Does Cranberry Health Mix contain dairy or gluten?

No, this specific mix contains no dairy ingredients (like milk or cheese) and no gluten ingredients (like wheat or barley).

Is Cranberry Health Mix good for weight loss?

It is calorie-dense due to the nuts and dried fruit sugars. While nutritious, it should be eaten in small portions if you are trying to lose weight.

Where can I buy Cranberry Health Mix?

This product is typically available at major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Amazon, though availability varies by region.

Is Cranberry Health Mix safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children, but be mindful of the sugar content. Also, ensure the child does not have a nut allergy, as the mix contains peanuts and tree nuts.

Is Cranberry Health Mix Gluten Free?

Yes, Cranberry Health Mix is gluten-free. Based on a detailed analysis of the ingredients list, this product contains no wheat, barley, rye, or gluten-containing additives. It is a safe snacking option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden gluten sources like malt flavoring or modified food starch. Fortunately, the Cranberry Health Mix relies on whole, naturally gluten-free ingredients. The base consists of cranberries (often treated with sugar and sunflower oil for texture), walnuts, raw almonds, and unsalted peanuts. None of these botanicals contain gluten.

The dried fruit components—black raisins and golden raisins—are also naturally gluten-free. However, it is important to note that the golden raisins contain sulfur dioxide as a preservative. While this is a potential allergen for some, it has no relation to gluten. The mix is rounded out with raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and raw sunflower seeds. There are no breadcrumbs, croutons, or grain-based fillers present in this specific lot.

Cross-contamination is the primary risk for gluten-free products. While the ingredients themselves are safe, this specific product does not explicitly state it is manufactured in a dedicated gluten-free facility. However, the absence of gluten flags in the ingredient analysis strongly suggests it is safe for those avoiding gluten. The inclusion of sunflower oil ensures the mix remains free of soy or canola oils, which some consumers prefer to avoid.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this mix is an energy-dense snack. The presence of unsalted peanuts, almonds, and walnuts provides a solid foundation of healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. The raw pepitas and sunflower seeds add a significant amount of magnesium and zinc to the profile.

The primary concern for health-conscious consumers is the added sugar found in the cranberries and the raisins. Dried fruit is naturally high in sugar, but added sugars can spike blood glucose levels. This mix is high in calories per serving due to the combination of fats from nuts and sugars from fruit. It fits well into a balanced diet or a high-energy diet (like for athletes), but portion control is essential if you are monitoring your caloric intake or sugar consumption.