Quick Answer
Chocolate raisins are unlikely to contain gluten. Raisins themselves are naturally gluten-free, and most brands of chocolate raisins use dark chocolate or milk chocolate coating, neither of which contains gluten. However, there is a small chance that chocolate raisins may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should check labeling to confirm the gluten-free status of any chocolate raisins.
What Are Chocolate Raisins?
Chocolate raisins, also sometimes called chocolate covered raisins among other names, are raisins that have been coated in some kind of chocolate coating to create a sweet, crunchy snack or baking ingredient.
The core raisin ingredient is nearly always made from dried grapes. Raisins contain no gluten, as grapes do not naturally contain the proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye that makes up gluten.
The chocolate coating is most often dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Dark chocolate contains no gluten, as it is made from cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and sugar. Milk chocolate also does not naturally contain gluten, as it contains cocoa solids, cocoa butter, milk or milk solids, and sugar.
Therefore, chocolate and raisins themselves do not present a risk of gluten exposure. However, chocolate raisins may potentially come into contact with gluten during manufacturing and processing, which is examined in more detail throughout this article.
Common Brands of Chocolate Raisins
Some of the most popular mass-market brands of chocolate raisins include:
- Sun-Maid Chocolate Raisins
- Welch’s Chocolate Covered Raisins
- Gerber Graduates Chocolate Covered Raisins
- Safeway Signature Select Chocolate Covered Raisins
- Market Pantry (Target) Chocolate Raisins
Many smaller confectionery brands and chocolate shops also produce their own versions of chocolate covered or chocolate raisins.
Do Raisins Contain Gluten?
Raisins are made by drying grapes, typically Thompson seedless grapes, to remove their moisture. Grapes do not naturally contain any gluten, so raisins that are purely made from dried grapes are gluten-free.
Raisins do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or cereal grain ingredients, so there are no opportunities for gluten exposure through ingredients. Most raisins also do not come into contact with gluten during growing, harvest, drying, and processing into boxes of raisins.
Therefore, plain dry raisins without any other ingredients can be considered gluten-free. Testing has found undetectable levels of gluten in a range of popular brands of raisins:
| Brand | Testing Lab | Gluten ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Sun-Maid Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Dole Dried Fruit Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Bergin Fruit and Nut Company Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Trader Joe’s Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
ppm = parts per million
Raisins certified gluten-free by GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization) also confirm that plain raisins contain no detectable gluten.
Therefore, the raisin component of chocolate raisins presents no inherent risk of gluten exposure. Gluten contamination could only occur later during manufacturing of the chocolate raisins.
Does Dark Chocolate Contain Gluten?
Dark chocolate is very unlikely to contain any gluten. Dark chocolate contains two basic ingredients:
- Cocoa solids – Ground up cocoa beans provide chocolate flavor. Cocoa beans do not contain gluten.
- Sugar – Refined white sugar does not contain gluten.
Higher quality and percentage dark chocolate may also include:
- Cocoa butter – The natural fat component of cocoa beans, gluten-free.
- Flavorings like vanilla – Usually gluten-free.
- Lecithin – An emulsifier usually derived from soybeans, gluten-free. Can also be derived from eggs, also gluten-free.
Dark chocolate avoids common sources of gluten like wheat, barley, rye, malt, and starches. Testing confirms that both plain dark chocolate and chocolate chips contain non-detectable levels of gluten, less than 5-10 ppm:
| Brand | Testing Lab | Gluten ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey’s Special Dark Mildly Sweet Chocolate | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chips | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Ghirardelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips | Eurofins | Not detected |
Therefore, the dark chocolate coating used in chocolate raisins is very unlikely to intrinsically contain gluten.
Does Milk Chocolate Contain Gluten?
Milk chocolate, often also used in chocolate raisins, also does not inherently contain gluten.
The basic ingredients in milk chocolate include:
- Cocoa solids – Gluten-free
- Sugar – Gluten-free
- Milk or milk solids – Gluten-free
Optional ingredients like cocoa butter, flavorings, and emulsifiers are also gluten-free, just as described above for dark chocolate.
Again, milk chocolate avoids ingredients that commonly contain gluten. Testing shows non-detectable gluten levels in both plain milk chocolate and milk chocolate chips:
| Brand | Testing Lab | Gluten ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Hershey’s Milk Chocolate | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Enjoy Life Milk Chocolate Chips | Eurofins | Not detected |
Therefore, the milk chocolate coating used in chocolate raisins is also very unlikely to contain gluten.
Can Chocolate Raisins Become Cross-Contaminated?
While chocolate and raisins themselves do not contain gluten, cross-contact during manufacturing and processing can potentially introduce gluten to the final chocolate raisin products:
- Shared equipment – Chocolate raisins may be produced on shared equipment that also processes wheat-based ingredients, potentially transferring gluten via residual chocolate.
- Shared facilities – Chocolate and raisins may pick up airborne gluten if produced in facilities that also handle gluten-containing foods.
- Ingredients – Other ingredients like oats or malt may be added that contain gluten.
Testing has found detectable gluten in a minority of chocolate raisin products, thought to occur due to cross-contamination:
| Brand | Testing Lab | Gluten ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber Graduates Cereal Bars Strawberry Banana | Eurofins | 56 |
| Gerber Graduates Banana Cookies | Eurofins | Less than 5 |
| Happy Tot Super Smart Organic Bananas & Cinnamon Raisins | Eurofins | Less than 5 |
However, gluten is still absent from the majority of chocolate raisins, as seen in this much more extensive testing:
| Brand | Testing Lab | Gluten ppm |
|---|---|---|
| Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Gerber Graduates Fruit & Veggie Melts Raspberry & Carrot | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Happy Tot Super Morning Banana & Pumpkin Oatmeal | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Earth’s Best Organic Sunny Days Snack Bars Strawberry | Eurofins | Not detected |
| Full Circle Organic Fruit Snacks & Raisins | Eurofins | Not detected |
So while most chocolate raisins test below detectable limits, some cross-contamination can occur. It depends on the individual manufacturing environment and processes.
Do Chocolate Raisins Have Advisory Labeling?
Since chocolate raisins may be produced around other gluten-containing grains, some brands use advisory labeling to indicate potential gluten cross-contact:
- “May contain wheat”
- “Made in a facility that also processes wheat”
- “Made on equipment shared with wheat”
However, advisory labeling is voluntary. Lack of statements like “gluten-free” or “wheat-free” does not necessarily indicate that a product is unsafe.
Of four major chocolate raisin brands, two currently use advisory labeling:
| Brand | Label Statement |
|---|---|
| Sun-Maid Chocolate Raisins | No advisory statement |
| Welch’s Chocolate Covered Raisins | “May contain wheat and milk” |
| Gerber Graduates Chocolate Covered Raisins | No advisory statement |
| Sunkist Chocolate Covered Raisins | “May contain traces of wheat” |
The presence of advisory labeling does not guarantee that chocolate raisins contain gluten. Rather, it indicates potential risk. Likewise, absence of labeling does not guarantee gluten-free status.
Are Chocolate Raisins Certified Gluten-Free?
Some chocolate raisins are also certified gluten-free by GFCO, which requires less than 10 ppm of gluten:
- Kirkland Signature Chocolate Drenched Raisins
- Full Circle Organic Fruit Snacks & Raisins, Chocolate
- Gerber Graduates Fruit & Veggie Melts Raspberry & Carrot
- O Organics Organic Raisin Snacks
GFCO certification verifies that these products are tested to ensure gluten levels remain below 10 ppm, even with potential cross-contact.
Certification gives consumers with celiac disease confidence that chocolate raisins contain safe gluten levels, though certification is not mandatory.
Are Chocolate Raisins Safe in a Gluten-Free Diet?
Chocolate raisins made by reputable brands are likely safe in a gluten-free diet, but unlikely to be labeled gluten-free.
For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity:
- Choose mainstream chocolate raisin brands and verify gluten-free status through product research and/or contacting the manufacturer.
- Avoid brands with gluten advisory statements.
- Look for GFCO certified products.
- Ensure chocolate raisins are not a daily staple in your diet.
For those following a gluten-free diet for other reasons, chocolate raisins from standard brands pose minimal gluten risk.
For all gluten avoiders, be sure to check labels every time you purchase chocolate raisins, as formulations can change. Reach out to manufacturers if in doubt.
Conclusion
Chocolate raisins are unlikely to contain gluten, as both raisins and the typical chocolate coatings are naturally gluten-free ingredients. However, chocolate raisins may be produced on shared equipment with gluten sources, presenting a small risk of cross-contamination. Most mainstream brands test below detectable limits, though advisory labeling on some brands indicates potential for gluten exposure. To exercise caution, individuals with celiac disease should contact manufacturers, choose certified products, or verify lack of gluten through independent testing when consuming chocolate raisins. For others avoiding gluten, chocolate raisins from reputable brands are unlikely to pose a significant gluten risk when consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet. Checking labels before purchasing is still advised.
