Tag: Franken berry

Despite the fact that many modern Monster cereals use a corn-based recipe without wheat listed as a direct ingredient, General Mills does not market them as gluten-free due to significant cross-contamination risks from shared manufacturing equipment.

According to the product packaging and official company responses, General Mills Monster cereals like Count Chocula and Franken Berry are not certified gluten-free, despite being primarily corn-based. The primary reason for this is the high risk of gluten cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment. This makes these seasonal treats unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity.

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the question, "Are the Monster cereals gluten free?" is a critical one, and the answer is not as simple as looking at the main ingredients. While the core components may not contain wheat, the significant risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing makes them unsafe for a strict gluten-free diet.