Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people eliminating gluten from their diets for health or personal reasons. For those following a gluten free diet, it’s important to check labels and understand which foods contain gluten and which do not. One food item that often raises questions is Smucker’s jelly. In this article, we’ll take a close look at Smucker’s jelly ingredients and provide a clear answer on whether Smuckers jelly is gluten free.
What is gluten?
Before diving into whether Smucker’s jelly contains gluten, it’s helpful to understand what gluten actually is. Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale. It acts as a “glue” that helps foods maintain their shape and texture. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This is why those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must follow a strict gluten free diet and avoid all foods containing gluten.
Common foods containing gluten
Gluten is naturally found in foods made from wheat, rye, barley and triticale. This includes breads, cereals, pastas, baked goods and many processed foods. Some common foods that contain gluten include:
- Breads, cereals, crackers made with wheat, rye, barley or triticale
- Pasta, couscous, gnocchi
- Cookies, cakes, muffins, donuts, pie crust
- Beer and malt beverages
- Soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, marinades
- Breading and coating mixes
- Croutons, stuffing, dressing
It’s important to read ingredient lists carefully and look for these and other common sources of gluten when following a gluten free diet. Even small amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can be problematic for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
What ingredients are in Smucker’s jelly?
Now that we understand what gluten is and common sources of it, we can specifically look at the ingredients in Smucker’s jelly. Smucker’s makes a variety of jellies, jams and preserves. Here are some of their most popular jelly ingredients:
- Smucker’s Strawberry Jelly: Strawberries, sugar, fruit pectin, citric acid
- Smucker’s Grape Jelly: Grapes, sugar, fruit pectin, citric acid
- Smucker’s Blackberry Jam: Blackberries, sugar, fruit pectin
- Smucker’s Raspberry Preserves: Raspberries, sugar, fruit pectin, citric acid
Looking at these ingredient lists, you’ll notice there is no mention of wheat, rye, barley or triticale – the grains containing gluten. The main ingredients are fruit, sugar, fruit pectin and citric acid. Fruit pectin and citric acid are used to help the jellies and jams thicken and set.
Why Smucker’s jelly is gluten free
Based on the ingredients listed above, Smucker’s jellies and jams do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. They are considered gluten free. Here are some key reasons why:
- The jellies and jams are made from fruit juice and do not contain any wheat, rye, barley or triticale.
- They use fruit pectin as a thickening agent, not wheat-derived ingredients.
- Sugar and citric acid are gluten free ingredients.
- Smucker’s products are made on shared equipment that also processes wheat, but the final products test below 20ppm for gluten.
- Smucker’s labels their gluten free products as such and lists them on their website.
While Smucker’s does process some products on shared equipment with wheat, they adhere to strict standards to avoid cross-contamination. Their jellies and jams test below 20 parts per million for gluten, the international standard for gluten free certification.
Smucker’s gluten free product list
Smucker’s maintains a list on their website of products that are tested and confirmed gluten free. This includes all their traditional fruit jellies and jams, including:
- Smucker’s Strawberry Jam
- Smucker’s Strawberry Jelly
- Smucker’s Grape Jelly
- Smucker’s Apricot Jelly
- Smucker’s Blackberry Jam
- Smucker’s Raspberry Jelly
- Smucker’s Blueberry Jam
- Smucker’s Cherry Preserves
- Smucker’s Peach Preserves
- Smucker’s Pineapple Preserves
In addition to jellies and jams, they also list peanut butter, fruit spreads, ice cream toppings, syrups, fruit butters and pie fillings as gluten free. Always check their website for the most up-to-date list.
Precautions when eating Smucker’s jelly gluten free
While Smucker’s jellies and jams contain no gluten ingredients, it’s important to be aware of a few precautions if you follow a strict gluten free diet:
- Check labels – formulas can change so always check the label to confirm ingredients
- Beware of cross-contamination – Smucker’s does process some products with wheat on shared lines
- Avoid marmalades – These are not listed as gluten free due to the potential for cross-contamination
- Don’t rely on front labels only – always check the detailed ingredient list
- Contact the company if uncertain – Smucker’s has a Consumer Relations department to answer questions
Following these tips will help ensure Smucker’s jellies and other products are safe to eat on a gluten free diet. Smucker’s adheres to high standards to avoid gluten cross-contamination issues.
Enjoying Smucker’s jelly gluten free
Smucker’s makes a wide variety of delicious jellies, jams, preserves and fruit butters that are naturally gluten free. Those following a gluten free diet can enjoy favorites like:
| Jelly/Jam Flavor | Uses |
|---|---|
| Strawberry Jelly | Toast, PB&Js, yogurt parfaits |
| Grape Jelly | Toast, sandwiches, cheese board accents |
| Blackberry Jam | Scones, muffins, tarts |
| Raspberry Preserves | Crepes, thumbprint cookies, cheesecake |
Smucker’s jellies and jams are naturally thick and spreadable straight from the jar. They make quick and easy gluten free toppings for toast, English muffins, bagels, yogurt, oatmeal and more. The whole fruit flavors also shine in gluten free baked goods like muffins, scones, tarts and thumbprint cookies. Drizzle jam over ice cream or stir into cottage cheese for a fast dessert too.
Smucker’s gluten free baking tips
Smucker’s jams and preserves add sweet fruity flavor to all kinds of gluten free baked goods. Here are some tips for using them:
- Sub 1:1 for any oil or butter in muffin, quick bread and cake recipes
- Fold into cookie doughs and bars for bursts of fruit flavor
- Make jam thumbprint cookies with jarred jam in the center
- Brush on top of scones, muffins or tarts before baking
- Stir into granola bar or energy bite recipes
- Use as a filling for crepes, pancakes or gluten free waffles
- Layer jam between slices of pound cake or sponge cake
Smucker’s also makes gluten free fruit butters, including apple and peach varieties. These are delicious stirred into oatmeal, spread on toast, or used as a topping for desserts.
Are Smucker’s peanut butter and Uncrustables gluten free?
In addition to jellies and jams, some other Smucker’s products that are certified gluten free include:
- Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter (Creamy & Crunchy)
- Smucker’s Natural Almond Butter
- Smucker’s Uncrustables Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Sandwiches
- Smucker’s Uncrustables Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jam Sandwiches
- Smucker’s Magic Shell Ice Cream Topping
Always check labels to confirm gluten free status, as product formulas can change. Smucker’s Uncrustables provide a convenient gluten free sandwich option with their famous peanut butter and jelly combo sealed inside a soft gluten free bread.
Smucker’s products NOT gluten free
While many Smucker’s products are gluten free, some varieties do contain gluten. These include:
- Smucker’s Uncrustables made with wheat or multigrain bread
- Smucker’s muffin, pancake and waffle mixes
- Smucker’s Milky Way Hot Cocoa
- Smucker’s S’mores Hot Cocoa
- Smucker’s Dunkin Donuts Coffee
- Smucker’s Cafe Escapes Lattes
- Smucker’s Bread & Butter Pickles
- Smucker’s sandwich spreads
Always thoroughly read labels and ingredients lists, even for brands you frequently buy. Formulations and manufacturing processes can change which may impact allergen content.
Contacting Smucker’s about gluten free questions
If you ever have any questions about whether a Smucker’s product is gluten free or not, you can contact their Consumer Relations department:
Phone: 1-888-550-9555
Online form: www.smuckers.com/contact
Smucker’s Customer Service representatives can provide detailed information on manufacturing processes and allergen protocols. They may be able to look up specific lot codes or provide certificates of analysis. This can give you extra assurance that their gluten free products are safe for your diet needs.
Enjoy Smucker’s gluten free products
When purchased and consumed carefully by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, Smucker’s jellies, jams, peanut butter and other select products can be enjoyed as tasty gluten free options. Always thoroughly check ingredient labels and follow allergen-free preparation and storage advice to prevent cross-contamination. With an array of sweet fruity flavors, Smucker’s gluten free fruit spreads, butters and peanut butter can brighten up meals and snacks.
