Is strawberry banana smoothie loops Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this product is not gluten-free, we must look closely at the grain ingredients used. The formulation relies on a blend of flours to create the cereal's texture, and one of these is a definite gluten source.

The primary flag for gluten is whole wheat flour. Wheat is one of the three main grains (along with barley and rye) that naturally contain gluten. Even though the product also lists whole grain oat flour, oats are naturally gluten-free. However, because wheat is present in the same facility or recipe, the product cannot be labeled gluten-free due to cross-contamination risks and the direct inclusion of wheat.

Additionally, the presence of degerminated yellow corn meal and oat fiber adds bulk and texture. While corn is naturally gluten-free, the inclusion of wheat flour renders the entire product unsafe for a gluten-free diet. The natural flavors and strawberry/banana purees are safe, but the grain base is not.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed as a sweetened cereal. The first two ingredients listed are cane sugar and whole wheat flour, indicating a high carbohydrate content with a significant contribution from added sugars.

The addition of expeller pressed canola oil provides a source of fat, though the amount per serving is generally low. The fruit purees (banana puree and strawberry puree) offer some micronutrients and fiber, but they are often lower on the ingredient list than the grains and sugars. Overall, this is a calorie-dense, sugar-heavy breakfast option rather than a nutrient-dense fruit supplement.