What Fruit Snacks Are Gluten Free?

While all raw fruit is naturally gluten-free, this is not the case for many processed fruit snacks, which can contain additives with gluten. Knowing what fruit snacks are gluten free requires careful label reading and knowledge of certified brands. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, this is a crucial step to avoid adverse reactions.

Quick Summary

This guide identifies naturally gluten-free fruit options and safe, commercially available snack brands. Learn which popular gummies are gluten-free and how to properly read ingredient lists to spot hidden gluten sources in processed fruit snacks.

Key Points

• Read Labels Carefully: Check for hidden gluten sources like malt or wheat starch.

• Look for Certification: The 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo indicates a safe product with less than 20 ppm gluten.

• Trusted Brands: Welch's, Annie's, and Mott's are verified gluten-free options.

• Naturally Safe Options: Fresh, dried, and freeze-dried fruits are gluten-free, but check for added ingredients or contamination.

• DIY Snacks: Make homemade fruit snacks for ingredient control.

• Watch for Additives: Be cautious of ingredients like malt and unspecified starches.

Understanding Gluten in Processed Fruit Snacks

For individuals following a gluten-free diet, the assumption that all fruit snacks are safe can be a mistake. Many mass-market fruit snacks contain additives and modified ingredients that may include gluten. Reading labels is therefore crucial.

Why You Must Read Labels

Identifying what fruit snacks are gluten free requires examining the entire ingredients panel. The FDA mandates disclosure of major allergens like wheat. Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, indicating less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Ingredients to Watch For

Be aware of ingredients that might contain gluten:

• Malt: Often from barley.
• Wheat starch: Avoid unless labeled 'gluten-free.'
• Dextrin and Modified Food Starch: Source should be specified as gluten-free.
• Natural Flavoring: Can sometimes use gluten carriers.

Naturally Gluten-Free Fruit Snacks

Choosing fruit in its purest form is the safest gluten-free option.

Fresh, Dried, and Freeze-Dried Fruit

• Fresh Fruit: Naturally gluten-free.
• Dried Fruit: Plain varieties are gluten-free, but check for coatings or cross-contamination.
• Freeze-Dried Fruit: Typically pure fruit, but always verify the label.

Popular Gluten-Free Fruit Snack Brands

Many brands offer clearly labeled gluten-free fruit snacks.

Welch's Fruit Snacks

All Welch's fruit snack products are gluten-free. This includes their various types and is often stated on the packaging.

Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks

Annie's offers organic, vegan, and naturally gluten-free bunny-shaped fruit snacks. They are also gelatin-free.

Mott's Assorted Fruit Flavored Snacks

Mott's fruit snacks are gelatin-free, fat-free, and labeled as gluten-free. They are made with real fruit and veggie juice.

Other Certified Options

• YumEarth Organic Fruit Snacks: Organic, gluten-free, and free of many allergens.
• BEAR Real Fruit Snacks: Gluten-free fruit rolls and yo-yos made from real fruit with no added sugar.

Gluten-Free Fruit Snack Comparison Table

Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Organic	Made with Real Fruit Juice	Gelatin-Free	Notes
Welch's Fruit Snacks	Verified	No	Yes	No	Contains gelatin.
Annie's Bunny Snacks	Certified Organic	Yes	Yes	Yes	Vegan.
Mott's Fruit Flavored Snacks	Verified	No	Yes	Yes	Also fat-free.
YumEarth Organic Snacks	Verified	Yes	Yes	Yes	Allergy-friendly.
BEAR Real Fruit Snacks	Verified	No	Yes	Yes	No added sugar.

Making Your Own Gluten-Free Fruit Snacks

Making your own snacks ensures control over ingredients:

1. Homemade Fruit Leather: Purée and dehydrate fruit.
2. Fruit and Gelatin Gummies: Combine juice/purée with gelatin and sweetener.
3. Fruit Kabobs: Simple skewers of fresh fruit.

Conclusion: Making Safe Snacking Choices

Finding gluten-free fruit snacks is manageable by reading labels and choosing certified options like those from Welch's, Annie's, and Mott's. Naturally gluten-free fruits or homemade snacks are also safe choices. Staying vigilant ensures safe and enjoyable snacking. For more information on celiac disease, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) at https://celiac.org/.

Disclaimer: Product formulations can change. Always read the current label before buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all fruit snacks automatically gluten-free?

No, processed snacks may contain gluten additives. Always check for certification.

Are Welch's fruit snacks gluten-free?

Yes, all Welch's fruit snack products are gluten-free.

How can I be sure a fruit snack is safe for celiac disease?

Look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo, which guarantees strict low gluten content.

Are dried fruit snacks gluten-free?

Plain dried fruits are gluten-free, but check for added ingredients or cross-contamination.

What is malt in fruit snacks, and is it a problem?

Malt is often from barley and contains gluten, so avoid it.

Are Annie's Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks gluten-free?

Yes, they are certified organic, naturally gluten-free, and vegan.

What does it mean if a product is made with 'Modified Food Starch'?

If the source isn't specified as gluten-free, it might contain gluten. Avoid or contact the manufacturer.