What ice cream does not contain gluten?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Pure ice cream, made from simple ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar, is naturally gluten-free; however, studies show that many store-bought varieties pose a risk due to additives and shared equipment. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is essential to know what ice cream does not contain gluten before indulging.

Quick Summary

An in-depth look at identifying safe ice cream options, from understanding naturally gluten-free bases to spotting hidden gluten in additives. Learn how to verify certified products and minimize cross-contamination risks when enjoying frozen desserts.

Key Points

Base Ingredients are Safe: Pure ice cream made from milk, cream, and sugar is naturally gluten-free.
Beware of Add-ins: Flavors containing baked goods like cookies, brownies, and malt are high-risk for gluten.
Look for Certification: The safest store-bought choice is products with a certified gluten-free label from GFCO or a similar organization.
Avoid Cross-Contamination: At ice cream shops, always request a clean scooper and a new tub of ice cream to prevent cross-contact.
Read Labels Carefully: Be vigilant for hidden gluten in ingredients like additives, thickeners, and non-specific 'natural flavors'.
Consider Dairy-Free Brands: Brands like So Delicious and Cosmic Bliss offer certified gluten-free options with dairy-free bases.
Homemade is Safest: Making your own ice cream provides complete control over ingredients and eliminates cross-contamination risks.

Understanding the Basics: Pure vs. Flavored Ice Cream

At its core, traditional ice cream is a gluten-free food, relying on a simple mixture of milk, cream, and sugar. The danger of gluten exposure emerges when manufacturers introduce additional ingredients for flavor, texture, and stability. Many popular flavors, especially those containing baked goods like cookie dough or brownies, are immediate red flags for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Hidden Sources of Gluten

Beyond the obvious additions, gluten can sneak into your frozen treat through various less-apparent sources. Being a vigilant label-reader is the most effective defense.

Malted Ingredients: Malt, often found in malted milk ice cream, is typically made from barley and contains gluten.
Additives and Thickeners: Some companies use wheat-based additives as cheap thickeners or stabilizers to improve texture and shelf life.
Natural Flavors: When a product is not labeled 'gluten-free,' the source of 'natural flavors' could be gluten-containing. Calling the manufacturer is the only way to confirm.
Toppings and Sauces: While the ice cream itself may be safe, add-ins like cookie crumbles, certain sprinkles, or sauces can be sources of gluten.

Finding Certified Gluten-Free Brands

For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity to gluten, certified gluten-free products are the safest choice. Certification by organizations like GFCO ensures products contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Many brands offer a selection of certified flavors, even if their entire product line is not gluten-free.

Certified Gluten-Free Brands & Flavors

Ben & Jerry's: Offers several certified gluten-free flavors, including Cherry Garcia and Phish Food. They clearly list certified options on their website.
So Delicious Dairy Free: Many of their dairy-free frozen desserts, with bases like coconut milk and almond milk, are certified gluten-free by GFCO.
Alden's Organics: Certified gluten-free by GFCO, with strict allergen protocols.
Cosmic Bliss (formerly Coconut Bliss): All products, both dairy and plant-based, are certified gluten-free.
Jolly Llama: Certified gluten-free ice cream sandwiches and cones are available.
Halo Top: Some flavors of this light ice cream are certified gluten-free.

Comparison of Popular Ice Cream Brands


Brand	Certified Gluten-Free Options?	Cross-Contamination Risk	Notes
Ben & Jerry's	Yes (select flavors)	High (shared equipment)	Look for the GFCO certification on specific pints.
Häagen-Dazs	Yes (select flavors)	High (shared equipment)	Packaging will clearly state 'gluten-free.'
Breyers	Yes (select flavors)	High (shared equipment)	Many flavors are labeled GF, but check for certification.
So Delicious	Yes (many options)	Low (rigorous testing)	Excellent choice for both gluten and dairy-free diets.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams	No (some flavors are GF by ingredient)	High (shared equipment)	Follows best practices but not recommended for celiacs.
Talenti Gelato	Yes (select dairy & non-dairy)	High (shared equipment)	Focus on the sorbettos and certified options.

Navigating Cross-Contamination at Ice Cream Shops

Eating out at an ice cream parlor presents unique challenges due to the high risk of cross-contact. Here's what you can do to stay safe:

Ask for a Fresh Tub: Request the server open a fresh, unopened container of the flavor you want. A scooper used for cookie dough could easily contaminate a vanilla tub.
Request a Clean Scooper: Ensure the server uses a fresh, thoroughly cleaned scooper. Simply rinsing a scoop is not enough to remove gluten.
Use a Separate Area: Ask for toppings to be added from a new bin or dispensed from a separate area to avoid crumbs.
Avoid Milkshakes: The blenders used for milkshakes are often shared and very difficult to clean completely, posing a major cross-contamination threat.

Safe Homemade Options

For complete control over ingredients, making your own gluten-free ice cream is the ultimate solution. You can use a variety of bases and incorporate your favorite toppings without risk. Check out resources like gluten.guide for recipes, including a vegan cookies 'n cream version.

Conclusion: Making Informed, Delicious Choices

Knowing what ice cream does not contain gluten is key to enjoying this treat safely. By understanding the basic ingredients, reading labels diligently for certifications, and being mindful of cross-contamination risks, you can confidently navigate the freezer aisle and ice cream shops. For the safest option, opt for brands with a certified gluten-free label or create your own delicious, homemade version. Your taste buds will thank you, and your body will be safe from unexpected gluten exposure.

Beyond Celiac offers valuable resources for managing a gluten-free diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

While vanilla ice cream is often gluten-free by ingredients, it is not always guaranteed. Cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing, so it is safest to check for a certified gluten-free label or check the manufacturer's website.

For those with celiac disease, the safest options are ice creams with a certified gluten-free label. This certification ensures the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten and is produced with strict allergen controls.

Yes, malted ice cream and malt flavoring typically contain gluten because malt is derived from barley. This is a common hidden source of gluten to watch out for.

To avoid cross-contamination, inform the server you have a gluten allergy. Ask for a fresh, unopened tub of your desired flavor and a thoroughly washed scooper.

Not necessarily. Many dairy-free brands, such as So Delicious and Cosmic Bliss, are also certified gluten-free, but it's important to check the product label to be certain, especially for flavors with mix-ins.

Store-brand ice creams can be gluten-free, but it's crucial to check the ingredient list and look for a certified gluten-free label. Some, like Whole Foods' 365 brand, offer certified vegan options.

Yes, making homemade gluten-free ice cream is a great option. It gives you complete control over ingredients and eliminates any risk of cross-contamination from shared factory equipment.