What Popular Gluten-Free Ice Creams Are Safe to Eat?

Approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, necessitating a strictly gluten-free diet, yet many popular ice cream brands offer delicious and safe options for those with gluten sensitivities. Navigating the freezer aisle, however, requires careful attention to ingredients and labeling to avoid potential cross-contamination.

Quick Summary

Many popular ice cream brands offer delicious gluten-free choices, but label checking is critical for safety. Certified options from Ben & Jerry's and carefully labeled tubs from Breyers and others are available for those with gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

• Check for Certification: The GFCO logo on Ben & Jerry's certified flavors and So Delicious products offers the highest level of gluten-free safety.

• Read Labels Always: Even if you have a favorite flavor, ingredient lists can change, so always read the label to confirm it is gluten-free.

• Be Wary of Cross-Contamination: At scoop shops, inform staff of your allergy and request a fresh scoop from a new tub to avoid cross-contact.

• Recognize Label Differences: Understand the difference between products labeled 'gluten-free' (less than 20 ppm) and those with 'no gluten ingredients,' which may carry a higher cross-contact risk.

• Avoid Gluten-Containing Mix-ins: Steer clear of ice cream flavors with cookies, brownie chunks, or other bakery inclusions unless explicitly certified gluten-free.

Navigating the Freezer Aisle for Gluten-Free Treats

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, enjoying a frozen treat can feel like a game of chance. While many ice cream bases are naturally gluten-free, the risks of added mix-ins containing gluten and cross-contamination during manufacturing can be significant. Fortunately, several major ice cream companies have recognized this need and now offer clearly labeled gluten-free options, sometimes with third-party certification to ensure maximum safety.

The Importance of Labeling and Certification

When shopping for gluten-free ice cream, it is vital to understand the difference between simply reading an ingredients list and looking for a product that is officially certified. A product labeled 'gluten-free' in the United States must legally contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease. A certified product, often marked with the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo, goes a step further by submitting to rigorous third-party testing and auditing of manufacturing facilities.

Best practices for label reading include:

• Look for certification logos: The GFCO logo offers the highest level of assurance.
• Read the ingredients every time: Recipes can change without notice. Always check the label, even on a familiar flavor.
• Scan for allergens: Ingredients like 'wheat flour,' 'barley malt,' or 'oatmeal cookies' are clear signs of gluten.
• Check the allergen warning: Many products will state if they are processed in a facility that also handles wheat, which can indicate a risk of cross-contamination.

Popular Brands with Gluten-Free Options

Many well-known brands now cater to the gluten-free community, but with varying degrees of assurance. Here is a breakdown of what to look for from some of the most popular names.

Ben & Jerry's

Ben & Jerry's is a standout brand for certified gluten-free (GF) ice cream, and they have a dedicated list of flavors that carry the GFCO logo. In 2020, they updated their testing protocols to ensure these products are safe for celiacs, including flavors with gluten-free inclusions like the Oatmeal Dream Pie.

Certified Gluten-Free Ben & Jerry's flavors (look for the GFCO logo):

• Cherry Garcia® (also in non-dairy and FroYo)
• Phish Food® (also in non-dairy)
• Chunky Monkey®
• Vanilla Caramel Fudge
• Karamel Sutra® Core
• New York Super Fudge Chunk®
• And many more!

For scoop shops, Ben & Jerry's advises customers to be cautious due to cross-contamination risk but will open a fresh tub upon request.

Breyers

Breyers offers a wide selection of gluten-free labeled products and is praised for its clear labeling. The company has robust allergen control procedures in place, including employee training and testing on both the product and the production lines, but it is important to note their products are not made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.

Breyers gluten-free labeled flavors (always check for the green seal):

• Natural Vanilla
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• Butter Pecan
• Coffee
• Carb Smart varieties
• Extra Creamy Chocolate

Häagen-Dazs

Häagen-Dazs states that its products generally only contain gluten if added ingredients like cookies, cake, or brownies are included. However, they do not use a dedicated gluten-free facility, meaning cross-contamination is a risk for sensitive individuals. For flavors without gluten-containing inclusions (e.g., standard vanilla or chocolate), it is crucial to read the label and be aware of the potential for shared equipment.

So Delicious Dairy Free

This brand offers a comprehensive line of both dairy-free and gluten-free frozen desserts, many of which are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. Their range includes cashew milk, coconut milk, and oat milk-based products, though not all flavors are gluten-free, so checking for the label is essential.

Other Notable Brands

• Talenti: Many of their gelato and sorbetto flavors are gluten-free and clearly labeled.
• Halo Top: Some of their lower-calorie, high-protein options are labeled gluten-free.
• Alden's Organic: A brand offering GFCO-certified ice creams and novelty items, including ice cream sandwiches.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Ice Creams

Brand	Certification Status	Celiac Safety Notes
Ben & Jerry's	GFCO Certified (specific flavors)	High safety for certified pints; scoop shops have cross-contact risk but offer fresh tubs.
Breyers	Labeled Gluten-Free (specific flavors)	Follows internal safety protocols; not in a dedicated facility, but clearly marks GF flavors.
Häagen-Dazs	Uncertified (based on ingredients)	Avoid flavors with bakery inclusions; potential for cross-contact due to shared facility.
So Delicious	GFCO Certified (many flavors)	Strong safety protocols for certified items, plus offers dairy-free options.
Alden's Organic	GFCO Certified	Reliable certification for both pints and novelty items.
Talenti	Labeled Gluten-Free (many flavors)	Labels are reliable for ingredients; check for cross-contact warnings for highest sensitivity.

Understanding Cross-Contamination Risks

For individuals with celiac disease, minimizing cross-contamination is non-negotiable. While certified products from brands like Ben & Jerry's and So Delicious offer peace of mind, other scenarios require vigilance.

At the Scoop Shop

This is where cross-contamination is most prevalent. Scoops are often used for multiple flavors, and crumbs from gluten-containing toppings can easily transfer. Always inform the staff of your allergy and ask for a fresh, clean scoop and a tub from the back if possible.

At Home

Even in your own kitchen, care is needed. Prevent gluten crumbs from transferring into your gluten-free ice cream by using clean scoops, avoiding mixing utensils that have touched gluten products, and storing items separately.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Treat Safely

Finding safe, popular gluten-free ice creams is easier than ever, thanks to brands that have embraced clear labeling and, in some cases, official certification. While Ben & Jerry's and Alden's provide the highest level of assurance with GFCO certification, brands like Breyers offer extensive labeled options backed by strong internal safety measures. For other brands like Häagen-Dazs, relying on label reading and ingredient checking is key, with an understanding of potential shared facility risks. By staying informed and practicing careful label reading, those with gluten sensitivities can confidently enjoy a wide variety of delicious frozen desserts. For more information on gluten-free safety, visit the Gluten-Free Certification Organization website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which popular ice cream brand has the most certified gluten-free options?

Ben & Jerry's has a wide range of flavors that are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), including many fan favorites and non-dairy varieties.

Is all Breyers ice cream gluten-free?

No, not all Breyers flavors are gluten-free. The company clearly labels the flavors that are considered gluten-free on the packaging with a green seal, but it is important to always check each tub.

Can I safely order gluten-free ice cream at a Ben & Jerry's scoop shop?

While the ice cream ingredients themselves are the same as the certified tubs, there is a risk of cross-contamination in scoop shops. You should inform the staff of your allergy and request a fresh tub and a new scoop to minimize risk.

Is Häagen-Dazs ice cream safe for someone with celiac disease?

Häagen-Dazs products that do not contain bakery ingredients like cookies are generally free of gluten ingredients. However, they do not use dedicated gluten-free facilities, so there is a risk of cross-contact. Always read the label and exercise caution.

What is the difference between 'gluten-free' and 'no gluten ingredients' on a label?

In the US, 'gluten-free' is a regulated term meaning less than 20 ppm of gluten. 'No gluten ingredients' is a non-regulated claim, and while the recipe doesn't include gluten, it doesn't guarantee the same level of safety or testing, especially regarding cross-contact.

Are dairy-free ice creams also gluten-free?

Not necessarily. While some brands like So Delicious offer both dairy-free and certified gluten-free options, a dairy-free claim does not automatically mean a product is gluten-free. It is crucial to always check the label for specific gluten-free certifications or warnings.

How can I avoid cross-contamination with ice cream at home?

To prevent cross-contamination at home, use dedicated or thoroughly cleaned scoops, store gluten-free ice cream separately from gluten-containing foods, and ensure no crumbs transfer from other items or hands.