Is Freeze dried strawberry pieces covered in strawberry yogurt coating Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. When we analyze this product, we have to separate the fruit from the confectionery. The Freeze Dried Strawberries are the nutritional anchor here—they are simply fruit with the water removed. However, the danger for gluten-free consumers lies in what covers them.

The primary culprit is the Yogurt Flavored Coating. While the ingredients list for the coating itself (sugar, palm kernel oil, whey, skim milk, yogurt powder) appears to be free of gluten grains, it is what we call a 'high-risk' ingredient category. Furthermore, the inclusion of Tapioca Dextrin is a thickener that is usually gluten-free, but in a complex confectionery mix, it can sometimes be derived from sources that are processed alongside wheat.

The most critical piece of data, however, is the allergen statement. The label reads: May contain: WHEAT. This is a voluntary advisory label (often called a 'Precautionary Allergen Label' or PAL). It indicates that the product is made in a facility or on shared equipment that also processes wheat. For a Celiac, even microscopic traces of gluten from cross-contamination can trigger an immune response. Therefore, despite the lack of wheat in the direct ingredient list, the manufacturing reality makes this product unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is a classic example of a 'confectionery fruit.' The Freeze Dried Strawberries provide fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. However, they are heavily overshadowed by the Yogurt Flavored Coating and added Cane Sugar.

This product is high in added sugars and saturated fats (derived from the palm kernel oil). While it offers a lower calorie alternative to chocolate, it is essentially a candy. It does not fit the criteria for a 'health food' or a weight-loss staple due to the high sugar content relative to the serving size. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary supplement.