Haagen Dazs is one of the most popular ice cream brands in the world, known for its rich and creamy flavors. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, enjoying ice cream can be difficult since many brands contain ingredients derived from wheat, rye, barley and other gluten-containing grains. The good news is that Haagen Dazs does offer some gluten-free flavors for those with dietary restrictions. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about whether Haagen Dazs ice cream is gluten free.
Quick Answers
Yes, some flavors of Haagen Dazs ice cream are gluten-free. Haagen Dazs states that all of their ice creams and sorbets are gluten-free except for flavors that contain cookie pieces like Cookies & Cream. Their facility practices proper allergen control procedures. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should always double check labels since ingredients can change.
Overview of Celiac Disease and Gluten
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine leading to damage and inability to absorb nutrients properly. This can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain and malnutrition. The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly following a gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
Gluten sensitivity or intolerance is a condition where ingestion of gluten leads to adverse reactions like digestive issues, fatigue and joint pain, but does not damage the small intestine like celiac disease. Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity must also follow a gluten-free diet to manage symptoms.
According to BeyondCeliac.org, celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide. Many also suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding safe gluten-free foods, including ice cream, is important. Let’s take a closer look at Haagen Dazs’ options.
Are Haagen Dazs Ice Creams Gluten Free?
Most flavors of Haagen Dazs ice cream are gluten-free, according to their website. Haagen Dazs states that all of their ice creams and sorbets are gluten-free, except for flavors that contain cookie pieces like Cookies & Cream.
Gluten Free Flavors
Here are some of the gluten-free flavors currently available from Haagen Dazs:
- Vanilla
- Chocolate
- Strawberry
- Mint Chip
- Coffee
- Salted Caramel
- Rocky Road
- Cookies and Cream (single serve cups only)
- Coconut Caramel
- Rum Raisin
- Green Tea
- Mango & Raspberry
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Brownies & Cream
- Butter Pecan
- Banana Peanut Butter
- Pistachio
- Peppermint Bark
- Milk & Cookies
- Cherries Jubilee
- Triple Caramel Chunk
- Sorbet flavors like Raspberry, Mango, Lemon
As you can see, those with gluten sensitivities have plenty of delicious options to choose from.
Not Gluten Free
The Haagen Dazs flavors that contain gluten and are not gluten-free friendly include:
- Cookies & Cream (pints and bars)
- Rocky Road Dazzler Bar
- Caramel Cone Explosion
- Brownie a la Mode
- Mint Brownie Squared
- Any flavor with cookie pieces
The reason these flavors contain gluten is because they include cookie pieces or crumbs that contain wheat. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity will need to avoid these flavors.
Are Haagen Dazs Facilities Gluten Free?
In addition to having gluten-free flavors, Haagen Dazs also states that all of their facilities follow allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contamination for those with food allergies and celiac disease.
Here is their full statement on gluten free production:
“All Haagen-Dazs facilities follow allergen control procedures to address coconut, eggs, milk, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), wheat and other allergens. Equipment and utensils are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized after contact with major food allergens, such as wheat, to prevent potential cross-contamination. Cross-contamination with wheat gluten is further controlled by clustering production of products containing wheat in one section of the facility separate from products without wheat.”
Their diligence in preventing cross-contamination is reassuring for those needing to avoid gluten. Proper cleaning, sanitation and separation of ingredients helps minimize the risk of gluten exposure.
How to Identify Gluten Free Haagen Dazs Flavors
When selecting Haagen Dazs flavors, be sure to check the ingredient label on each pint or bar carefully. While their ice creams are labeled as gluten-free, the ingredients can change occasionally.
Here are some tips for spotting gluten-free flavors:
- Look for the “gluten-free” label on the front of the packaging
- Check the ingredients list and make sure you recognize all the ingredients
- Avoid any flavor that lists “cookie pieces”, “cookie dough”, “brownie pieces” or other similar ingredients
- Stick to basic flavors like chocolate, vanilla bean, strawberry if you are unsure
- Contact the company if you cannot find an ingredient list or have any questions
Double checking labels is important each time you purchase a product since formulations can change. If you are ever uncertain about an ingredient, be sure to reach out to the Haagen Dazs customer service team.
Other Considerations for Celiacs & Gluten Sensitivity
When enjoying Haagen Dazs’ gluten-free ice cream options, those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should consider a few other precautions:
- Check labels for any added toppings – Magic Shell, syrups or candies need to be gluten-free too
- Look for certified gluten-free if severely sensitive – Haagen Dazs is not certified gluten-free
- Beware of cross-contamination at ice cream shops – many use shared scoops and containers
- Do not share dishes or spoons with those eating gluten-containing flavors
- Consider potential sensitivity to oats – some experts advise avoiding oats as well since they can also trigger reactions
While Haagen Dazs follows very good protocols in their facilities, those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity need to take extra care at home as well when enjoying any products. Reading labels thoroughly and being aware of cross-contamination risks is key to staying safe.
Contacting Haagen Dazs About Gluten Free Options
If you have any questions about gluten-free choices from Haagen Dazs, you can contact their Consumer Relations team:
Phone: 1-800-767-0120
Online Contact Form: https://www.haagendazs.us/contact-us.html
The Haagen Dazs team is very responsive to allergen and ingredient questions. Feel free to reach out to them if you need any clarification or want to learn about new gluten-free flavors. They are available Monday thru Friday from 9am – 5pm EST.
Conclusion
Finding delicious gluten-free ice cream options is possible thanks to brands like Haagen Dazs offering varieties made without gluten-containing ingredients. By sticking to their fruit and nut based flavors and avoiding those with cookies/brownies, people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance can enjoy rich, creamy and safe ice cream. Just be diligent about double checking labels for recent recipe changes and watch out for cross-contamination when serving at home. Haagen Dazs provides peace of mind for gluten free needs when a craving for ice cream strikes.
