What brands of popsicles are gluten-free?

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring a strict gluten-free diet. For those with celiac or gluten sensitivity, finding out what brands of popsicles are gluten-free can be a real challenge, as not all frozen treats are safe. Fortunately, many brands offer delicious options that are explicitly labeled and certified gluten-free, providing a refreshing and worry-free treat.

Quick Summary

Many popular frozen treat brands offer explicitly labeled gluten-free options. While some companies, like Outshine, certify all their fruit bars as gluten-free, others, including Popsicle brand, require careful label reading as not all their products are safe for a gluten-free diet. Several brands focus entirely on allergen-friendly products, offering a variety of certified gluten-free choices.

Key Points

Outshine is Certified Gluten-Free: All Outshine frozen fruit bars are officially certified gluten-free, providing a worry-free option.
Popsicle Brand is Not Certified: The Popsicle brand does not guarantee all its products are gluten-free, and some varieties contain gluten ingredients; always check the specific product label.
Look for Dedicated Allergen-Free Brands: Companies like Chloe's Fruit Pops, JonnyPops, and Luigi's Italian Ice are known for their strong allergen-friendly commitments, making them reliable choices.
Read Labels for All Varieties: Even within a single brand, not all flavors are guaranteed gluten-free, as illustrated by Popsicle. Scrutinizing the ingredient list and certifications is essential for every purchase.
Consider Homemade Popsicles for Ultimate Safety: The safest way to ensure a gluten-free frozen treat is to make your own at home using certified gluten-free ingredients, eliminating all cross-contamination risks.
Recognize Potential for Hidden Gluten: Be aware that some products, like certain Mr. Freeze variants, might use ingredients like barley malt, which, while testing low for gluten, may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to the ingredient itself.

Navigating the frozen aisle for safe gluten-free popsicles

Finding a safe gluten-free popsicle is more than just checking the ingredient list; cross-contamination risks and shared facility warnings can pose a significant threat. A key piece of information for celiac and gluten-sensitive consumers is to know which brands prioritize transparency and dedicated production lines. By focusing on brands that are explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' or known for their allergen-friendly practices, you can enjoy a cool, worry-free snack.

Top brands offering certified and safe gluten-free popsicles

Several brands are known for their commitment to providing safe gluten-free frozen treats. Here is a list of some of the most reliable options available in stores:

Outshine Fruit Bars: All Outshine frozen snacks are certified gluten-free, making them one of the most reliable options. They offer a wide variety of flavors, with no artificial colors or flavors.
Chloe's Fruit Pops: These pops are gluten-free and free from the top nine allergens, making them an excellent choice for those with multiple sensitivities. They are made from simple, clean ingredients like fruit, water, and cane sugar.
JonnyPops: Known for their mindful production in a dedicated nut-free facility, JonnyPops are also gluten-free. They focus on wholesome, simple ingredients, often with a creamy texture.
Luigi's Real Italian Ice: This brand's Italian ice products are gluten-free, allergen-free, and produced in a peanut-free facility.
Minute Maid Juice Bars: A classic juice bar option, Minute Maid products are free from the top nine allergens, including gluten.
Philly Swirl Swirlstix: These swirled popsicles are gluten-free and produced in a peanut-free and sesame-free facility.
FunPops: These freezer pops are confirmed to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making them a safe choice for many dietary restrictions.
Jolly Rancher Freezer Pops: While Hershey's Jolly Rancher candies don't contain gluten ingredients, their specific freezer pops are explicitly labeled and certified as gluten-free and Kosher.
Skittles Freezer Pops: These are labeled fat-free and gluten-free, offering a fun, fruity option for a frozen treat.

What about Popsicle brand and others?

Not all brands are as straightforward with their gluten-free status. The Popsicle brand itself is a good example of why consumers should always check labels carefully.

Popsicle Brand: The official website states that most, but not all, Popsicle® products are not considered gluten-free and are not certified. While many contain no gluten ingredients, cross-contamination is a risk. Consumers must check the ingredient list for specific items. Some Popsicle brand products, like certain Fruit Twister and Fudgsicle varieties, may contain gluten ingredients like wheat or malted barley.
Mr. Freeze: While some varieties contain barley malt, the company website confirms they fall below the 20 PPM gluten-free threshold, making them suitable for many with celiac disease. However, individuals with a barley allergy should avoid them.
Alden's Organic Ice Cream: Formerly Julie's, many of their products are gluten-free. It is important to look for the certified label.

Making your own gluten-free popsicles at home

For complete control over ingredients and to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination, making your own popsicles is a great alternative. This can be as simple as freezing fresh fruit juice or as creative as blending fruits and dairy-free yogurt.

Recipe: Strawberry-Banana Smoothie Pops

Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries, 1 ripe banana, 1/2 cup dairy-free yogurt (e.g., coconut or almond milk based), 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional).
Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.

Comparison table of popular popsicle brands


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Key Features	Considerations
Outshine Fruit Bars	Certified Gluten-Free	Made with real fruit; no artificial flavors or colors.	Wide flavor range; some creamy coconut versions contain dairy.
Popsicle Brand	Not Certified	Many standard flavors contain no gluten ingredients.	Always check labels; high risk of cross-contamination; some varieties contain gluten ingredients.
Chloe's Fruit Pops	Certified Gluten-Free	Made with simple ingredients; free from top 9 allergens.	Limited flavor selection; premium price point.
JonnyPops	Certified Gluten-Free	Nut-free facility; focus on wholesome ingredients.	Some varieties are cream-based, but gluten-free certified.
Luigi's Real Italian Ice	Certified Gluten-Free	Peanut-free facility; allergen-free options.	Flavor and texture are different from traditional popsicles.

Conclusion

Finding safe gluten-free popsicles requires diligence and careful label reading. While the brand name 'Popsicle' itself isn't a guarantee of safety, numerous other companies like Outshine, Chloe's Fruit Pops, and JonnyPops offer certified and safe options for those avoiding gluten. Always check product packaging for official gluten-free labeling, and for absolute certainty, consider making delicious homemade popsicles using simple, natural ingredients. With this knowledge, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can confidently find or create a safe and refreshing frozen treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Popsicle brand popsicles are not always gluten-free and are not certified. While many basic fruit flavors may contain no gluten ingredients, there is a risk of cross-contamination, and certain products like Fudgsicles contain gluten. It is crucial to always read the ingredient list for specific products.

For people with celiac disease, brands like Outshine, Chloe's Fruit Pops, and JonnyPops are excellent choices because they are certified gluten-free and take specific steps to prevent cross-contamination.

Yes, all Outshine frozen fruit bars are gluten-free. The company specifically states this on its website and packaging, making it a reliable option for gluten-free diets.

Yes, Jolly Rancher freezer pops are labeled as gluten-free and Kosher. This is confirmed on various grocery retail sites and is a safe frozen treat option.

Yes, making your own popsicles at home is a great way to ensure they are 100% gluten-free and to control the ingredients. You can use fruit juice, pureed fruit, or yogurt to create a variety of flavors.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but the key is not the name but the brand and labeling. For example, Outshine's 'fruit bars' are certified gluten-free, while the 'Popsicle' brand name does not offer a universal gluten-free guarantee across its entire product line.

Yes, you should always be cautious. Some brands might use non-obvious gluten-containing ingredients or have cross-contamination risks. For example, some frozen treats use ingredients like barley malt. Always check the ingredient list and allergen warnings.