Which brand of ice cream is gluten free?

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, requiring a strictly gluten-free diet, yet finding safe treats can be challenging. A delicious solution for many is ice cream, but not all brands are created equal when it comes to gluten-free options. So, which brand of ice cream is gluten free and safe for those with sensitivities or celiac disease?

Quick Summary

This guide details multiple ice cream brands, highlighting those with certified gluten-free options and important considerations like cross-contamination. It compares brands based on their gluten-free commitment and provides tips for safely enjoying frozen treats.

Key Points

• Certified Brands are Safest: Brands like Ben & Jerry's (select flavors), So Delicious, and Jolly Llama offer certified gluten-free options that undergo rigorous third-party testing.

• Read All Labels Carefully: Always check ingredient lists for hidden gluten sources, such as barley malt syrup or certain thickeners, even with plain flavors.

• Beware of Mix-Ins: Ice creams with cookies, brownies, or cookie dough are likely to contain gluten unless explicitly certified and labeled as gluten-free.

• Understand Cross-Contamination Risks: In scoop shops and uncertified manufacturing facilities, shared equipment poses a risk. Request fresh tubs and use cups to be safe.

• Distinguish Between Uncertified and Certified: Uncertified brands may meet FDA standards but lack third-party verification, making them a higher risk for those with celiac disease.

Ice cream in its purest form—made with just milk, cream, and sugar—is naturally gluten-free. However, the modern ice cream landscape is filled with flavors and additives that can introduce gluten, from cookie dough chunks and brownie pieces to certain thickeners and stabilizers. For anyone avoiding gluten, especially those with celiac disease, trusting a brand's commitment to safety is crucial. Reading labels and understanding the risks of cross-contamination are the keys to a worry-free dessert.

Brands with Certified Gluten-Free Options

For those with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, certified products are the safest bet. Certification from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) ensures a product contains less than 10-20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

• Ben & Jerry's: This well-known brand offers a variety of flavors that have received GFCO certification. Classics like Cherry Garcia and Phish Food are available in certified gluten-free versions, with the official logo on the packaging for reassurance. It's important to note that while they offer certified pints, their scoop shops are not certified due to the high risk of cross-contamination from shared scoops and toppings.
• So Delicious: A standout for both dairy-free and gluten-free diets, many of So Delicious's frozen desserts are certified gluten-free by GFCO. They offer a wide range of products made with almond milk, coconut milk, and other dairy alternatives. However, exercise caution with their oat milk-based products, as the gluten-free status of the oats used can vary.
• Jolly Llama: For those who miss classic frozen treats, Jolly Llama offers certified gluten-free ice cream cones, bars, and sandwiches. This brand is a fantastic option for safely enjoying childhood favorites. Their production practices are audited by a third-party to ensure compliance.
• NadaMoo!: Focusing on organic, plant-based, and gluten-free frozen desserts, NadaMoo! is certified gluten-free, with many flavors featuring a coconut milk base. The brand emphasizes clean ingredients and provides a safe choice for those with multiple dietary restrictions.

Brands with Uncertified Gluten-Free Flavors

Several brands offer flavors without gluten-containing ingredients but are not certified. This may be due to production practices or the use of shared equipment. For those with a severe sensitivity or celiac, there is a risk of cross-contamination, and these products should be approached with caution.

• Häagen-Dazs: This premium brand generally states that gluten is only present in products containing bakery items like cookies or brownies. However, they do not use a dedicated gluten-free facility, so cross-contamination is a concern for highly sensitive individuals. Always read the label and check their website for their most current allergen information.
• Breyers: Many Breyers ice creams are labeled gluten-free, meeting FDA guidelines for containing less than 20 ppm of gluten. However, like Häagen-Dazs, they do not have a dedicated gluten-free facility, though they do use stringent procedures to minimize cross-contact. It is important to always check the specific product's label.

Reading Labels and Avoiding Hidden Gluten

Beyond brand reputation, becoming a diligent label-reader is essential. Gluten can be a hidden ingredient in ice cream, appearing in unexpected places.

• Check for Gluten-Containing Ingredients: Look for explicit mention of wheat, barley, or rye. Be wary of ambiguous terms like "natural flavors" or "starch," which could contain hidden gluten. Look out for barley malt syrup, a common sweetener derived from barley.
• Look for 'May Contain' Warnings: Phrases like "Made in a facility that also processes wheat" or "May contain wheat" signal a high risk of cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease, these products are best avoided.
• Beware of Mix-Ins: Flavors containing cookies, brownies, or cake pieces are obvious sources of gluten. Always check the specific flavor, as some brands may create gluten-free versions of these mix-ins, but it must be clearly labeled and, ideally, certified.

Comparison Table: Certified vs. Uncertified Brands

Feature	Certified Gluten-Free Brands (e.g., Ben & Jerry's GF line, So Delicious)	Uncertified Brands (e.g., Häagen-Dazs, Breyers GF line)
Gluten Level Guarantee	Certified to contain less than 10-20 ppm of gluten.	Labeled gluten-free by FDA standards (less than 20 ppm), but not independently verified.
Risk of Cross-Contamination	Very low, as production lines are often segregated or follow strict allergen control protocols.	Potential risk due to shared manufacturing facilities and equipment.
Target Audience	Ideal for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity seeking maximum safety.	Suitable for individuals with mild sensitivities or those who tolerate small amounts of trace gluten.
Third-Party Verification	Yes, products are tested and audited by a third-party organization (e.g., GFCO).	No third-party certification is guaranteed, relying solely on in-house testing and claims.
Labeling	Features a clear "Certified Gluten-Free" logo on the packaging.	May simply state "Gluten-Free" or require further label reading to confirm.

Conclusion

Choosing a safe, gluten-free ice cream requires more than just picking a familiar brand. While many mainstream brands offer flavors without gluten-containing ingredients, opting for those with official "Certified Gluten-Free" logos provides the highest level of safety, especially for those with celiac disease. For others with less severe sensitivities, brands with uncertified gluten-free options may be suitable, but diligent label-reading is non-negotiable. Understanding the difference between certified and uncertified claims, coupled with a careful review of ingredient lists, ensures a delicious and safe dessert every time. The expanding market of certified options from brands like Ben & Jerry's, So Delicious, and NadaMoo! means that finding a trusted and tasty treat is easier than ever.

What to Know About Gluten in Ice Cream

• Base Ingredients Are Safe: In their simplest form, ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar are naturally gluten-free.
• Mix-Ins Are the Primary Culprit: Baked goods like cookies, brownies, and cake pieces are the most common source of gluten in ice cream.
• Hidden Thickeners Can Contain Gluten: Watch for ingredients like barley malt syrup or certain starches used as thickeners.
• Cross-Contamination is a Real Threat: Shared production lines and equipment can introduce trace amounts of gluten, making certified products a safer choice for sensitive individuals.
• Always Read the Label: Ingredient lists and allergen warnings can change, so check every container for the most up-to-date information.
• Certified Gluten-Free is the Safest Option: Look for third-party certifications, such as the GFCO logo, for products rigorously tested for gluten levels.

FAQs

Question: Is all Ben & Jerry's ice cream gluten-free? Answer: No, only specific flavors are certified gluten-free and feature a logo on the packaging. Always check the label, as other flavors contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Question: Can I trust the gluten-free labeling on uncertified brands? Answer: It depends on your level of sensitivity. Uncertified brands may meet FDA standards (under 20 ppm) but carry a risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. Certified brands offer the highest assurance of safety.

Question: Are ice cream cones typically gluten-free? Answer: No, most standard ice cream cones are made with wheat flour and contain gluten. You should always request a cup or look for cones specifically labeled gluten-free.

Question: How can I safely order ice cream at a scoop shop? Answer: To minimize cross-contamination, request that a scooper use a clean, fresh scoop from an unopened tub of a gluten-free flavor. Also, always opt for a cup instead of a cone.

Question: Are sorbets generally gluten-free? Answer: Sorbets are often gluten-free by nature, as they are typically made from fruit, sugar, and water. However, some might contain added flavorings or be produced on shared equipment, so checking the label is still important.

Question: What should I do if a product has a "May Contain" warning? Answer: A "May Contain" warning indicates a risk of cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it is safest to avoid these products entirely.

Question: Are plant-based ice creams always gluten-free? Answer: No, not all plant-based ice creams are gluten-free. Some brands use oat milk or other ingredients that may contain gluten or are processed on shared equipment. Always check the label for certification or allergen warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all Ben & Jerry's ice cream gluten-free?

No, only specific flavors are certified gluten-free and feature a logo on the packaging. Always check the label, as other flavors contain gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I trust the gluten-free labeling on uncertified brands?

It depends on your level of sensitivity. Uncertified brands may meet FDA standards (under 20 ppm) but carry a risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. Certified brands offer the highest assurance of safety.

Are ice cream cones typically gluten-free?

No, most standard ice cream cones are made with wheat flour and contain gluten. You should always request a cup or look for cones specifically labeled gluten-free.

How can I safely order ice cream at a scoop shop?

To minimize cross-contamination, request that a scooper use a clean, fresh scoop from an unopened tub of a gluten-free flavor. Also, always opt for a cup instead of a cone.

Are sorbets generally gluten-free?

Sorbets are often gluten-free by nature, as they are typically made from fruit, sugar, and water. However, some might contain added flavorings or be produced on shared equipment, so checking the label is still important.

What should I do if a product has a "May Contain" warning?

A "May Contain" warning indicates a risk of cross-contamination. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it is safest to avoid these products entirely.

Are plant-based ice creams always gluten-free?

No, not all plant-based ice creams are gluten-free. Some brands use oat milk or other ingredients that may contain gluten or are processed on shared equipment. Always check the label for certification or allergen warnings.