Depending on the ingredients and the manufacturing process, ice cream may or may not be gluten-free. Frequently gluten-free ice creams include those with single flavors like strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, or coffee.
However, watch out for additional gluten-containing additives, starches, or flavorings. In addition, I’ll show you some ice cream brands that are both gluten-free and contain sources of gluten.
Is Ice Cream Gluten-Free?
Some ice cream flavors are at higher risk for containing gluten, such as “Rocky Road” or “Moose Tracks,” but can be made gluten-free. Flavors with gluten-containing ingredients in the name such as “Cookie Dough,” “Cookies and Cream,” “Cheesecake,” or “Birthday Cake” usually contain gluten, though sometimes can be made with gluten-free ingredients. Unless otherwise noted, ice cream cones typically contain gluten. A lot of toppings, including cookie crumbs, may also contain gluten. Check for gluten-free certifications, read labels carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
In addition, there is frequently a risk of cross-contact when making ice cream or when eating at an ice cream shop or restaurant. Spoons, scoops, and even soft serve machines can touch a flavor containing gluten then be used on a “gluten-free” order. Prior to receiving your order, request that the ice cream scoop you used be cleaned or replaced.
Sources of Gluten in Ice Cream
Ice cream’s basic components, milk and cream, are naturally gluten-free. However, the ice cream’s flavor and the facility where it is made may make it unsuitable for coeliacs.
Thickeners, colorings, and flavorings like barley malt syrup can all be sources of gluten in ice cream.
Where are the extras? Ice cream cones typically do not contain gluten, and some toppings like sprinkles, chocolate, and sweet sauces or syrups might.
It’s important to always check the label for gluten-containing ingredients and “may contain” warnings which means that there is a risk of cross contamination during the manufacturing process. It is not suitable for people with coeliac disease if the ingredient list includes gluten, wheat, Khorasan wheat (kamut), spelt, oats, barley, and rye.
Gluten-Free Ice Cream Brands
Search for a gluten-free label to determine whether your ice cream is free of the protein. Any item with a “gluten-free” label satisfies U.S. Gluten content in the product is less than 20 parts per million, in accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. To look for hidden ingredients that contain gluten, you can also read the ingredients label.
Breyers
A line of flavors with no gluten was introduced by this ice cream company. Breyers asserts that they take numerous precautions to avoid cross-contamination within their building. Breyers is at the top of the list for gluten-free ice cream because the company sticks to original recipes and takes out any gluten to keep their gluten-free ice cream traditional.
Haagen-Dazs
Haagen-Dazs carries dozens of gluten-free ice cream flavors and states gluten is present only in “added bakery products such as cookies, cake, or brownies. Eight common food allergens are always listed on our packaging.” So Haagen-Dazs advises anyone with gluten sensitivity to carefully read the label.
NadaMoo!
The non-dairy ice cream company NadaMoo! offers more than a dozen ice cream flavors that are Certified by the USDA as organic, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and fair trade. The vanilla beans and pecans used by this manufacturer are the only plant-based ingredients.
So Delicious
The dairy-free, gluten-free ice cream flavors from So Delicious are all gluten-free. This brand even offers gluten-free ice cream flavors like cookies ‘n cream and cookie dough. Ice cream pints and ice cream bars are both available to customers.
What is Gluten?
The proteins in wheat, rye, and barley are known as gluten. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, gluten acts as a glue that holds food particles together, assisting foods in maintaining their shape. It can be found in a wide variety of foods, even those you might not expect.
Due to celiac disease, a lot of people decide to eat without gluten. Gluten causes the body to mistakenly respond as though it were a poison in celiac disease, an autoimmune condition. An individual with celiac disease who consumes gluten experiences an immune response that results in the destruction of the nutrient-absorbing portion of the small intestine. Malnutrition can cause serious illness.
Read about Are Hot Dogs Gluten Free?
Last But Not Least
It’s always best to ask before ordering at an ice-cream shop, even about “safe” flavors such as vanilla and chocolate. While store-bought options list their ingredients, you may occasionally need to contact the business due to questions about flavorings and additives, particularly for goods without the gluten-free label.
