Quick Answer
Chobani yogurt is considered celiac safe for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Chobani uses real milk and fruit, with no artificial preservatives or sweeteners. All Chobani yogurts are certified gluten-free, containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. However, there is a small risk of cross-contamination during processing. Individual tolerances vary, so some people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may still react to Chobani yogurt.
Ingredients in Chobani Yogurt
The main ingredients in Chobani yogurt are:
- Milk – Chobani uses only real milk from cows not treated with rBST growth hormones.
- Live and active cultures – Including L. acidophilus, Bifidus, L. casei, and L. bulgaricus cultures.
- Fruit – Real fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches depending on variety. No artificial flavors.
- Cane sugar – Only in flavored varieties. No artificial sweeteners.
- Natural flavors – Small amounts of natural flavors are added in some varieties.
Chobani does not add any thickeners, starches, or gums to its yogurt. The full ingredient list for each yogurt variety is available on the Chobani website. Importantly, Chobani does not add any gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, rye or oats during production.
Gluten-Free Certification
All Chobani yogurts are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). For a product to be certified gluten-free by the GFCO, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is the same standard used by the FDA for gluten-free labeling in the United States.
The GFCO regularly audits Chobani’s production facilities and tests products to ensure they continue meeting the strict standard. Chobani also states on its website that its products are tested to verify they are below 5 ppm of gluten.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Chobani yogurt contains no gluten ingredients, there is a small chance of cross-contamination with gluten during production. Trace amounts of gluten could be introduced in the following ways:
- Shared equipment – If equipment is used to make both yogurt and gluten-containing products, traces of gluten could get into the yogurt.
- Shared facility – Chobani produces some yogurt varieties in a facility that also handles wheat ingredients.
- Ingredients – Milk or fruit ingredients could be contaminated if sourced from shared suppliers.
To reduce this risk, Chobani states that it tests ingredients, segregates equipment, thoroughly cleans lines between runs, and follows strict allergen control procedures in its facilities. But there is no way to fully eliminate the chance of cross-contamination.
Individual Tolerances Vary
The small chance of trace gluten in Chobani yogurt is likely to be tolerated by most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. But for some, even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms or intestinal damage.
Factors that affect individual tolerance include:
- Severity of celiac disease – People with more severe intestinal damage may react to lower levels of gluten.
- Individual sensitivity – Some people react strongly even to tiny gluten exposures.
- Total gluten intake – People who consume gluten from other sources like grains may be more sensitive to traces.
- Health status – Someone already experiencing symptoms or intestinal inflammation may react more.
So while most can safely consume Chobani yogurt, others may still experience issues. The only way to know is to try it carefully and see how your own body responds.
Are Specific Chobani Products Safer Than Others?
In general, the risk of gluten cross-contamination should be very low and consistent across all Chobani yogurt varieties. However, some products may be safer choices for those highly sensitive:
- Simply 100 yogurt – Made in a dedicated dairy facility free from gluten, wheat, grains and soy.
- Blended yogurt drinks – Also produced in a dedicated, gluten-free facility.
- Product lines certified organic by the USDA – Have additional supply chain oversight.
Chobani notes that their Plain, Simply 100, Flips, Creamy, Blended, Oat, and Kids product lines are all produced in facilities that also handle wheat for other products. So for those who are highly sensitive, the Plain yogurt or products made in a dedicated facility are the best option.
Chobani’s Statements on Gluten-Free Suitability
Chobani themselves state that their products are “suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease”. However, they do include an advisory statement for people who are highly gluten-sensitive:
“While our products are certified gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million, consumers with severe gluten sensitivities should exercise judgment in consuming our products.”
Chobani also notes that people managing celiac disease or food allergies should always read labels, check for updated information on manufacturing procedures, and contact the company if any questions or concerns.
Steps to Minimize Risk When Consuming Chobani Yogurt
Most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can safely eat Chobani yogurt. But if you are highly sensitive, there are steps you can take to minimize any risk:
- Contact Chobani – Ask about testing results and whether any changes have been made to ingredients or manufacturing. Be aware that formulas frequently change.
- Read labels carefully – Check both major allergens and full ingredients lists for any sign of gluten sources.
- Look for certification – Choose options certified gluten-free by GFCO or USDA Organic when possible.
- Start slowly – Introduce Chobani yogurt in small amounts at first to test your individual tolerance.
- Isolate sources – Don’t eat other high-risk gluten foods when consuming Chobani to simplify reactions.
- Verify individually – Don’t assume that because one variety is tolerated, all will be. Check each separately.
Being an educated, vigilant consumer is key if you need to avoid even traces of gluten. By following precautions and verifying your own tolerance, most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can feel comfortable continuing to enjoy Chobani yogurt.
Tips for Incorporating Chobani Yogurt in a Gluten-Free Diet
Chobani yogurt can be a nutritious addition to a gluten-free diet, providing protein, calcium, probiotics and other nutrients. Here are some tips for enjoying it:
- Choose plain, whole milk varieties – These have more protein and nutrients than nonfat or lowfat yogurts.
- Top with gluten-free granola or fresh fruit – Boost nutrition and fiber.
- Blend into smoothies – Use as the base instead of milk.
- Use in dips and dressings – Mix with gluten-free herbs and seasonings.
- Make parfaits – Layer yogurt with naturally gluten-free grains like buckwheat or certified GF oats.
- Substitute in baking – Replace some oil or butter in muffins, cakes and breads.
- Combine with non-dairy milk – For lactose-free or vegan yogurt options.
- Freeze into popsicles – For gluten-free probiotic fudgesicles.
With so many ways to enjoy it, Chobani yogurt can be a versatile addition to nearly any gluten-free diet.
The Bottom Line
Chobani yogurt is a safe option for most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, based on its gluten-free certification and manufacturing precautions. However, there is a small risk of traces of gluten from cross-contamination. Individual reactions vary, so some very sensitive individuals may still experience issues after eating Chobani yogurt.
By starting slowly, verifying your personal tolerance, choosing products made in dedicated facilities when possible, and taking other precautions, you can continue to safely incorporate Chobani yogurt into your gluten-free lifestyle. Just be sure to monitor your own symptoms and adjust your diet accordingly. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about including Chobani or other gluten-free labeled products in your celiac disease or gluten-free diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chobani Greek yogurt gluten-free?
Yes, all varieties of Chobani’s Greek and regular yogurts are certified gluten-free to less than 20 ppm. However, there is a small chance of cross-contamination with gluten during production.
What kinds of Chobani yogurt are gluten-free?
Chobani states that all of their yogurt products, including Greek, blended, flip, and kids yogurts in all flavors, are certified gluten-free to under 20 ppm. People who are highly sensitive should contact the company to discuss options made in dedicated facilities.
Is Chobani yogurt safe for people with celiac disease?
For most people with celiac disease, Chobani yogurt is considered safe. However, because trace gluten exposure can trigger symptoms or intestinal damage for some, high risk individuals should use caution and verify personal tolerance.
Does Chobani yogurt contain wheat or gluten ingredients?
No, Chobani does not add any gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye or oats to its yogurts. The small risk of gluten exposure comes from cross-contamination during production or from supplier ingredients.
Can people with gluten intolerance eat Chobani yogurt?
In general, people with gluten intolerance can safely consume Chobani yogurt. But because tolerances vary, it’s important to try a small amount first and monitor for any reaction or symptoms. Individual sensitivity levels differ.
Is Chobani oat milk yogurt gluten-free?
Yes, Chobani’s yogurt made with oat milk is certified gluten-free according to the company. However, it is made in a facility that also processes wheat-containing products. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution and verify tolerance.
What about Chobani with mix-in cookies or candy pieces?
While the yogurt itself is gluten-free, Chobani’s yogurts with mix-in cookies, candy pieces, or granola may contain gluten sources. You need to check labels closely or contact the company to verify gluten-free status of any added mix-in ingredients.
Are Chobani yogurt cups or tubes safer for people with celiac disease?
From a gluten cross-contamination standpoint, Chobani states that the yogurt cups and tubes pose an equally low gluten risk when proper precautions are followed during manufacturing. Some people opt for cups so they can see and avoid any stray cookie or granola pieces mixed in.
Where is Chobani yogurt produced?
Chobani operates several production facilities in the United States. Some facilities only handle dairy while others also process products containing gluten. Contact Chobani for details on which varieties are produced in which facilities, especially if you are highly sensitive.
Is Chobani yogurt made in a facility with wheat or gluten?
Some Chobani yogurt varieties are made in dedicated dairy-only facilities, while others are produced in facilities that also process wheat ingredients and gluten. The company states that thorough cleaning and testing procedures are followed to avoid cross-contamination.
