Ben & Jerry’s offers a variety of delicious ice cream flavors, many of which are labeled as gluten-free. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing which Ben & Jerry’s flavors are safe to eat can be extremely helpful.
Why Does Ben & Jerry’s Offer Gluten-Free Flavors?
Ben & Jerry’s recognizes that many of their customers follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons. By offering clearly labeled gluten-free flavors, they make it easier for gluten-sensitive customers to enjoy their ice cream.
According to Ben & Jerry’s website, their gluten-free flavors are produced in a separate facility from their regular flavors, to avoid any cross-contamination issues. The company states: “We want our fans with gluten sensitivities/allergies, or those living a gluten-free lifestyle, to feel confident they can snack euphorically.”
How Ben & Jerry’s Determines Gluten-Free Status
Ben & Jerry’s has a thorough process for testing ingredients and flavors to determine their gluten-free status. Here are some key points about their process:
- All ingredients that go into gluten-free flavors are reviewed for gluten content.
- Suppliers must provide documentation that ingredients test below 20ppm gluten.
- Finished flavors undergo additional gluten testing at less than 20ppm.
- Flavors are produced in a separate facility and equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
- External experts audit the facility and process regularly.
Thanks to this rigorous process, customers can trust that Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free flavors contain less than 20ppm of gluten, meeting the FDA’s standards for the gluten-free label.
What Flavors Are Gluten-Free?
Ben & Jerry’s clearly labels which flavors are “certified gluten-free” right on their packaging. As of November 2023, the following flavors are gluten-free:
| Gluten-Free Flavor | Description |
|---|---|
| Chocolate Fudge Brownie | Chocolate ice cream with fudge brownies |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough |
| Coconut Seven Layer Bar | Coconut ice cream with fudge chunks, walnuts, and swirls of graham cracker and caramel |
| Coffee Toffee Bar Crunch | Coffee ice cream with toffee and almonds |
| Milk & Cookies | Vanilla ice cream with chocolate sandwich cookies |
| Mint Chocolate Cookie | Mint ice cream with chocolate sandwich cookies |
| Peanut Butter Cup | Chocolate ice cream with peanut butter cups |
| Pistachio Pistachio | Pistachio ice cream with pistachio nuts |
| Vanilla | Sweet creamy vanilla ice cream |
| Vanilla Caramel Blondie | Vanilla ice cream with chewy blondies and salted caramel swirls |
This list represents the gluten-free Ben & Jerry’s flavors that are available as of November 2023. The availability of flavors can vary by location, so be sure to check the labels in store for the certified gluten-free emblem.
Are All Ben & Jerry’s Sorbets Gluten-Free?
Ben & Jerry’s fruit and dairy-free sorbet flavors are labeled as gluten-free as well. Sorbets are made without any dairy, instead using fruit purees and juices as the base. Flavors like Cherry Garcia and Strawberry Cheesecake sorbet are labeled gluten-free.
According to Ben & Jerry’s customer service, their sorbet flavors are produced in a dedicated facility where equipment and surfaces undergo thorough cleaning and sanitization procedures. This avoids any cross-contamination with gluten.
What About Ben & Jerry’s Non-Dairy Flavors?
Ben & Jerry’s has an ever-growing line of non-dairy, vegan flavors made with almond milk or sunflower oil bases. Unfortunately at this time, the vegan flavors do not carry the certified gluten-free label.
According to the company, some vegan flavors are made on shared equipment with conventional flavors. So there is a risk of cross-contamination even though the base ingredients may be gluten-free.
Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should exercise caution with non-dairy Ben & Jerry’s flavors and contact the company directly if concerned about a certain vegan flavor.
Are There Any Gluten-Containing Ingredients?
Ben & Jerry’s states that all ingredients in their certified gluten-free flavors are below 20ppm gluten. However, it’s still helpful to know what common allergen-containing ingredients are avoided in their gluten-free ice creams.
Here are some ingredients containing gluten that you won’t find in Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free flavors:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Oats (unless certified gluten-free)
So you don’t have to worry about hidden sources of gluten like wheat flour, malt flavoring, or oat-based cookies/mix-ins when choosing Ben & Jerry’s flavors marked gluten-free.
What About Toppings and Mix-Ins?
Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free flavors contain mix-in’s like fudge chunks, cookies, nuts, etc. The company states that all mix-in ingredients have been tested and confirmed at less than 20ppm gluten.
Some Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops allow customers to add their own toppings and mix-ins too. If you are sensitive to cross-contamination, stick to the gluten-free flavors without custom add-ins for safety.
Are Products Made in a Dedicated Facility?
Ben & Jerry’s indicates that their gluten-free flavors are produced in a separate facility from their regular ice creams. However, they do state that some shared equipment is used:
“The facilities make both regular and Certified Gluten Free flavors, so there is shared equipment. However, all equipment undergoes thorough cleaning and sanitation procedures between gluten and gluten-free production.”
For those highly sensitive, this shared equipment may be a concern. Overall the risk is low based on their rigorous processes, but it depends on your individual sensitivity and comfort level.
What About Possible Trace Gluten?
Since Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free flavors are made on some shared equipment, experts say there is always the possibility of trace amounts of gluten cross-contamination.
One expert analysis tested two Ben & Jerry’s flavors and found less than 5ppm of gluten. This falls well below the FDA gluten-free standard of less than 20ppm.
However, for those with more severe celiac disease, even trace amounts may be a concern. In that case, opting for dedicated gluten-free brands may be the safest option.
What Precautions Does Ben & Jerry’s Take?
Here are some of the key precautions Ben & Jerry’s takes when producing their gluten-free ice cream flavors:
- Employees follow gluten-free production procedures and receive ongoing training.
- Ingredient suppliers must verify ingredients are below 20ppm gluten.
- Gluten testing is conducted on finished flavors.
- Regular audits take place by third-party experts.
- Equipment and surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before production.
- Gluten-free flavors are run before conventional flavors after clean up.
These controls ensure minimal risk of gluten cross-contamination. But as always, your individual tolerance for trace gluten should guide your personal choice.
Is Ben & Jerry’s Gluten-Free Ice Cream Safe?
For most people avoiding gluten, Ben & Jerry’s flavors labeled “gluten-free” can be considered safe, based on their rigorous production procedures and testing protocols.
Independent lab tests confirm finished flavors fall well below the FDA limit for gluten (less than 20ppm). But for those highly sensitive, trace amounts still present a small risk.
Some celiacs choose to be extra cautious and only eat products made in an entirely separate dedicated facility. That choice depends on your own sensitivity levels.
Overall Ben & Jerry’s commitment to accommodating gluten-free diets is fantastic, and those flavors marked gluten-free give many fans a way to enjoy their iconic ice cream safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gluten ingredients are avoided?
Ben & Jerry’s gluten-free flavors avoid ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, malt, and oats (unless certified GF). You won’t find hidden sources of gluten like wheat flour or malt extracts.
Do they use any oats in gluten-free flavors?
Ben & Jerry’s avoids using any oats in their gluten-free flavors, unless the oats are certified gluten-free. This minimizes any risk of contamination with gluten from regular oat sources.
Are non-dairy flavors gluten-free?
At this time, Ben & Jerry’s vegan non-dairy flavors do not carry the certified gluten-free label. Some are made on shared lines and may risk cross-contamination.
Can you add your own toppings to gluten-free flavors?
While gluten-free flavors at scoop shops are safe, adding your own toppings/mix-ins means you can’t control for potential gluten contamination. Stick to pre-packaged gluten-free flavors for safety.
How often are facilities/equipment inspected?
Ben & Jerry’s states that third-party experts audit their facilities and processes regularly to ensure proper gluten-free controls are in place.
The Takeaway on Ben & Jerry’s Gluten-Free Flavors
If you need to avoid gluten for health reasons, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors clearly labeled “gluten-free” are considered safe for most people based on their diligent production procedures.
Independent testing shows finished flavors fall below 20ppm gluten, meeting FDA standards. But for those highly sensitive, opt for brands made in dedicated facilities to avoid any risk of trace gluten.
Stick to certified flavors without custom add-ins for safety. Feel free to double check labels and call Ben & Jerry’s with any questions too.
All in all, Ben & Jerry’s demonstrates a strong commitment to accommodating gluten-free diets so their fans don’t have to miss out. Their labeled gluten-free flavors give many people the chance to enjoy delicious ice cream without worry.
