Quick Answer
No, Planter’s peanuts do not contain gluten. Peanuts are naturally gluten-free, and Planter’s does not add any gluten-containing ingredients to their peanut products. So Planter’s peanuts, peanut butter, and other peanut snacks are safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, fatigue, headache, and more.
The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also benefit from removing gluten from their diets. This means reading ingredient labels carefully and avoiding foods that contain gluten.
Are peanuts naturally gluten-free?
Yes, peanuts are naturally gluten-free. Peanuts are legumes, not grains, and do not contain the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Other nuts, seeds, and legumes that are naturally gluten-free include:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Beans
- Lentils
- Soybeans
So peanut butter, nut butters, hummus, bean dips, and other products made from these whole foods are gluten-free. However, some processed versions may have gluten-containing additives, so it’s still important to check labels.
Do Planter’s peanuts contain any gluten-containing ingredients?
No, Planter’s peanut products do not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Planter’s peanuts and peanut butter contain just one or two ingredients – peanuts or peanuts and salt. Some flavored Planter’s products also contain sugar and flavorings, but no gluten.
According to Planter’s, all their peanut and nut products are produced in gluten-free facilities. They state that any wheat, barley, rye or oats present would be from cross-contact at extremely low levels (parts per million).
So while their products are not certified gluten-free, they are considered safe for the vast majority of people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Individual tolerance levels vary, so check with your healthcare provider if concerned.
Ingredients in Planter’s peanut and nut products:
Dry roasted peanuts
Ingredients: Peanuts, Salt
Honey roasted peanuts
Ingredients: Peanuts, Sugar, Honey, Salt, Molasses
Salted peanuts
Ingredients: Peanuts, Salt
Cocktail peanuts
Ingredients: Peanuts, Salt
Peanut butter
Ingredients: Roasted Peanuts, Salt
Peanut butter with honey
Ingredients: Roasted Peanuts, Honey, Salt
Nut mixes
Ingredients: Peanuts, Almonds, Cashews, Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Salt
As you can see, the ingredient lists are short and contain no gluten. The main allergen is peanuts, for those with peanut allergies.
Are Planter’s peanut facilities gluten-free?
No, Planter’s facilities are not certified gluten-free. However, Planter’s states that any wheat/gluten that may be present is at extremely low levels from cross-contact.
Planter’s has strict allergen controls in place and manufactures peanut and nut products separately from any gluten-containing grains:
- Peanuts and tree nuts are stored, transported, and processed separately from any gluten-containing grains
- Production scheduling is coordinated to further minimize risks
- Extensive cleaning procedures are implemented if switching between nut and grain processing
- Products are tested regularly for gluten and must test below 20ppm (parts per million)
While not certified gluten-free, these controls ensure that any gluten cross-contact is minimal and the products test well below the FDA gluten-free labeling standard of less than 20 ppm.
For the vast majority of those on a gluten-free diet, Planter’s nut and peanut products would be considered safe due to the very low risk of cross-contact. However, for those with more severe celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, these products may not be tolerated. It’s best to check with your healthcare provider.
What about Planter’s chocolate and yogurt coated products?
Some flavored Planter’s products do contain ingredients derived from gluten-containing grains, such as:
- Maltodextrin
- Dextrin
- Modified food starch
- Natural flavors
So Planter’s chocolate and yogurt coated peanuts, for example, are not gluten-free. Always check the ingredient lists carefully on flavored nut products.
Some examples of Planter’s products that contain gluten:
Honey roasted peanuts with yogurt coating
Ingredients: Peanuts, Sugar, Honey, Yogurt Coating (Sugar, Palm Kernel Oil, Yogurt Powder [Cultured Whey Protein Concentrate, Yogurt Powder], Dextrin, Modified Food Starch, Gelatin, Malic Acid, Natural Flavors, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Vitamin C), Salt, Molasses.
Chocolate covered peanuts
Ingredients: Peanuts, Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Dextrin, Salt, Soy Lecithin
How to spot gluten ingredients on a label
When checking ingredient lists for gluten, look for these common gluten sources:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Oats (unless certified gluten-free)
Also watch out for ingredients derived from these grains, such as:
- Maltodextrin
- Dextrin
- Modified food starch
- Natural flavors
Distilled vinegar and caramel color are sometimes produced from gluten-containing grains but are considered gluten-free.
If a product is certified gluten-free or tests below 20 ppm gluten, it’s considered safe for a gluten-free diet. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer.
Should you avoid Planter’s peanuts if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy?
Most people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can safely eat Planter’s plain peanut and nut products, including peanut butter, due to the very low risk of cross-contact.
However, peanut allergy sufferers need to avoid all Planter’s products, since peanuts are the main allergen. Those with a wheat allergy may also wish to avoid Planter’s out of caution, even though any wheat protein levels should be minimal.
It’s best to discuss your individual health needs with your healthcare provider to determine your level of sensitivity and decide if these products fit into your diet.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should stick to Planter’s plain nuts and peanut butter and avoid any flavored or coated products that contain maltodextrin, dextrin or other gluten grain derivatives. Always read labels carefully.
Are other brands of peanuts and peanut butter gluten-free?
Yes, other unflavored brands of peanuts and peanut butter are also gluten-free, such as:
- Jif
- Skippy
- Peter Pan
- Smucker’s
- Kroger
- Great Value (Walmart brand)
- Kirkland (Costco brand)
Again, it’s still important to check labels and contact manufacturers to confirm their products are safe for your individual needs. Some people are more sensitive than others.
Beware of flavored, chocolate, or yogurt-coated peanut products, as these often contain maltodextrin or other gluten grain derivatives. Only plain peanut butter and nuts are guaranteed gluten-free.
Can you eat Planter’s nuts and peanuts if you have other food allergies or sensitivities?
Those with peanut allergies must avoid all Planter’s products, as peanuts are the main allergen. Tree nut allergies are separate from peanut allergies, but those with tree nut allergies should avoid Planter’s nut mixes.
Planter’s states their products are produced on shared equipment with milk, soy, and eggs, so there is a risk of cross-contact. Those with severe allergies or sensitivities to milk, soy, or eggs should contact Planter’s directly to confirm safety.
Salt content should also be considered for those restricting sodium for medical reasons. Raw or unsalted nuts and peanut butter would be better options in those instances.
Finding safe gluten-free peanut butter and nut products
When selecting peanut butter or nut products, choose plain, unflavored varieties and read labels carefully to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients like maltodextrin. Or look for certified gluten-free brands.
Some good gluten-free options include:
- Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter (contains just peanuts and salt)
- Justin’s Classic Peanut Butter (also just peanuts and salt)
- Nuttzo Nut & Seed Butters (certified gluten-free)
- Barney Butter Almond Butter (certified gluten-free)
Gluten-free brands will state “gluten-free” on the label and list any allergen risks like nuts, milk, or soy. Reputable brands regularly test products to ensure they have strict gluten controls in place for sensitive individuals.
When preparing peanut butter at home, opt for blenders and equipment that haven’t been used for bread or other gluten containing-foods to prevent cross-contact.
Other questions about peanuts, tree nuts, and gluten:
Are nuts gluten-free?
Yes, all tree nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, and pistachios are naturally gluten-free. However, some flavored nuts may have maltodextrin or other gluten additives.
Does peanut oil contain gluten?
No, pure peanut oil and other nut oils are gluten-free. Cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils are safest, in case gluten grains were used during solvent extraction.
Can you eat peanuts if you have celiac disease?
Yes, most people with celiac disease can safely eat plain, unseasoned peanuts and peanut products. Always check labels for gluten ingredients and look for brands that specifically cater to gluten-free diets.
What about refined peanut oil for frying?
Highly refined peanut oil is considered gluten-free, according to most experts, due to the extensive processing. But peanut allergy sufferers should still avoid refined peanut oil.
Are nuts a healthy gluten-free food choice?
Yes, nuts and peanuts are nutritious gluten-free additions to your diet. They provide a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Enjoy nuts and nut butter in moderation as part of a balanced gluten-free diet. Be sure to check labels for hidden gluten ingredients.
The bottom line
Planter’s plain peanuts and peanut butter do not contain gluten and are considered safe for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. However, Planter’s facilities are not certified gluten-free, so there is a slight risk of cross-contact for those who are highly sensitive.
When in doubt, look for peanut butters and nut products that are certified gluten-free or contact the manufacturer directly to discuss your individual needs. And steer clear of flavored, chocolate, or yogurt-coated nuts and peanuts, as these often have hidden sources of gluten.
Sticking to plain nuts and nut butters and reading labels carefully can help you safely enjoy these nutritious gluten-free foods as part of a healthy diet. Just be cautious of potential cross-contact if you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy.