Which Yogurt is Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Brands & Ingredients

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Dairy Council, plain yogurt, made from just milk and live bacterial cultures, is naturally gluten-free. However, navigating the yogurt aisle can be tricky for those avoiding gluten due to the various flavors, mix-ins, and potential for cross-contamination. This guide will help you understand which yogurt is gluten-free and how to confidently choose safe options.

Quick Summary

This article explains which types of yogurt are naturally gluten-free and which contain hidden gluten. It provides a list of certified brands and tips for reading labels to avoid common gluten-containing additives, ensuring a safe choice for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

Plain Yogurt is Naturally Gluten-Free: Plain dairy yogurt, including Greek and regular types, is inherently gluten-free as it's made only from milk and live bacterial cultures.
Flavored Yogurt is a Risk: Flavored varieties pose a gluten risk from hidden ingredients like thickeners (modified food starch), malt flavoring, and fruit preparations.
Check for Certified Logos: For the safest option, look for a third-party gluten-free certification mark, such as the GFCO logo, on the packaging.
Watch for Cross-Contamination Warnings: A 'may contain' warning indicates potential cross-contamination with gluten during processing on shared equipment.
Avoid Granola Toppings: Yogurts with granola or other crunchy mix-ins are high-risk for containing gluten unless the mix-ins are explicitly certified gluten-free.
Read All Ingredients Carefully: Even with plain varieties, read the full ingredient list for unexpected gluten sources, as manufacturing processes can change.
Many Brands Offer Gluten-Free Options: Reputable brands like Chobani, FAGE, Siggi's, and Oikos offer many gluten-free products, though some specific flavors or lines may not be.
Plant-Based Yogurt Can Contain Gluten: Not all plant-based yogurts are gluten-free; they can also contain thickeners or flavorings with gluten, so label reading is still required.

Is Plain Yogurt Naturally Gluten-Free?

Yes, at its core, plain yogurt is naturally gluten-free. The two basic ingredients, milk and live bacterial cultures, do not contain gluten. This applies to both regular plain yogurt and plain Greek yogurt. The straining process for Greek yogurt, which removes whey to create a thicker consistency, also doesn't introduce gluten. However, the real challenge arises with flavored and processed yogurts, where gluten can be added during production.

The Gluten Risk in Flavored Yogurts

Flavored yogurts are where vigilance is key. Gluten can be hidden in various additives and mix-ins, creating a risk for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For instance, fruit preparations, flavorings, and thickeners can all be potential sources of gluten.

Mix-ins: Pre-packaged yogurts with granola, cookies, or other crunchy toppings are common culprits for containing gluten. Always check the label, even if the toppings are in a separate compartment.
Thickeners and Stabilizers: Ingredients like modified food starch, malt extract, and certain fruit preparations can contain gluten. Yogurt manufacturers use these to create specific textures, so it’s essential to read the ingredient list carefully.
Cross-Contamination: Even if the ingredients themselves are gluten-free, a yogurt can be contaminated if it's processed on shared equipment with gluten-containing products. This is a significant risk for those with severe sensitivities.

How to Find Certified Gluten-Free Yogurt

The safest way to ensure your yogurt is free from gluten is to look for a third-party certification mark. Organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) rigorously test products to ensure they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Certified products offer peace of mind, especially regarding cross-contamination concerns.

Here is a list of popular brands that offer gluten-free yogurt products:

Chobani: Most of Chobani's products are gluten-free, with the notable exception of some 'Flip' varieties that include crunchy mix-ins. Always check individual packaging.
FAGE: This brand offers several plain and flavored Greek yogurts that are listed as gluten-free.
Oikos: The Oikos website confirms that most of their products, including Oikos Nonfat Greek Yogurt and Oikos Triple Zero, are gluten-free.
Siggi's: All Siggi's yogurt products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO.
Stonyfield Organic: Most of Stonyfield's products, with the exception of certain kids' flavors with cereal, are certified gluten-free.
Wallaby Yogurt: This brand's yogurts are tested and certified gluten-free by the GFCO.
Activia: The majority of Activia products are gluten-free. However, certain varieties containing grains, such as Activia Fiber or Breakfast Pots, may contain gluten and should be avoided.

Decoding Yogurt Labels: A Buyer's Checklist

To be certain about your yogurt's gluten-free status, follow this checklist when at the grocery store:

Check for Certification: Look for a certified gluten-free symbol on the packaging, such as the GFCO mark.
Read the Ingredient List: Scrutinize the ingredient list for common gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye, malt, and modified food starch. Be wary of ambiguous terms.
Note Allergen Warnings: Check for “may contain” statements, which indicate potential cross-contamination with gluten. If you have celiac disease, it's safer to avoid these products.
Avoid Risky Flavors: Exercise caution with yogurts that have added mix-ins like granola, cookie pieces, or cereals unless explicitly labeled gluten-free.
Plain is Safest: When in doubt, opt for a plain, unflavored yogurt, as it is the most likely to be naturally gluten-free.

Comparison Table: Gluten-Free Yogurt Options


Yogurt Type	Gluten-Free Status	Key Characteristics	Considerations for Gluten
Plain Dairy Yogurt	Naturally gluten-free	Simple, creamy base; contains live cultures	Safe, unless contaminants are introduced via processing
Plain Greek Yogurt	Naturally gluten-free	Thicker, higher protein; strained to remove whey	Safe, but always check flavored Greek varieties
Flavored Yogurt	High risk; varies by brand	Contains added fruit, syrups, or flavors	Read labels carefully; watch for thickeners, malt, fruit preps
Yogurt with Mix-ins	Highest risk; varies by product	Includes separate or blended toppings like granola or cookies	Assume not gluten-free unless certified; high cross-contamination risk
Plant-Based Yogurt	Varies by brand and base	Made from soy, almond, or coconut milk; can be probiotic	Check labels for gluten-containing thickeners or flavorings
Certified Gluten-Free	Assuredly gluten-free	Products with a GFCO or similar certification mark	Safest option for celiacs; tested to strict standards

Can I Make My Own Gluten-Free Yogurt?

For ultimate control over ingredients, making your own yogurt is an excellent option. The process involves heating milk, adding a starter culture (which is gluten-free), and allowing it to ferment. This eliminates any risk of gluten-containing additives or cross-contamination from a processing facility. You can then add your own gluten-free toppings, such as fresh fruit, honey, or certified gluten-free granola.

Conclusion: Safe Consumption and Label Awareness

While plain yogurt is inherently gluten-free, the modern yogurt market is full of potential gluten pitfalls. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's crucial to move beyond assumptions and become an expert label reader. Prioritizing certified gluten-free brands is the most reliable strategy, but a quick check of the ingredients and allergen warnings will ensure peace of mind with any yogurt purchase. Ultimately, with a little knowledge, you can enjoy this nutritious food without compromising your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Chobani yogurts are gluten-free. However, consumers should be cautious with varieties that include crunch or other mix-ins, as some of these, like the Chobani Flip line, may contain gluten. Always check the specific product label for certification.

Yes, but you must be careful. Plain, unflavored yogurt is safe, but many flavored or mixed-in varieties may contain hidden gluten from thickeners, sweeteners, or flavorings. It is best to choose yogurt with a certified gluten-free label to avoid cross-contamination.

Gluten can be added to yogurt through thickeners like modified food starch, flavorings (especially malt extract), and mix-ins like granola or cookies. Cross-contamination from shared processing equipment is also a significant risk.

The majority of Activia's products are gluten-free. However, specific lines that contain grains, such as Activia Fiber or Breakfast Pots, may contain gluten. Check individual labels for precise allergen information.

Plain Greek yogurt is naturally gluten-free. However, the gluten-free status of flavored Greek yogurt depends on the manufacturer's added ingredients and processing methods. Always read the label and look for gluten-free certification.

Yes, making your own yogurt at home from milk and a gluten-free starter culture is a surefire way to ensure it's gluten-free. This method eliminates all risk of cross-contamination and allows you full control over ingredients.

Check for a certified gluten-free symbol first. If absent, scrutinize the ingredient list for wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Also, read any allergen warnings, particularly for 'may contain' statements.