for validation.

Certification requires specialized procedures, testing, and dedicated facilities or equipment, which can increase production costs. For mainstream products, companies often choose not to incur these costs unless there is a strong market demand.