Is Strawberry Blue Bunny Ice Cream Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Blue Bunny's official FAQ, the company does not validate or certify any of its products as "gluten-free" and therefore does not label them as such. This is a crucial distinction for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity wondering if strawberry Blue Bunny ice cream is gluten-free.

Quick Summary

Blue Bunny does not certify any products as gluten-free, including its strawberry ice cream, and does not label them as such. Consumers should check ingredient lists for gluten-containing components and be aware of cross-contamination risks during manufacturing.

Key Points

No Gluten-Free Certification: Blue Bunny explicitly states that it does not certify any of its products as gluten-free, including its strawberry ice cream.
Strawberry Can Contain Gluten: Specific varieties like the Double Strawberry flavor have been listed as not gluten-free, and products like the Strawberry Shortcake bars contain wheat.
Hidden Ingredients: Even seemingly simple ice cream flavors can contain hidden sources of gluten in thickeners, stabilizers, or flavorings.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Since Blue Bunny produces many flavors with gluten-containing mix-ins, there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing.
Label Reading is Essential: Consumers must read all ingredient labels carefully, as the manufacturer's policy puts the burden of due diligence on the consumer.
Seek Certified Alternatives: The safest option for a gluten-free diet is to choose ice cream brands that are officially certified gluten-free.

Blue Bunny's Official Stance on Gluten-Free Status

For those with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, understanding a manufacturer's policy is the first and most important step. Blue Bunny, and its parent company Wells Enterprises, explicitly state that they do not presently validate or certify any products as "gluten-free". This means that even if a product, such as a basic strawberry ice cream, does not contain obvious gluten-containing ingredients, it is not officially guaranteed to be free of gluten. The company's commitment is to use high-quality ingredients and accurately reflect them on the product label, which means consumers must scrutinize the ingredient list themselves to determine suitability.

Why a Simple Flavor Might Not Be Safe

While a classic strawberry ice cream seems like a safe bet for a gluten-free diet, hidden sources of gluten can be present. These can be introduced in several ways during the manufacturing process, making a brand's certification policy critical for sensitive individuals. Ingredients like thickeners, stabilizers, and natural or artificial flavorings can sometimes contain gluten or its derivatives. The manufacturing environment itself poses a significant risk of cross-contamination. If a facility processes other items with gluten, such as cookie dough or brownie mix-ins, airborne particles or shared equipment could contaminate otherwise gluten-free products. This is a primary reason why brands that do not certify their products are not considered safe for celiacs, regardless of the ingredient list.

Ingredient Analysis and Specific Strawberry Products

Looking at the label is paramount, but even then, caution is warranted. For example, Instacart's product page for 'Blue Bunny Double Strawberry Ice Cream' clearly states that it is not gluten-free. Furthermore, another popular Blue Bunny strawberry product, the 'Strawberry Shortcake Load'd Ice Cream Bar,' is explicitly identified as not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat and other gluten-containing ingredients. This highlights the need to check each product individually, as flavor variations can introduce different risks. Even if a standard carton of strawberry ice cream appears free of gluten, a different version like a shortcake bar or sundae cone would likely contain it.

Potential Hidden Gluten Sources in Ice Cream

For those navigating a gluten-free diet, it is essential to be vigilant about potential hidden sources of gluten. Here are some common culprits in ice cream products:

Thickeners and stabilizers: Additives like modified food starch can be derived from wheat.
Flavorings: Malt flavoring is a common ingredient that contains gluten. Natural and artificial flavorings can also be a hidden source.
Inclusions: Any ice cream with mix-ins like cookie dough, brownie pieces, wafers, or graham crackers will contain gluten.
Colorings: In some cases, colorings or syrups used in ice cream may contain gluten as a carrier agent.
Cross-Contamination: Even if a product's recipe is gluten-free, it can be contaminated in a facility that also processes gluten-containing foods.

Blue Bunny vs. Certified Gluten-Free Brands


Feature	Blue Bunny Ice Cream	Certified Gluten-Free Brands	Why It Matters for Celiacs
Certification	No certification provided.	Independent certification (e.g., GFCO).	Assures products meet strict safety standards (<20ppm gluten).
Labeling	Ingredients list is primary source of information.	Clearly labeled with a GF symbol.	Provides easy identification and peace of mind.
Cross-Contamination	Risk is possible due to shared equipment.	Production lines are dedicated or thoroughly cleaned.	Minimizes the risk of trace gluten exposure.
Flavor Variety	Wide range of flavors, some with gluten.	Flavors guaranteed to be GF, including some mix-ins.	Eliminates guesswork and the need for ingredient list scrutiny.
Consumer Responsibility	Full responsibility to check labels and assess risk.	Can rely on the certification for safety assurance.	Reduces the risk of accidental gluten consumption.

Conclusion: Read Labels and Exercise Caution

Ultimately, the answer to the question "is strawberry blue bunny ice cream gluten-free?" is a definitive no, as the company does not certify its products and specific strawberry varieties are known to contain gluten. While a simple strawberry flavor might not have obvious gluten ingredients, the lack of certification and the risk of cross-contamination make it an unsafe choice for those with celiac disease or a high sensitivity. For safe consumption, individuals on a gluten-free diet should always prioritize brands with a recognized gluten-free certification. Always read the ingredient label and understand a company's manufacturing practices before assuming a product is safe based on its flavor alone. For more information on Blue Bunny's allergen policy, visit their official FAQ page: https://www.bluebunny.com/faq.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even a plain flavor like strawberry is not certified gluten-free by Blue Bunny. This is because the product is made in a facility that also processes items with gluten, introducing a risk of cross-contamination.

You must carefully read the ingredient list on the product packaging. The manufacturer reflects all required nutritional information on the label, and any potential allergens, including wheat (which contains gluten), should be listed.

Yes, Instacart's product page for Blue Bunny Double Strawberry Ice Cream lists it as not gluten-free. Similarly, the Strawberry Shortcake Load'd Bars contain wheat.

Since Blue Bunny makes a wide variety of ice cream, including flavors with gluten-containing mix-ins like cookies and brownies, there is a possibility of cross-contamination from shared equipment in the manufacturing facility.

Look for ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, malt, and modified food starch, especially if it's derived from wheat. Any flavor with mix-ins like cookies or cake pieces will also contain gluten.

Yes, many brands offer certified gluten-free options. It is best to look for a product with a clear 'Certified Gluten-Free' symbol from a recognized organization.

No, it is not recommended. The manufacturer's current policy is the most reliable source, which clearly states they do not certify products as gluten-free. Product formulas also change over time.