Is Quaker Cinnamon Spice Gluten-Free?

November 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, pure oats are naturally gluten-free, but Quaker's standard cinnamon spice instant oatmeal is not considered safe due to potential cross-contamination. Understanding the difference between naturally gluten-free grains and the manufacturing process is crucial for those managing a gluten-free diet, especially when it comes to products like Quaker cinnamon spice.

Quick Summary

This guide explains why standard Quaker cinnamon spice instant oatmeal is not gluten-free, focusing on the high risk of cross-contamination during farming and processing. It details the importance of checking for certified gluten-free labeling on products and lists alternative safe options for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

Standard Quaker Oatmeal: Regular Quaker cinnamon spice instant oatmeal is NOT gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination with wheat, barley, and rye during production.
Quaker's Gluten-Free Line: Quaker does produce a separate line of certified gluten-free oats, but the Cinnamon Spice flavor is not included in this line.
Check Labels for Certification: The most reliable way to ensure an oat product is safe is to look for a certified gluten-free label from an organization like GFCO.
Cross-Contamination Risks: Oats are highly susceptible to cross-contamination in the fields, during transport, and at processing facilities unless specifically handled under purity protocols.
Alternative Options: Several other brands, such as Bob's Red Mill and Glutenfreeda, offer certified gluten-free cinnamon oatmeal flavors.
Avenin Sensitivity: Some people with celiac disease are also sensitive to avenin, a protein in oats. It's best to consult a doctor before adding even certified gluten-free oats to your diet.

Quaker Cinnamon Spice and the Gluten Risk

Quaker's standard cinnamon spice instant oatmeal is made from oats that, while naturally gluten-free in their purest form, are highly susceptible to cross-contamination. Oats are often grown, transported, and milled in close proximity to gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, consuming products with this level of cross-contamination can be very harmful.

The Problem with Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a significant concern for the gluten-free community. It occurs at multiple stages before the product even reaches the consumer:

Field Rotation: Farmers often rotate crops, meaning oats may be grown in fields where wheat or barley were previously cultivated. Residual grain from the previous harvest can be present in the soil and mix with the new oat crop.
Transportation and Storage: Oats are often transported in the same vehicles and stored in the same facilities as gluten-containing grains, leading to accidental mixing.
Milling and Processing: Many oat products, including Quaker's standard line, are processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. Even with sanitation efforts, stray particles of gluten can end up in the final product.

How to Identify Certified Gluten-Free Products

For consumers seeking a truly gluten-free product, relying solely on the ingredient list is not enough. The key is to look for specific labeling. In the US, a product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten to be labeled "gluten-free".

Certified vs. Labeled:

Certified Gluten-Free: This label is provided by third-party organizations, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). It signifies that the product has undergone strict testing and meets rigorous standards for gluten content, often stricter than the FDA's requirement.
Gluten-Free Label: This label, while regulated by the FDA, does not always guarantee the same level of assurance as a third-party certification. While a product with this label must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, the testing procedures can vary by manufacturer.

Quaker's Dedicated Gluten-Free Line

Recognizing the need for a safe option, Quaker offers a dedicated line of gluten-free products. These oats are grown and processed under a "purity protocol," which ensures they remain separate from gluten-containing grains at every stage.

Quaker's Gluten-Free Options:

Quaker® Gluten Free Quick 1-Minute Oats
Quaker® Gluten Free Instant Oats (Original and Maple & Brown Sugar flavors)

It is crucial to read the front of the package carefully to ensure you are purchasing a specially marked gluten-free package.

Comparison of Quaker Oatmeal Products


Feature	Standard Quaker Oatmeal	Quaker Gluten-Free Oatmeal
Cinnamon Spice Availability	Yes	Not available in Cinnamon Spice flavor
Oat Source	Standard oats; high risk of cross-contamination	Purity protocol oats; low risk
Processing	Processed in facilities with gluten-containing grains	Processed in a dedicated, gluten-free environment
Labeling	Not marked gluten-free; contains potential for gluten	Clearly marked "Gluten Free" with dedicated label
Safe for Celiacs?	No, not safe	Yes, generally safe (consult doctor about avenin)

Alternative Certified Gluten-Free Oatmeal Brands

For those who enjoy cinnamon spice flavor but require a certified gluten-free product, several brands offer safe alternatives:

Bob's Red Mill: Offers a variety of certified gluten-free oatmeal products, including instant options.
Glutenfreeda: Specializes in gluten-free products and provides instant oatmeal packets.
One Degree Organic Foods: Known for its commitment to transparent, gluten-free sourcing.

Conclusion: Read Labels, Stay Safe

For anyone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the answer to "Is Quaker cinnamon spice gluten-free?" is a definitive no for the standard product. The risk of cross-contamination is too high to ensure safety. The good news is that Quaker provides a separate line of certified gluten-free oats, although the cinnamon spice flavor is not among them. When buying any oat product, remember to always look for the official "gluten-free" or third-party certified logo on the packaging to ensure it meets the necessary standards for your dietary needs. For Celiacs, consulting with a healthcare provider is always recommended before adding any new oats to your diet, due to potential avenin sensitivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Quaker offers a specific line of certified gluten-free products, including Quaker Gluten Free Quick 1-Minute Oats and Gluten Free Instant Oats in Original and Maple & Brown Sugar flavors. These packages are clearly marked with a "gluten-free" label.

Regular Quaker oatmeal is not considered gluten-free because the oats are grown and processed in facilities that also handle wheat, barley, and rye. This creates a high risk of cross-contamination with gluten.

No, people with celiac disease should not eat the standard Quaker cinnamon spice oatmeal due to the significant risk of cross-contamination with gluten, which can cause an adverse autoimmune reaction.

Oats are naturally gluten-free in their purest state. However, 'certified gluten-free' means the oats have been strictly controlled during farming, transport, and milling to prevent cross-contact with gluten-containing grains, and tested to meet specific safety standards.

You must look for the words 'gluten-free' on the front of the Quaker packaging. Specifically, look for products from their Quaker Select Starts or Gluten-Free Instant Oats lines.

Yes, several brands offer certified gluten-free oatmeal, including Bob's Red Mill, which provides a variety of flavors and products suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Yes, a small number of people with celiac disease may experience a reaction to avenin, a protein found in oats, even if the oats are certified gluten-free. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider when introducing oats into a celiac's diet.