Stonyfield's Commitment to Gluten-Free
Stonyfield has been producing organic dairy products for over 35 years and has made a clear commitment to catering to gluten-free dietary needs. The company's official stance is that all of their yogurts are gluten-free, a claim that is verified by third-party certification. For many years, concerns lingered due to the use of grain alcohol in some flavor extractions, but this issue has long since been resolved and addressed. Today, Stonyfield maintains rigorous quality control measures and ingredient sourcing protocols to prevent any gluten from entering their products.
What "Certified Gluten-Free" Means for Yogurt
When a product is labeled "Certified Gluten-Free," it means it has undergone a strict verification process to ensure it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This standard is widely accepted as safe for those with celiac disease. In the case of Stonyfield probiotic yogurt, this certification applies to the final product and all its ingredients, including any flavorings or thickeners. For consumers, this certification is the highest level of assurance, going beyond a simple gluten-free claim on the label.
The Yogurt Making Process and Gluten
Naturally, plain yogurt is gluten-free, as its core ingredients are just milk and live bacterial cultures. The risk of gluten exposure typically arises from added ingredients or cross-contamination during manufacturing. Stonyfield addresses this by:
- Sourcing Certified Ingredients: All ingredients, such as organic milk, fruit purees, and natural flavors, are vetted to ensure they are gluten-free.
- Managing Production Facilities: The facilities where the yogurt is made must adhere to strict protocols to prevent any cross-contamination with gluten-containing items.
- Ingredient Purity: Unlike some brands that might use modified food starch or malt-based sweeteners, Stonyfield's recipes avoid these potential gluten sources.
Ingredient Comparison: Stonyfield vs. Others
To highlight Stonyfield's reliability, consider a comparison of ingredient risks in different types of yogurt. This table illustrates where potential gluten sources can appear.
| Yogurt Type | Key Ingredients | Potential Gluten Risk | Stonyfield's Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stonyfield Organic Probiotic (Plain) | Cultured organic whole milk, pectin, live active cultures | Very Low | Certified gluten-free ingredients and manufacturing |
| Stonyfield Organic Probiotic (Flavored) | Cultured organic milk, fruit puree, cane sugar, pectin, live cultures | Very Low | Certified gluten-free ingredients, including flavorings |
| Generic Brand Yogurt with Cereal Toppings | Yogurt, oats, wheat-based cereals, flavored bits | High | Does not include or market products with gluten-containing mix-ins |
| Generic Brand 'Greek-Style' Yogurt | Yogurt, possibly thickeners (e.g., wheat-based modified food starch) | Medium | Avoids risky thickeners and uses certified ingredients |
Important Considerations for a Gluten-Free Diet
While Stonyfield probiotic yogurt is a safe choice, it is still crucial to remain vigilant when following a gluten-free diet, especially for those with celiac disease. Here are some key points to remember:
- Checking Labels: Always confirm the "Certified Gluten-Free" label, especially on new flavors or products. Although Stonyfield's products carry this mark, reading the label is a fundamental habit for gluten-free consumers.
- Toppings and Add-Ins: Be cautious with toppings. If you add your own granola or fruit mix-ins, ensure they are also certified gluten-free. Some granola contains wheat or is at risk of cross-contamination.
- Storage and Cross-Contamination: When serving from a large tub in a mixed-diet household, use clean utensils to prevent cross-contamination from bread or other gluten-containing foods.
- Varieties and Product Lines: Stonyfield offers a variety of products, including pouches and drinks. Always check the label for the "Certified Gluten-Free" designation, though the company's policy covers all yogurts.
Conclusion: A Reliable Option for Gluten-Free Lifestyles
In summary, Stonyfield probiotic yogurt is a trustworthy option for anyone adhering to a gluten-free diet. The company's commitment to using certified gluten-free ingredients and maintaining strict production standards ensures their products are safe for individuals with celiac disease and gluten sensitivities. By providing a clearly labeled and reliably certified product, Stonyfield removes the guesswork, allowing consumers to enjoy their delicious and nutritious yogurts with peace of mind. As always, practicing caution with any added ingredients and preventing cross-contamination in the kitchen are the best ways to maintain a strictly gluten-free lifestyle.
One More Thing: Outbound Link
For additional verification and detailed information on the certification process, you can visit the official website for the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stonyfield yogurt certified by the GFCO?
Yes, many Stonyfield products, including their probiotic yogurts, are certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Are all flavors of Stonyfield probiotic yogurt gluten-free?
Yes, according to the company's policy and labeling, all varieties and flavors of Stonyfield probiotic yogurt are certified gluten-free.
Can people with celiac disease eat Stonyfield probiotic yogurt?
Yes, Stonyfield probiotic yogurt is safe for people with celiac disease due to its Certified Gluten-Free status, meaning it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.
What about cross-contamination? Is Stonyfield's manufacturing safe?
Stonyfield employs strict manufacturing protocols and relies on third-party certification to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring their final products meet stringent gluten-free standards.
How can I be sure the Stonyfield yogurt I buy is gluten-free?
Always look for the "Certified Gluten-Free" label on the packaging, which provides third-party verification of the product's gluten-free status.
What ingredients does Stonyfield use that are naturally gluten-free?
Stonyfield uses naturally gluten-free ingredients such as organic milk, live active cultures, fruit purees, and organic cane sugar.
Does Stonyfield use any wheat-based thickeners in its yogurt?
No, Stonyfield avoids using thickeners or other additives that may contain gluten, relying instead on ingredients like pectin and its careful recipe formulation.
Do the probiotics in Stonyfield yogurt contain gluten?
No, the live and active cultures (probiotics) used in Stonyfield yogurt are naturally gluten-free and do not pose a risk.
Is Stonyfield plain yogurt safer than flavored varieties for a gluten-free diet?
Both plain and flavored Stonyfield probiotic yogurts are certified gluten-free, so both are safe choices for a gluten-free diet.
Is it safe to add gluten-containing ingredients to Stonyfield yogurt?
Adding gluten-containing ingredients, like non-certified granola, will make the final dish non-gluten-free. Always use certified gluten-free toppings to maintain its safety.
