Does Sour cherry spread contain dairy or gluten?

No. The ingredients list shows no dairy (milk, butter) or gluten grains. It is safe for lactose-intolerant and gluten-free diets.

Is Sour cherry spread good for weight loss?

Not specifically. While sour cherries have health benefits, the high concentration of pure cane sugar makes this calorie-dense. It is best used sparingly for weight management.

Where can I buy Sour cherry spread?

Gluten-free fruit spreads are widely available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and standard grocery stores, as well as online via Amazon.

Is Sour cherry spread safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or choking hazards. However, due to the sugar content, it should be treated as a dessert rather than a meal staple.

Is Sour cherry spread Gluten Free?

Yes, the sour cherry spread is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient profile provided, there are no gluten-containing grains, thickeners derived from wheat, or risky additives. It is a safe choice for those managing Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the chemistry of a product to determine its safety for specific diets. For this Sour cherry spread, the formula is surprisingly clean and straightforward. Let's look at the specific components to understand why it passes the gluten-free test with flying colors.

The primary ingredient is Sour cherries. These are whole fruits, naturally free of gluten. They provide the tart flavor profile and the bulk of the volume. Following this is pure cane sugar. While sugar is often a point of contention for health, it is important to note that cane sugar is derived from sugar cane, not wheat, making it inherently gluten-free.

Where many jams and spreads trip up is in the thickening agents. Manufacturers sometimes use modified food starch, which can be sourced from wheat. However, this spread utilizes pectin as its gelling agent. Pectin is a polysaccharide found naturally in fruit cell walls. It is the gold standard for fruit spreads and is completely safe for a gluten-free diet.

Finally, the acidity regulators and antioxidant—citric acid, lactic acid, and ascorbic acid—are synthetic or fermented compounds used to balance pH and preserve color. None of these are derived from gluten sources. There are no hidden flavorings or malt vinegars to worry about here.

Nutritional Value

While this spread is safe for your gluten-free needs, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens as well. The ingredient list is dominated by pure cane sugar and sour cherries. This means the product is likely high in carbohydrates and added sugars.

Spreads like this are designed to be a treat. They generally contain negligible amounts of fat and protein. If you are monitoring your glycemic index or managing diabetes, you should consume this in moderation. The pectin adds a small amount of fiber, but not enough to offset the sugar content. It fits well into a balanced diet as a condiment, but it shouldn't be considered a 'health food' due to the sugar density.