Is Fruit Roll-Ups Blastin' Berry Hot Colors 10 Count Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look beyond the obvious wheat flour. For Fruit Roll-Ups Blastin' Berry Hot Colors, the primary structure comes from corn derivatives. The base consists of corn syrup and dried corn syrup. Since corn is a gluten-free grain, this provides the chewy texture without gluten risks. Sugar and pear puree concentrate add the sweetness and fruit flavor profile.

The texture is maintained by palm oil and fruit pectin. It is important to note that while oats are frequently flagged for cross-contamination with wheat, this product does not contain oats. Instead, it uses fruit pectin as a natural thickener. The acidity is regulated by citric acid and malic acid, which are derived from non-gluten sources.

Where this product diverges from a 'clean label' is in the additives. The vibrant colors—Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6—are synthetic dyes often debated in nutrition circles. Additionally, monoglycerides and acetylated monoglycerides are used as emulsifiers. While these can technically be derived from animal or soy fats, General Mills confirms they are not derived from gluten-containing grains. Therefore, from a strictly gluten-free standpoint, the formulation is safe.

Nutritional Value

While these rolls are gluten-free, they are essentially concentrated sugar. A single serving (1 roll) contains 11 grams of sugar, which is significant for such a small portion size. This comes primarily from the corn syrup and sugar listed at the top of the ingredients. Because there is very little fiber or protein to slow down digestion, these can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.

Fat content is relatively low at 2.5 grams per serving, mostly from palm oil. However, the caloric density is high relative to the volume of food. For those strictly managing weight or insulin response, these should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily snack. The inclusion of Vitamin C is a minor positive, but it does not offset the high sugar load.