Understanding the Solely Brand and Gluten Status
Solely is a food company focused on producing clean-label, plant-based products, including fruit jerkies, gummies, and pastas. The brand emphasizes using minimal, whole organic ingredients and avoiding added sugars and preservatives. For consumers with dietary restrictions, particularly those avoiding gluten, the brand's position on gluten can seem a bit complex. The key is understanding that 'solely' refers to the limited ingredients within a product, not a blanket gluten-free guarantee for the entire product line.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Products
Not all Solely products are treated equally regarding gluten. This is a critical point for anyone with a serious gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. The company's FAQ page makes a clear distinction, stating that specific pasta products, like their spaghetti squash and green banana fusilli, are indeed certified gluten-free. However, this certification does not apply to all other products. For items that are not certified, the company relies on strict cleaning protocols to prevent cross-contamination, but they also disclose that other allergens are handled in the same factory.
What this means for consumers:
- Certified Products: Items like the spaghetti squash pasta can be considered safe for those with celiac disease, as they meet the legal definition for 'gluten-free' (less than 20 parts per million of gluten) and are officially certified.
- Non-Certified Products: The fruit snacks, fruit jerky, and other items are not guaranteed to be free of cross-contact. The manufacturer's disclosure about shared equipment with other allergens (like tree nuts and soy) raises a red flag for individuals with severe gluten issues.
The Risk of Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is a significant concern for those who cannot tolerate even trace amounts of gluten. When a manufacturer uses shared facilities and equipment for both gluten-containing and gluten-free products, there is always a risk, regardless of cleaning procedures. For Solely's non-certified products, the risk is acknowledged by the company itself through its allergy disclosure. While strict protocols are followed, they do not eliminate the risk entirely, which is why official certification exists.
Factors that can affect cross-contamination:
- Shared Equipment: The use of shared manufacturing lines for different product types increases the possibility of contamination.
- Airborne Particles: In a factory setting, gluten dust from one product can potentially transfer to another through the air.
- Human Error: Despite training, there is always a minimal risk of human error during the cleaning or production process.
A Comparison of Solely Products
| Feature | Certified Gluten-Free Products (e.g., Spaghetti Squash Pasta) | Non-Certified Products (e.g., Fruit Jerky) |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Certified gluten-free. | Not certified gluten-free. |
| Cross-Contamination | Minimal risk for gluten due to certification. | Potential risk of gluten cross-contact due to shared facility. |
| Allergen Disclosures | Still subject to shared facility warnings for other allergens like nuts and soy. | Same shared facility warnings apply, in addition to potential gluten risk. |
| Safety for Celiac | Generally considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. | Not recommended for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance due to cross-contamination risk. |
| Ingredients | Single-ingredient, whole-food based. | Simple, whole-food based ingredients. |
Making the Right Choice for Your Diet
For those who must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet, the most reliable approach is to always check the product packaging for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a recognized third-party organization. Relying solely on a brand's general 'clean-label' marketing can be misleading and put your health at risk. The safest path is to choose the specific Solely products that carry the official gluten-free certification and to read all allergen statements carefully. For other items, especially if you have a severe allergy, it may be best to avoid them and seek products from dedicated gluten-free facilities.
Conclusion
To answer the question, is Solely gluten-free? No, the brand is not solely gluten-free. Instead, it is a brand with a mixed gluten status. While some specific products, like certain pastas, are certified gluten-free and can be a safe choice, others are not and carry a risk of cross-contamination due to shared equipment in the manufacturing facility. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, always prioritize products with a clear third-party certification and be cautious with non-certified items, even if they are based on naturally gluten-free ingredients.
