Is Organic Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a dessert is safe for a gluten-free diet, the devil is in the details—specifically, the cookie itself. In this organic variety, the base is standard and safe: Pasteurized organic cream and organic nonfat milk. However, the star of the show is the mix-in.

The cookies used are explicitly labeled as organic gluten-free cookies. Instead of wheat, the manufacturer uses a organic rice flour base. This blend consists of organic brown rice flour, organic rice flour, and organic tapioca starch. Crucially, the inclusion of xanthan gum mimics the elasticity that gluten usually provides, ensuring the cookie bits have a pleasant texture without containing the protein that triggers celiac disease.

Other ingredients like organic cane sugar, organic eggs, and organic vanilla extract are naturally gluten-free. The only other flag to be aware of is the organic non-hydrogenated palm oil, which provides the fat content but is free of gluten. There are no thickeners or flavorings derived from wheat listed in this specific formulation.

Nutritional Value

While this ice cream passes the gluten test with flying colors, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens. Like most full-fat ice creams, the primary ingredients are cream and sugar, which places it in the indulgence category rather than a health food.

The organic cane sugar contributes to the calorie density, and because sugar can spike blood glucose levels, portion control is key for those monitoring their intake. The fat content comes largely from the organic cream and palm oil in the cookies. While the organic certification ensures no synthetic pesticides were used in the farming of these ingredients, the caloric impact remains similar to conventional ice cream. It fits into a balanced diet as an occasional treat, but it is not a low-sugar or low-fat option.