Is Creamy Almond Mango yogurt Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this yogurt is gluten-free, we need to look at the specific components used to create its texture and flavor. As a food scientist, I look for hidden gluten sources like modified food starch or barley malt, but this product stays clean.

The foundation of this product is the Organic Cashew Base. This is simply filtered water blended with organic cashews. Cashews are naturally gluten-free legumes (technically seeds), providing the creamy fat content without any grains. Next, we have Organic Tapioca Starch. Tapioca is derived from the cassava root, a tuber entirely unrelated to wheat. It acts as a thickener without posing a gluten risk.

For stabilization, the manufacturer uses Locust Bean Gum and Pectin. Both are plant-derived hydrocolloids used to give the yogurt its gel-like consistency. Locust bean gum comes from the carob tree, and pectin is a fiber found in fruits. Neither are ever derived from gluten sources. Finally, the flavor profile comes from Mango, Lemon Juice Concentrate, and Vanilla Beans, all whole, gluten-free ingredients.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating the health profile of this yogurt, the primary focus is on sugar and fat content. Because this is a dairy-free alternative, it relies heavily on the fats from organic cashews and organic coconut. This results in a product that is higher in fat than non-fat dairy yogurt, but these are primarily plant-based fats.

The sweetness comes from the fruit content and likely added sugars (though the label provided is truncated, fruit concentrates add sugar). If you are monitoring your sugar intake, this product likely fits within a moderate allowance, but it is not a 'zero sugar' food. It is an excellent source of probiotics, containing a robust blend of cultures like L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis, which are beneficial for gut health. It fits well into vegan, paleo, and gluten-free diets, but strict keto dieters might find the carb count a bit high due to the tapioca starch and fruit sugars.