Is wholesome medley Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look for specific red flags when analyzing snack mixes for gluten. The wholesome medley relies on a simple, whole-food composition. Let's look at the specific components:

The base consists of peanuts and almonds. These are naturally gluten-free legumes and tree nuts. The manufacturer coats them in a blend of peanut and/or sunflower oil and salt. This is a clean process with no risk of gluten contamination from the oil itself.

The sweetness comes from dried cranberries. While dried fruit can sometimes be dusted with flour to prevent sticking, this specific recipe lists sugar and sunflower oil. There is no mention of starches or grain-based anti-caking agents.

The most complex ingredient is the dark chocolate chunks. In the chocolate industry, gluten risks usually come from added flavorings or cross-contaminated processing lines. However, this list is clean: sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, salt, and vanilla. None of these are gluten sources. The soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soy, not wheat.

Verdict: Every single ingredient listed is inherently gluten-free. There are no ambiguous terms like 'natural flavors' that often hide gluten. Therefore, this product passes the gluten test with flying colors.

Nutritional Value

While this mix is safe for gluten-free diets, we must also look at the nutritional profile. This is a calorie-dense mix, primarily due to the peanuts and almonds, which provide healthy monounsaturated fats and protein.

The dried cranberries are the primary source of added sugar. In many dried fruit products, sugar is added to enhance shelf life and flavor, which increases the glycemic load. If you are managing blood sugar levels, portion control is key here.

The dark chocolate chunks contribute a small amount of caffeine (theobromine) and antioxidants, but they also add to the overall saturated fat content. However, the fat profile is largely heart-healthy due to the nuts. This mix fits well into a Keto or Paleo diet if you pick out the cranberries, or a general balanced diet if you stick to a small serving size (approx. 1/4 cup).