Is Market basket, splash flavored beverage, peach mango Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a beverage is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look beyond the obvious and scrutinize the processing aids and flavorings. The base of this drink is simple: Water and High Fructose Corn Syrup. Neither of these contains gluten. The color comes from Beta Carotene, a plant-derived pigment, which is naturally safe.

The fruit profile is built using concentrates and purees. We see Carrot Juice from Concentrate, Apple Juice Concentrate, and Clarified Peach Juice Concentrate. The inclusion of Mango Puree adds texture and authentic flavor. None of these fruit or vegetable ingredients are grain-based, eliminating the risk of gluten contamination at the agricultural level.

A potential red flag for some is Natural Flavors. In the food industry, "natural flavors" can sometimes be derived from barley or wheat. However, in a fruit-flavored beverage like this, these flavors are almost exclusively derived from the fruit sources themselves (peach and mango oils or extracts). There is no indication of a savory or grain-based flavor profile that would necessitate gluten.

Finally, the sweetening and fortification system includes Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sucralose, and Vitamin E. Sucralose is a synthetic sweetener and is chemically distinct from gluten proteins. Because the manufacturer has not flagged this product as containing gluten, and the ingredients are inherently gluten-free, it passes the test.

Nutritional Value

While this beverage is safe for gluten-free diets, it is important to look at what else you are consuming. The primary sweetener is High Fructose Corn Syrup, which contributes to the calorie count without providing significant nutritional benefits. Additionally, the drink uses Sucralose, an artificial sweetener, to boost sweetness without adding more sugar calories. This makes the drink very sweet but low in micronutrients aside from the added vitamins.

If you are managing your sugar intake or following a strict weight-loss plan, this beverage should be treated as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. While it is fat-free and gluten-free, the combination of high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners makes it less ideal than drinking plain water or unsweetened tea. However, for a gluten-free splurge, it fits the bill.