Is Quaker Apple and Cinnamon Gluten-Free?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, oats are naturally gluten-free, yet the answer to whether Quaker Apple and Cinnamon is gluten-free is more complex due to processing and packaging methods. This guide explores why standard Quaker oats carry a risk of cross-contamination and how to identify their specific gluten-free products.

Quick Summary

The standard Quaker Apple and Cinnamon instant oatmeal is not gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains during farming and processing. Quaker does offer a specific line of certified gluten-free oat products, but consumers must check for clear labeling to avoid risk.

Key Points

Standard Quaker Apple & Cinnamon is NOT Gluten-Free: It poses a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten from shared equipment and processing.
Oats are Naturally Gluten-Free: The contamination risk arises from how and where the oats are grown and processed, not from the oat grain itself.
Check for the 'Gluten Free' Label: Quaker's explicitly labeled 'Gluten Free' products are processed to minimize contamination and are tested to meet FDA standards (<20 ppm).
Quaker's GF Line Lacks Apple & Cinnamon: The Instant Apple and Cinnamon flavor is not offered within Quaker's certified gluten-free product range.
Create Your Own Safe Alternative: Use certified gluten-free, plain oats and add your own fresh or dried apples and cinnamon for a truly safe version.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: A small number of individuals with celiac disease may be sensitive to avenin, the protein in oats, even if they are pure and uncontaminated.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Status of Quaker Apple and Cinnamon

For those managing a gluten-free diet, determining the gluten status of foods like Quaker Apple and Cinnamon oatmeal is essential. This involves understanding the nature of oats and Quaker's processing methods.

The Inherent Nature of Oats

Oats are naturally gluten-free. While most individuals with celiac disease can tolerate the oat protein avenin, a small percentage may be sensitive. It's recommended to consult a healthcare professional before adding oats to a celiac diet. The primary concern with oats and gluten stems from potential cross-contamination with other grains.

The Problem of Cross-Contamination

Standard Quaker oats face a high risk of cross-contamination because they are not grown or processed in dedicated gluten-free environments. Contamination can occur during farming, storage, transportation, and milling, where contact with wheat, barley, or rye is possible. Consequently, standard Quaker Instant Oatmeal, including the Apple and Cinnamon flavor, is not suitable for a strict gluten-free diet. Independent testing has sometimes revealed gluten levels in standard Quaker products exceeding the FDA's 20 ppm gluten-free standard.

Quaker's Dedicated Gluten-Free Line

Quaker offers a line of certified gluten-free products for consumers needing a safe option. These products are clearly labeled and undergo specific processing steps to ensure purity. These steps include optical sorting to remove errant grains, using dedicated milling and cutting equipment, and regular testing to meet the FDA's less than 20 ppm gluten standard.

Note: While Quaker's gluten-free instant oatmeal line includes flavors like Maple & Brown Sugar, the Apple and Cinnamon flavor is typically not part of this specific gluten-free instant range. Consumers must always check for the prominent "gluten-free" label on the front of the box. Quaker's gluten-free options generally include Quick 1-Minute Oats, Old Fashioned Oats, and Instant Oatmeal in Original or Maple & Brown Sugar.

Gluten-Free Alternatives to Quaker Apple and Cinnamon

To enjoy the apple and cinnamon flavor safely on a gluten-free diet, several alternatives exist:

Certified Pure Oats: Use certified gluten-free oats from brands employing strict "purity protocol" methods, such as Bob's Red Mill or GF Harvest.
DIY Approach: Combine plain, certified gluten-free oats with your own dried or fresh apples and cinnamon for complete control over ingredients.
Explore Certified GF Brands: Look for apple and cinnamon flavored options from brands specializing in certified gluten-free products, often indicated by third-party logos like the GFCO certification.

Comparison Table: Quaker Oats (Standard vs. Gluten-Free)


Feature	Standard Quaker Oats	Quaker Select Starts (Gluten-Free Line)
Processing	Milled in shared facilities, high risk of cross-contamination	Milled and packaged using dedicated equipment and processes
Field Contamination	High risk due to crop rotation with gluten-containing grains	Minimized or eliminated through specific sourcing or sorting
Labeling	Not marked "gluten-free"	Clearly marked with a prominent "Gluten Free" logo on the box
FDA Compliance	Not compliant for gluten-free claim	Tested to meet the FDA standard of <20 ppm gluten
Flavor Availability	Many flavors, including Apple and Cinnamon	Limited flavors, often Original and Maple & Brown Sugar, but not Instant Apple and Cinnamon
Consumer Safety	Unsafe for celiac or sensitive individuals	Safe for most individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity

Conclusion: Read the Label and Choose Carefully

Standard Quaker Apple and Cinnamon instant oatmeal is not suitable for those requiring a gluten-free diet due to the risk of cross-contamination. While Quaker offers certified gluten-free oats, the Instant Apple and Cinnamon flavor is not available in this specific line. Consumers must always check product labels for a clear "gluten-free" designation. Making your own apple and cinnamon oatmeal with certified pure, plain oats provides a safe and customizable option. Understanding food labeling is a key part of maintaining a safe gluten-free lifestyle.

For more detailed information on living with celiac disease, including dietary guidelines and cross-contamination prevention, you can visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard Quaker Instant Apple and Cinnamon oatmeal is not safe for people with celiac disease. It is at a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye during its production process.

No, Quaker does not typically offer an Instant Apple and Cinnamon flavor within its specially designated and clearly labeled gluten-free line of instant oatmeals. The gluten-free line is available in flavors like Original and Maple & Brown Sugar.

To be sure a Quaker product is gluten-free, you must look for the distinct 'Gluten Free' label printed prominently on the packaging. All of Quaker's gluten-free products are clearly marked to help consumers identify safe options.

Cross-contamination is when a gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing grains. For standard Quaker oats, this can happen in the fields where they are grown alongside wheat, barley, or rye, as well as during transportation and milling in shared facilities.

Yes, a safe alternative is to use certified gluten-free oats (such as those from brands like Bob's Red Mill or GF Harvest) and add your own fresh or dried apples and cinnamon to a basic oatmeal base. This ensures full control over the ingredients.

Yes, oats are naturally a gluten-free grain. However, the risk for individuals with celiac disease comes from the high likelihood of cross-contact with other gluten-containing grains during farming and processing.

A small number of individuals with celiac disease may be sensitive to a protein in oats called avenin, which is similar to gluten. While the vast majority can tolerate pure oats, it is still recommended to introduce them gradually into the diet under a doctor's guidance.