Is Fruit Cocktail Gluten-Free?

Celiac.com 07/10/2024 - We get a lot of questions from celiac community members wondering if certain brands and products are gluten-free. One question we see a lot is about fruit cocktail. Specifically, is fruit cocktail gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease? 

First, it's important to understand that numerous companies and brands sell various types of fruit cocktail. Generally, fruit cocktails are going to be made without gluten ingredients, and will be naturally gluten-free, even if they are not specifically labeled that way. But two major manufacturers of canned and packaged fruit products are Dole and Del Monte. Here's the rundown on each.

Del Monte

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Del Monte Fruit Cocktail is made with peaches, pears, grapes, pineapples and cherries in heavy syrup. Del Monte Fruit Cocktail is made without gluten ingredients, and contain no wheat or gluten allergens, nor any allergen warnings. 

Dole

We did an article on Dole brand fruit cocktail that is a trademarked product actually called Dole Fruit Bowls.

Dole Fruit Bowls version of fruit cocktail is naturally gluten free. It is made with fruit juice and water, and does not contain any gluten ingredients, or any allergen warnings. 

However, it is important to note that some Dole fruit cocktails may be made in a facility that also processes gluten-containing products, so check labels for information.

Dole's website says their Fruit Bowls are "Naturally Gluten Free."

"The Naturally Gluten Free claim attribute includes all products making a claim of being free from gluten naturally on their package."

Check Labels

Others brands are also likely to be similarly gluten-free, but it is important to read labels and to choose carefully. Not all brands are guaranteed to be gluten free, as some may add gluten ingredients, or use shared facilities that handle gluten-containing products. It’s important to check the packaging or contact the manufacturer to ensure the fruit cocktail are gluten free.

Brands of fruit cocktail without listed wheat or gluten as allergens are generally regarded as gluten-free and safe for people with celiac disease. 

In addition to any brand labeled "naturally gluten-free," this applies to Del Monte Fruit Cocktail, and other canned fruit products without allergen ingredients or allergen warnings, including:

Dole

• Cherry Mixed Fruit
• Diced Pears
• Mandarin Orange
• Mandarins
• Mango
• Mixed Fruit
• Peaches
• Pineapple

Del Monte

• Apricots
• Cherries
• Grapefruit
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Mandarin Oranges
• Mixed Fruit

As always, read labels, and avoid gluten ingredients.