Is Da fruta concentrate passion fruit Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims to the molecular composition of the product. Da fruta concentrate passion fruit is formulated using a blend of fruit juices, preservatives, and stabilizers. The primary ingredients are passion fruit juice and water, which are naturally free of gluten. The concentrate uses citric acid for tartness and passion fruit flavor to boost the sensory profile, neither of which typically contain gluten.

When analyzing stabilizers and colors, we look for grain-derived ingredients. The stabilizer used here is xanthan gum. This is a polysaccharide created through fermentation, usually by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. It is grown on a carbohydrate source (like corn or soy) and is universally considered gluten-free. The colorant, carmine, is derived from cochineal insects; while it is an animal byproduct, it contains no gluten. Finally, the preservatives sodium benzoate and sodium meta bisulphite are synthetic chemical compounds that are free of gluten proteins.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this concentrate is a source of added sugars. While it contains passion fruit juice, the 'concentrated' aspect implies that water has been removed, increasing the sugar density per serving. If you are monitoring your glycemic index or strictly counting carbohydrates, this product should be diluted significantly with water or sparkling water. It is low in fat and protein, functioning primarily as a flavoring agent rather than a meal replacement. It fits into a gluten-free diet easily, but for a strictly 'whole food' diet, the added sodium benzoate and carmine color might be ingredients some consumers prefer to avoid.