Is Yoplait Go-Gurt Variety Pack Raspberry/Strawberry Banana 16 Count Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As an investigative food scientist, I scrutinize every component to ensure safety for those with dietary restrictions. For the Yoplait Go-Gurt Variety Pack, the primary concern for gluten-free consumers is the presence of hidden wheat derivatives. Fortunately, this product passes the test.

Let's look at the base ingredients. Both the Strawberry Banana and Raspberry varieties start with cultured pasteurized grade A low fat milk. This is the primary ingredient and is naturally gluten-free. The sweetness comes from sugar and modified corn starch. Corn starch is a safe, gluten-free thickener, unlike wheat starch which is often used in other processed foods.

Where we usually see gluten is in the stabilizers and flavorings. However, this product uses kosher gelatin (which is beef-derived, not pork, and gluten-free), carrageenan (a seaweed extract), and tricalcium phosphate. The colors are derived from vegetable juice and fruit juice, avoiding artificial dyes that sometimes carry gluten risks in manufacturing. The preservative potassium sorbate is also safe. There are no hydrolyzed wheat proteins or malt flavorings present.

A crucial point for sensitive individuals is cross-contamination. While the ingredients list does not flag wheat, large-scale facilities often process multiple products. However, Yoplait generally adheres to strict allergen protocols. Since this specific variety pack does not list wheat in the 'Contains' statement or ingredients, and the modified corn starch is specified, it is deemed safe for a gluten-free lifestyle.

Nutritional Value

While being gluten-free makes this product accessible, it is important to analyze the nutritional profile for overall health. A standard serving of these Go-Gurt tubes contains roughly 50 calories per tube. The calorie count is low, which can be beneficial for managing daily intake.

The main nutritional concern is the sugar content. Each tube contains added sugar, contributing to the sweet taste that kids love. While it fits into a balanced diet as a treat, relying on it as a daily snack might contribute to exceeding recommended sugar limits. The fat content is low, as it is made from low-fat milk, making it a lighter option compared to full-fat yogurts or cheese sticks.

On the positive side, it provides a decent amount of calcium (thanks to the tricalcium phosphate) and vitamins A and D. For a child's lunchbox, it offers protein and probiotics from the live active cultures, which is great for gut health. It fits well into a diet where gluten is the primary restriction, but should be balanced with whole fruits and vegetables.