What products at Trader Joe’s are gluten free?
Trader Joe’s has a wide selection of gluten free products across all departments in the store. Here are some tips for finding gluten free items:
- Look for the “Gluten Free” label on packaging. Trader Joe’s clearly marks all foods that are certified gluten free with this label.
- Check freezer aisles for gluten free waffles, pizza, chicken nuggets, etc.
- Browse the pasta aisle for gluten free pasta, noodles, and gnocchi.
- Find gluten free baking mixes, flours, and baking aids in the baking section.
- Shop the cereal and granola aisle for certified gluten free options.
- Pick up gluten free snacks like popcorn, potato chips, pretzels, and crackers.
- Choose gluten free dressings, marinades, condiments, and sauces.
- Look for gluten free beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and soda.
- Browse the cheese section for gluten free options.
- Find gluten free dairy products like milk, yogurt, butter, and eggs.
- Shop the frozen fruit and veggies for plain gluten free produce.
- Grab gluten free nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
- Pick up certified gluten free canned beans, soups, stocks, and chilies.
- Browse the meat department for unmarinated fresh meats, poultry, and fish.
The key is to always double check the label for the “Gluten Free” marking before purchasing an item. Trader Joe’s also has an updated gluten free product list available on their website and in stores.
What ingredients indicate if a product at Trader Joe’s contains gluten?
When checking labels at Trader Joe’s, watch out for products containing:
- Wheat (including varieties like spelt, farro, emmer, einkorn)
- Rye
- Barley
- Malt
- Brewer’s yeast
- Triticale
- Oats (unless certified gluten free)
Any products containing these grains or ingredients derived from them have gluten and are not safe for a gluten free diet. Other things to watch for are fillers like starch, flavors, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) which can contain gluten.
What labeling regulations help identify gluten free products?
Trader Joe’s adheres to the FDA gluten free labeling law which states that any product labeled “gluten free”:
- Must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
- Cannot contain any gluten-containing grains, derivatives, or ingredients that were derived from gluten.
- Must follow good manufacturing processes to avoid cross-contamination.
So when you see the “Gluten Free” label, you can trust that items meet the federal requirements for gluten free. Trader Joe’s also indicates “Not Yet Labeled Gluten Free” on products that are naturally gluten free but have not been tested yet.
What about Trader Joe’s products that are not labeled gluten free?
Even if not labeled gluten free, many products at Trader Joe’s do not contain gluten ingredients. Some examples include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Fresh meat, poultry, fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Oils, vinegars and olives
- Spices, salt, pepper
- Pure extracts
- Coffee and tea
- Wine and distilled spirits
- Pure cocoa powder and chocolate
- Honey, jams and jellies
When in doubt, always check the label thoroughly for any gluten-containing ingredients. Call or email Trader Joe’s for more clarification if needed.
How can you identify high risk cross-contamination areas at Trader Joe’s?
While Trader Joe’s takes care to avoid cross-contamination in store, there are some high risk areas to be mindful of:
- Bulk bins – Scoops are often used across several bins including gluten-containing grains.
- Bakery – Lots of airborne gluten flour from baking.
- Tortillas – Can be contaminated from shared preparation areas.
- Deli – Shared slicers, utensils and prep areas.
- Cheese section – Cheese can harbor gluten from added ingredients.
To avoid issues, consider purchasing pre-packaged items from these sections rather than ordering from the prepared food counter. Or look for dedicated gluten free areas like the freezer gluten free baked goods section.
What questions should you ask employees about gluten free status?
Don’t be afraid to ask Trader Joe’s crew members plenty of questions about the gluten free status of products. Here are some recommended questions:
- Is this product marked gluten free? Can I see the package?
- What ingredients are in this product?
- Is this made in a gluten free facility?
- Does this item share equipment with wheat-based foods?
- How is cross-contamination avoided with this product?
The more you ask, the better info you’ll get about how gluten free the foods truly are. A knowledgeable employee can check ingredients lists, allergen info, and preparation procedures as needed.
Should you rely on the Trader Joe’s gluten free list?
Trader Joe’s maintains a list of confirmed gluten free products on their website. While a helpful guide, be aware that:
- The list may not represent all gluten free items currently in stores.
- Product formulas frequently change – always check labels.
- The list does not consider risk of cross-contamination.
- Lists can have inaccuracies – go by label markers.
Use the list as a reference, but don’t rely on it as your sole source of information. Manufacturers can change ingredients at any time without warning, so check labels each time you shop.
What precautions should you take shopping at Trader Joe’s?
To choose gluten free items safely at Trader Joe’s, remember:
- Stick to the perimeter of the store where the fresh, less processed foods are.
- Check labels every time, even if buying a previously safe product.
- Look for the “Gluten Free” label marking.
- Avoid bulk bins and self-serve areas with shared utensils.
- Ask employees lots of questions if uncertain.
- Wash all produce to remove potential cross-contamination.
- Buy dedicated gluten free toasters, condiments, etc. for home.
- Know thy high cross-contamination risk areas like bakery.
- Shop gluten free items first, then non-gluten free items.
- Use grocery delivery or curbside pickup if available.
By being a savvy label reader, asking questions, and using precautions, you can shop Trader Joe’s gluten free with confidence!
What are some recommended gluten free Trader Joe’s products?
Here is a sampling of top rated gluten free products commonly available at Trader Joe’s:
| Category | Gluten Free Products |
|---|---|
| Baking Mixes & Flours | Gluten Free Pancake and Baking Mix, Almond Flour, Coconut Flour |
| Breads & Bakery | Gluten Free English Muffins, Bagels, Sandwich Bread, Brioche Bread, Sliced Bread |
| Breakfast Foods | Gluten Free Instant Oatmeal, Granola, Cereal |
| Snacks | Corn Chips, Popcorn, Rice Crackers, Pretzels |
| Frozen Items | Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets, Waffles, Pizza, Veggie Burgers |
| Pasta | Gluten Free Penne, Spaghetti, Lasagna Noodles, Pizza Crusts |
| Soups & Meals | Gluten Free Chicken Soup, Vegetable Soup, Mac and Cheese |
| Sweet Treats | Gluten Free Cookies, Brownies, Cakes |
| Condiments | Gluten Free Soy Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Mustards, Mayonnaise |
What gluten free Trader Joe’s products should you avoid?
While their selection is expansive, there are certain items at Trader Joe’s to be cautious of:
- Oats – May be cross-contaminated unless certified gluten free
- Deli meats – Often contain gluten fillers
- Candies – Can have barley malt, wheat starch
- Licorice – Usually has wheat flour
- Canned soups – Many contain gluten ingredients
- Spices – Potential cross-contamination
- Frozen veggies – May have wheat added
- Plant-based meats – Can contain gluten
- Sauces – Soy, teriyaki often contain wheat
- Chips – Flavored chips may have gluten
Unless labeled gluten free, these products likely contain or have been cross-contaminated by gluten. Check all labels carefully before purchasing items in these categories. When in doubt, choose another certified gluten free option.
Should you shop at Trader Joe’s for your gluten free diet?
The verdict? Yes, Trader Joe’s is generally considered a safe option for gluten free grocery shopping. Key advantages include:
- Large amount of certified gluten free products.
- Clear labeling and marking of gluten free items.
- Helpful customer service and knowledgeable staff.
- Moderate prices for specialty gluten free foods.
- Constantly adding new gluten free items.
- Gluten free foods interspersed in store vs one section.
- Diligent about allergen controls and testing.
- Provides information and resources for gluten free shoppers.
- Regular product audits and oversight safety protocols.
Just be vigilant reading labels, ask questions, and take precautions around cross-contamination. With care, Trader Joe’s can be a go-to destination for gluten free groceries.
Conclusion
Shopping gluten free at Trader Joe’s is certainly doable with the right knowledge and precautions. Focus on certified gluten free labeled products, read ingredients diligently, ask questions, and avoid high risk areas in store. Reference their gluten free list online but rely on in-store label markings primarily. With preparation and care when choosing products, Trader Joe’s can be a great place to find diverse, affordable gluten free foods. Just be a mindful, savvy shopper and you can successfully shop their aisles gluten free.
