Is Variety 12-pack Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is safe for a gluten-free diet, we look for specific red flags. In the case of the Variety 12-pack, the formula is surprisingly clean and relies heavily on fruit purees and juices. Let's look at the specific components.

The base of these drinks consists of mango puree, apple juice from concentrate, orange juice, and banana puree. These are naturally free of gluten. Fruit does not contain gluten proteins, so as long as they aren't mixed with grain-based fillers, they remain safe.

Next, we have lemon juice and natural flavor. Natural flavors can sometimes be a source of hidden gluten if they utilize barley malt or wheat extracts, but in this context, it is highly unlikely given the fruit-forward profile. Finally, beta carotene is used for color and Vitamin A fortification; this is a plant-derived pigment and is completely gluten-free.

Nutritional Value

While the Variety 12-pack passes the gluten test, it is important to look at the nutritional profile. The product is essentially a blend of fruit purees and juices. This means the sugar content is derived primarily from fruit sugars (fructose).

Because these are fruit-based drinks, they will be higher in natural sugars compared to plain water or unsweetened tea. However, they also provide vitamins naturally present in the fruits, such as Vitamin A (from beta carotene) and Vitamin C (from the citrus and mango). If you are monitoring your sugar intake or following a strict low-carb diet, you should consume these in moderation, but they serve as an excellent alternative to sugary sodas or artificially flavored beverages.