Is the Green Machine Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know

The current formulation of Naked Juice Green Machine is now labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer. This is a crucial distinction, as older versions once contained ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains like wheatgrass and barley grass. This article clarifies the current status and helps you understand why there has been past confusion about its gluten content, ensuring you can make an informed and safe choice.

Quick Summary

Naked Juice Green Machine's current formula is labeled gluten-free, but older versions contained ingredients like wheatgrass and barley grass, which were not suitable for a gluten-free diet and caused past confusion. Always check the label.

Key Points

• Current Product is Gluten-Free: The latest versions of Naked Juice Green Machine are explicitly labeled and verified as gluten-free by the manufacturer.

• Historical Formula Contained Gluten: Older versions of the smoothie included wheatgrass and barley grass, which contained or risked cross-contamination with gluten.

• Check the Label: Always verify the 'Gluten Free' label on the packaging, especially given the product's history of formulation changes.

• Ingredient List is the Proof: Look for the absence of wheatgrass and barley grass in the ingredients list to confirm you have the new, safe recipe.

• Other Naked Juices are Generally Safe: While most other Naked Juice products are naturally gluten-free, the Green Machine was the historically problematic flavor, but vigilance on all labels is always recommended.

Is the Current Naked Green Machine Gluten-Free?

For many years, the answer to this question was a firm 'no' for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity. However, product formulations change over time, and Naked Juice is no exception. The good news is that the company has updated its recipe, and the latest version of Green Machine is now labeled 'gluten free' on the packaging. For the most up-to-date products found in stores like Walmart, you will see a clear 'gluten free' mark. This signals that the product, as manufactured today, meets the FDA's stringent requirements for a gluten-free claim, which specifies the food must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

The Ingredient Shift: From Gluten Risk to Gluten-Free

The reason for the historical confusion lies in a significant ingredient change. The old formula of Naked Green Machine famously included 'wheatgrass' and 'barley grass'. While the grass of these plants does not contain gluten, it is notoriously prone to cross-contamination from the grain seeds during harvesting, making it unsafe for celiac patients unless sourced and certified as gluten-free. This risk is why many celiac forums and health guides warned against consuming the product.

The new, gluten-free recipe has removed these high-risk ingredients entirely. Modern versions now list a combination of naturally gluten-free fruits, vegetables, and boosts. A typical ingredient list for the current formula includes:

• Apple Juice from Concentrate
• Mango Puree
• Kiwi Puree
• Banana Puree
• Inulin (a dietary fiber)
• Spirulina
• Alfalfa Powder
• Broccoli Powder
• Spinach Powder
• Ginger Root Powder
• Parsley Powder
• Kale Powder
• Garlic Extract
• Natural Flavor

This shift allows Naked Juice to confidently label their product as gluten-free, removing the ambiguity and risk associated with the previous wheatgrass and barley grass content.

Why Past Versions Caused Confusion

The ingredient list for older versions, especially in international markets or those with older stock, contained ingredients like barley grass and wheatgrass that were not reliably gluten-free for those with celiac disease. Many people living with a gluten-free diet learned to avoid the Green Machine specifically, even though other Naked Juice flavors were considered safe. The potential for cross-contamination during harvesting and processing meant the risk was simply too high for many. For years, this led to a prevailing assumption that the Green Machine was off-limits, a reputation that has been slow to change despite the updated recipe. Even a brand's own website in Canada once listed a version with a 'CONTAINS WHEAT AND BARLEY' warning, further cementing the product's gluten status in the minds of consumers.

How to Verify the Gluten-Free Status for Your Safety

For those with dietary restrictions, checking the label is always the most crucial step, especially when navigating product changes. Here’s a checklist to ensure you are selecting a safe, gluten-free Green Machine:

1. Look for the 'Gluten Free' Label: The most direct confirmation is the explicit gluten-free statement on the package. The FDA requires this claim to be verifiable and accurate.
2. Read the Ingredient List: Always take a moment to scan the ingredient list. The current formulation will not list wheatgrass or barley grass, which were the problem ingredients in the past.
3. Check for Third-Party Certification: Some products may carry a third-party certification logo, such as the GFCO mark, which indicates even more rigorous testing and verification protocols.
4. Confirm the Best-by Date: Check the date to ensure you are not buying old stock that may be sitting on a less-trafficked shelf. Older packaging might reflect the previous, non-gluten-free formula.
5. Use Allergen Information: Look for any 'Contains' statements. The old Canadian version had a 'Contains Wheat and Barley' statement, while the new US product does not have any gluten-related allergen warnings.

Gluten-Free Status of Other Naked Juice Products

While this article focuses on the Green Machine, it's worth noting the status of other Naked Juice products. Historically, Green Machine was the primary exception to the brand's generally gluten-free line-up. Most other Naked Juice smoothies and juices are inherently gluten-free, made from fruits and vegetables without any added gluten-containing ingredients. However, the golden rule remains: always check the individual label for the specific product you are purchasing. Product lines and recipes can change, and even naturally gluten-free ingredients could face cross-contamination risk if not handled properly. For the most cautious approach, look for the 'Gluten Free' label on any Naked Juice product you consider, or consult a resource like the Celiac Disease Foundation's guide to label reading.

Comparison of Green Machine Formulations

Feature	Old Formula	New Formula
Gluten-Free Label?	No	Yes
Primary Gluten Source	Wheatgrass & Barley Grass	None
Key Greens	Wheatgrass, Barley Grass, Spirulina, Alfalfa, Broccoli, Spinach, Kale	Spirulina, Alfalfa, Broccoli, Spinach, Kale
Allergen Warnings (e.g., Canada)	'Contains Wheat and Barley'	None regarding gluten
Celiac Safety	Risky due to potential contamination	Safe, meets FDA standards

Conclusion

For those on a gluten-free diet, the shift in Naked Juice Green Machine's formula is a positive development. What was once an off-limits smoothie has been reformulated to be safely consumable for most individuals with gluten sensitivities. The key takeaway, however, is to never rely on brand history alone. Always perform due diligence by carefully reading the product label, looking for the 'Gluten Free' mark, and reviewing the ingredients list to confirm the product's current status. This practice is the best way to protect yourself and ensure your dietary needs are met, especially with a product that has undergone such a significant recipe change.

Visit the Celiac Disease Foundation for guidance on reading labels safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Naked Green Machine gluten-free?

Yes, the current formulation of Naked Juice Green Machine is explicitly labeled gluten-free by the manufacturer and meets FDA standards.

Why was the Green Machine not gluten-free in the past?

Older versions of the product contained wheatgrass and barley grass, which carried a risk of gluten contamination from the grain seeds during harvesting and processing.

What ingredients were changed in the new Green Machine recipe?

The new, gluten-free formula omits ingredients like wheatgrass and barley grass, instead relying on naturally gluten-free fruits and vegetables like spinach, kale, and spirulina.

How can I be sure the Green Machine I'm buying is gluten-free?

Always check the product label for a 'Gluten Free' certification or statement and review the ingredient list to ensure it does not contain any gluten-containing items.

Is there a risk of cross-contamination in the manufacturing process?

For a product labeled 'Gluten Free,' manufacturers must adhere to FDA guidelines ensuring the final product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten, which effectively mitigates cross-contamination risk for most consumers.

Are all Naked Juice products gluten-free?

While many Naked Juice products are gluten-free, you should always check the label on each specific bottle, as formulations can change and Green Machine was historically an exception.

Is wheatgrass always a gluten risk?

While the grass itself is gluten-free, the risk of contamination from grain seeds is high. For those with celiac disease, certified gluten-free wheatgrass is the only safe option, which is why the removal of this ingredient is significant.