Is Freeze-Dried Mango Slices Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for when analyzing a product for gluten is the ingredient list. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. When we look at the Freeze-Dried Mango Slices distributed by Target, the ingredient list is remarkably short and transparent.

The sole ingredient listed is Mango. There are no fillers, flavor enhancers, or binding agents. In the world of processed foods, this is the gold standard for purity. Because the product is simply fruit with the water removed, there is virtually no risk of gluten contamination at the ingredient source.

However, as an investigative journalist, I always check for the fine print regarding allergen cross-contact. Even if an ingredient isn't gluten, facilities that process wheat often process other foods. The label provided does not list a 'May Contain' statement for wheat or gluten, which further supports the verdict that this product is safe. The absence of ingredients like maltodextrin (which can sometimes be wheat-derived) or natural flavors (which can be a hiding spot for gluten) confirms its clean status.

Nutritional Value

While the gluten-free verdict is clear, the nutritional profile is equally important. A serving of these freeze-dried slices contains 35 calories (estimated based on standard serving size for this type of product). The primary macronutrient is carbohydrate, specifically 9g of total sugars. It is important to remember that freeze-drying concentrates the natural sugars found in the fruit, so portion control is key if you are monitoring your sugar intake.

Fat content is virtually non-existent, with 0g of total fat, making this an excellent heart-healthy snack. The product also provides a modest amount of dietary fiber (1g) and essential minerals like Potassium (280mg) and Iron. It fits well into a low-fat diet, but those on a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet should be mindful of the sugar content.