Nutrition Diet Guide: Are Del Monte Canned Peaches Gluten-Free?

October 30, 2025 •

4 min read

For those on a gluten-free diet, a key concern is verifying processed foods, and the good news is that Del Monte Foods confirms most of its canned fruits are gluten-free. This directly addresses the question: are Del Monte canned peaches gluten-free?, and offers reassurance for consumers navigating ingredient lists.

Quick Summary

Most varieties of Del Monte canned peaches are gluten-free, confirmed by the company and product labeling. It is essential to check for added ingredients and potential cross-contamination, as is standard practice for a gluten-free diet.

Key Points

Officially Gluten-Free: Del Monte confirms that most of its canned and jarred fruit products, including peaches, are gluten-free.
Check Product Labels: While generally safe, always check the specific product label for a "Gluten Free" claim, as ingredients can vary.
Modified Food Starch is Safe: Any modified food starch used by Del Monte is derived from corn, not wheat, and is gluten-free.
Read the Fine Print: If a product contains wheat, FDA regulations require it to be clearly listed in the allergen statement or ingredient list.
Choose Simple Varieties: To minimize any risk, opt for canned peaches packed in water or their own juice rather than heavy syrups or flavored options.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: Del Monte has policies in place to avoid cross-contamination in their facilities, but it is always a consideration with processed goods.

The Straight Answer: Are Del Monte Canned Peaches Gluten-Free?

Yes, the vast majority of Del Monte canned peaches are gluten-free. According to the company's official FAQ page, all Del Monte canned and jarred fruits are considered gluten-free. Many specific product listings, such as their Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in Extra Light Syrup, explicitly feature a "Gluten Free" label. This makes them a safe and convenient option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Why Canned Fruit Needs a Closer Look on a Gluten-Free Diet

While fresh, whole fruit is inherently gluten-free, processed fruits like canned peaches require more scrutiny. The potential for gluten lies not in the fruit itself, but in the added ingredients, which can sometimes act as flavorings or thickeners.

Potential areas of concern include:

Syrups and Sauces: Syrups added for flavor or preservation can sometimes contain gluten-based thickeners, though this is not the case with Del Monte's standard canned fruits.
Cross-Contamination: The manufacturing facility could be a source of contamination if other products containing gluten are processed on the same equipment. However, Del Monte states they have specific policies to avoid this.
Flavorings: While most flavorings are gluten-free, some can contain hidden gluten. This is rare for a simple product like canned peaches but remains a consideration for seasoned or flavored fruit products.

Decoding the Del Monte Label: What to Look For

For anyone on a gluten-free diet, becoming an expert label reader is essential. Here’s how to ensure your Del Monte canned peaches are safe:

Look for the "Gluten Free" Claim: Many Del Monte peach products, especially the fruit cups and plain canned varieties, state "Gluten Free" prominently on the packaging. This claim means the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the FDA standard for gluten-free products.
Check the Allergen Statement: The FDA requires manufacturers to list wheat as a major allergen. If a Del Monte product were to contain wheat, it would be clearly stated in the allergen section, usually below the ingredient list. Since Del Monte's fruit products are free of wheat, you won't find this warning.
Read the Ingredient List: Always scan the ingredients to be certain. A standard can of Del Monte peaches will typically list peaches, water, and corn syrup or other sweeteners. The ingredient list is the most reliable source of information for determining a product's gluten-free status.

Modified Food Starch and Other Potential Hidden Gluten Sources

Sometimes, consumers worry about ingredients like "modified food starch." This ingredient is often used as a thickener or stabilizer. Here’s what to know about it in the context of a gluten-free diet and Del Monte products:

In the United States, if modified food starch is derived from wheat, it must be explicitly labeled as "modified wheat starch" or "modified food starch (wheat)".
If the label simply says "modified food starch," it is typically derived from a gluten-free source like corn, potato, or tapioca.
Del Monte's FAQ page clarifies that their modified food starch is derived from corn, making it gluten-free.

Comparison of Del Monte Peaches: Syrup vs. Water

When selecting canned peaches, a common choice is between heavy syrup, light syrup, and water. Here's a comparison to help you choose what's best for your nutritional goals:


Feature	Peaches in Heavy Syrup	Peaches in Light Syrup / 100% Juice	Peaches in Water (No Sugar Added)
Gluten-Free Status	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sweetness Level	Highest	Moderate	Lowest (from natural fruit sugars)
Calorie Count	Highest	Moderate	Lowest
Best For	Desserts and baking where sweetness is desired	Snacking and general use	Health-conscious diets, sugar control
Added Ingredients	Peaches, water, corn syrup	Peaches, fruit juice or light syrup	Peaches, water, sucralose (or other sweetener)

General Tips for Enjoying Canned Fruit on a Gluten-Free Diet

Always read the label: Manufacturing processes and ingredients can change, so a product that was gluten-free last year might not be today.
Look for official certifications: Some products carry a certified gluten-free logo from third-party organizations, offering extra peace of mind.
Stick to simple products: When in doubt, opt for canned fruit packed in water or its own juice, with minimal added ingredients.
Be aware of flavored products: Any specialty flavors, seasonings, or glazes can be a source of hidden gluten.
Rinse canned fruits: While not necessary for removing gluten, rinsing can help reduce sugar content and ensure any potential trace contamination is washed away.

Conclusion

For those following a gluten-free nutrition diet, Del Monte canned peaches are a safe and reliable option, with the company confirming their gluten-free status across their canned fruit range. While it's always good practice to scrutinize food labels for added ingredients and potential cross-contamination, Del Monte's transparency and specific gluten-free labeling on many products make them a trustworthy choice. By understanding what to look for on the label and being mindful of product variations, you can confidently include Del Monte peaches as a delicious and healthy part of your diet.

For more information on Del Monte's gluten-free products, you can visit their official FAQ page here: Del Monte Foods FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Del Monte confirms that all its Fruit Cup snacks, including both the metal and plastic varieties, are gluten-free. They are a safe snack option for a gluten-free diet.

No, not always. While the fruit itself is naturally gluten-free, you must check the label for any added sauces, flavorings, or thickeners, which could contain gluten.

Yes, in products regulated by the FDA, if modified food starch contains wheat, it must be stated on the label. Del Monte specifies that their modified food starch is corn-based, making it safe for those with celiac disease.

Del Monte states that they have policies in place to avoid cross-contamination with allergens in their plants. While total avoidance is difficult in any manufacturing facility, their explicit gluten-free claims indicate a high standard of care.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. A product labeled "wheat-free" may still contain barley or rye, and therefore still contain gluten. "Gluten-free" products, by FDA standards, must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Yes, products like Del Monte Sliced Yellow Cling Peaches in Extra Light Syrup are explicitly labeled as gluten-free. They are a safe option, though they contain more sugar than peaches in water.

Yes, it is always a good practice to read the label before purchasing, as formulas can occasionally change. Checking the most current ingredient list and allergen statement is the safest approach.