Is Mild jalapeno pepper jelly ounces Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the formulation. The verdict is clear: this jelly is safe for those avoiding gluten. Here is why.

The primary sweeteners are high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup. Both are derived from maize, which is naturally gluten-free. The vegetable content—green bell peppers and jalapeno peppers—are fresh produce and pose no gluten risk.

The potential red flag for many is the Tabasco brand green pepper sauce. Many hot sauces utilize malt vinegar (derived from barley) or wheat-based thickeners. However, the ingredient list for this specific product specifies corn starch and xanthan gum as the thickening agents. Corn starch is a gluten-free carbohydrate, making this formulation safe. Additionally, pectin is a fruit-derived gelling agent that is naturally free of gluten.

Nutritional Value

While this jelly passes the gluten test with flying colors, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens. The base of this product is high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, meaning the primary macronutrient is sugar. It is essentially a liquid candy with a savory, spicy kick.

Because it is a jelly, it contains negligible fat and protein. It fits into a gluten-free diet easily, but if you are managing diabetes or strictly watching your caloric intake for weight loss, this should be treated as a condiment used in very small quantities rather than a main food source.