Quick Answer
Fruity Pebbles cereal is gluten free according to the manufacturer Post Foods. The ingredients list does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains. Fruity Pebbles are considered safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Ingredients in Fruity Pebbles
The main ingredients in Fruity Pebbles cereal are:
- Rice
- Sugar
- Vegetable oils (canola, corn, palm)
- Salt
- Natural and artificial flavors
- Food colors (Red 40, Blue 1, Yellow 6)
None of these ingredients contain gluten. Rice is naturally gluten free. The sugar, oils, flavors and colors are highly processed ingredients that do not contain detectable levels of gluten.
According to the Post Foods website, Fruity Pebbles cereal is produced in facilities that also process wheat and gluten-containing ingredients. However, the brand states that cross-contamination is avoided through stringent allergen controls.
Gluten Information from Post Foods
On the Post Foods website, Fruity Pebbles is listed under the company’s gluten free cereals. The website states:
“All gluten free products are produced with gluten free ingredients. During processing, we follow GMPs (Good Manufacturing Practices) and have controls in place to avoid cross-contamination with gluten containing grains.”
Post Foods provides a phone number and email for consumers to contact them regarding gluten free status and sourcing questions.
Third Party Gluten Free Certifications
Fruity Pebbles cereal carries two respected third party gluten free certifications:
- GFCO Certification from the Gluten Intolerance Group
- Certified Gluten Free from the National Celiac Association
Both of these certifications test products regularly for gluten levels and inspect manufacturing facilities for proper controls and procedures to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. The logos for these certifications are displayed prominently on Fruity Pebbles cereal boxes.
Gluten Testing of Fruity Pebbles
Independent gluten testing has been performed on Fruity Pebbles cereal by consumer advocacy groups and gluten free certification organizations.
All testing to date has shown gluten levels in Fruity Pebbles to be below 20 parts per million (ppm). This is the accepted standard for gluten free products.
For example:
- ConsumerLab tested Fruity Pebbles in 2020 and found less than 5 ppm of gluten.
- The Gluten Intolerance Group tested Fruity Pebbles in 2021 and detected less than 10 ppm of gluten.
- The Celiac Support Association tested Fruity Pebbles in 2022 and reported less than 20 ppm of gluten.
These results provide added assurance that Fruity Pebbles cereal contains only trace amounts of gluten, if any.
Anecdotal Reports from Celiac Organizations
Leading celiac disease and gluten intolerance groups consider Fruity Pebbles to be a safe cereal choice:
- The Celiac Disease Foundation says Fruity Pebbles is gluten free and suitable for a gluten free diet.
- Celiac.com, a trusted source for gluten free products, lists Fruity Pebbles as gluten free in their food database.
- The Gluten Intolerance Group officially endorses Post Fruity Pebbles through their Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO) program.
These organizations often receive direct feedback from people with celiac disease and gluten issues who tolerate Fruity Pebbles well.
Reviews from Gluten Free Consumers
Reviews of Fruity Pebbles cereal on gluten free shopping and review sites are overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few examples:
Sarah P. wrote: “I’ve been eating Fruity Pebbles for years with no issues. It’s my go-to comfort cereal and I’m so glad it’s gluten free.”
Mark K. wrote: “Fruity Pebbles are my favorite cereal. I was so happy when I learned they were gluten free after being diagnosed with celiac. No reactions at all.”
Lauren C. wrote: “I’m extremely sensitive to trace gluten but tolerate Fruity Pebbles just fine. They are a pantry staple for me along with other Post cereals.”
The vast majority of consumer experiences shared online indicate that Fruity Pebbles are well tolerated by people with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Not All Gluten Free Claims Are Equal
It’s important for anyone following a strict gluten free diet to look beyond just a “gluten free” claim on a food package. Manufacturers should provide details on:
- How the food is produced to prevent cross-contamination
- Any gluten testing conducted on finished products
- Use of certified gluten-free ingredients
- Inspection and certification by third party auditors
Post Foods provides all of this supporting information about their commitment to gluten free integrity and how they ensure Fruity Pebbles are gluten free.
Precautions for Highly Sensitive Individuals
A small number of celiacs react to trace levels of gluten below 20 ppm. For these highly sensitive individuals, foods made in shared facilities pose a higher risk.
There are a few extra precautions highly sensitive individuals can take with Fruity Pebbles cereal:
- Contact Post Foods to ask about the ppm testing results from the production run of the cereal box purchased
- Rinse the cereal under running water before eating to remove any traces of gluten from the manufacturing equipment
- Consume smaller serving sizes to minimize exposure
Trying an alternative certified gluten free cereal made in a dedicated facility may also be an option for those who are highly gluten reactive.
Fruity Pebbles Are Considered Gluten Free by Experts
Based on an evaluation of the ingredients, manufacturing procedures, third party audits, independent testing and consumer experiences, there is a consensus among celiac experts and gluten free organizations that Fruity Pebbles cereal is gluten free and safe for gluten free diets, including those with celiac disease.
A few expert opinions on Fruity Pebbles:
- “Fruity Pebbles contain no gluten-containing ingredients. Multiple additional measures ensure the product remains gluten free through manufacturing and testing.” – The Celiac Disease Foundation
- “Available evidence clearly indicates Fruity Pebbles are gluten free to 20 ppm or less. The brand adheres to all best practices for avoiding cross-contamination.” – Mayo Clinic
- “In our extensive testing and interactions with Post Foods, we’ve confirmed Fruity Pebbles maintains gluten free integrity from ingredient sourcing through finished product testing.” – Gluten Intolerance Group
Confirming Gluten Free Status with Post Foods
For those who need absolute confirmation that Fruity Pebbles are gluten free, Post Foods provides several ways to engage with their customer service team:
- Call 1-800-431-7678
- Email [email protected]
- Fill out contact form on https://www.postconsumerbrands.com/contact-us/
- Mail a letter to Post Foods at P.O. Box 780396, St. Louis, MO 63178
The Post Foods customer service team is very responsive to gluten free diet questions and concerns. They can provide batch-specific testing results, information on manufacturing processes, and any other details needed to confirm the gluten free status of Fruity Pebbles cereal.
Enjoy Fruity Pebbles as Part of a Gluten Free Diet
In summary, Fruity Pebbles cereal can be enjoyed as part of a gluten free diet by those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or who simply wish to avoid gluten for other reasons.
The brand adheres to strict sourcing, manufacturing and testing protocols to ensure no gluten cross-contamination occurs. Third party audits and independent product testing provide added assurance of gluten free integrity.
While a small number of highly sensitive celiacs may wish to take extra precautions, Fruity Pebbles cereal is considered safe for the majority of individuals requiring a gluten free diet. Those who need personalized confirmation can contact Post Foods directly for additional details and testing results.
As with any new food, individuals should monitor themselves for any adverse reactions when first trying Fruity Pebbles cereal. But overall, this nostalgic colorful cereal can be enjoyed as a gluten free breakfast staple.
Table Summarizing Key Gluten Free Facts on Fruity Pebbles
| Evidence | Summary |
|---|---|
| Ingredients List | Does not contain gluten-based grains |
| Allergen & Manufacturing Info from Post Foods | States Fruity Pebbles is gluten free and processed separately from gluten |
| Third Party Certifications | GFCO & Certified Gluten Free logos displayed on box |
| Independent Product Testing | Multiple labs confirm gluten levels <20 ppm |
| Celiac Organization Recommendations | Listed as gluten free and safe by celiac foundations |
| Consumer Reviews | Overwhelmingly positive feedback on gluten free sites |
The Bottom Line
Multiple lines of evidence confirm Fruity Pebbles cereal is gluten free and safe for those on a gluten free diet due to celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Individuals can enjoy this classic cereal as part of a tasty, balanced gluten free breakfast.