Is Folgers Coffee Gluten Free? (Find Out Now!)


Is Folgers Coffee Gluten Free

Brewing Folgers coffee in the morning is a great smelling and economic way to get your caffeine. And while it would seem that coffee would be gluten free, you’d be surprised that there could be some grain-based products in your cup.

Folgers coffee does not contain gluten but it is not certified gluten-free. This is because the coffee beans may have come into contact with gluten during transportation on agricultural equipment. Additionally, Folgers flavored products and K-Cups products may contain gluten or wheat because they contain ‘natural flavors’, commonly made from barley-based ingredients.

Learn more about gluten ingredients in natural flavorings and check out a few great gluten-free and sustainable coffee companies below. Let’s dig in!

Folgers Nutritional Information by Product

Folgers Classic Roast

Folgers Classic Roast coffee contains a blend of 100% coffee beans with no additives or preservatives. Below are nutrition facts and percentage of recommended daily value for a 1 cup / 8 fl oz standard serving size of Folgers Classic Roast Coffee:

  • Calories – 3
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0.1 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 116mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Folgers French Vanilla Flavored Coffee

Folgers French Vanilla flavored coffee has two ingredients. It is made from 100% coffee beans and is flavored with natural vanilla flavoring. Below are nutrition facts and percentage of recommended daily value for a 1 cup / 8 fl oz standard serving size of Folgers Vanilla Flavored Coffee

  • Calories – 2.4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0.1 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 116mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Folgers Hazelnut Flavored Coffee

Folgers Hazelnut flavored coffee contains two ingredients – coffee beans and natural hazelnut flavoring. Below are nutrition facts and percentage of recommended daily value for a 1 cup / 8 fl oz standard serving size of Folgers Hazelnut Flavored Coffee:

  • Calories – 2.4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 116mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Folgers Caramel Drizzle K-Cup Pods

Folgers Caramel Drizzle K-Cup Pods are made from coffee beans that are ground and artificially flavored with caramel natural favoring. Below are nutrition facts and percentage of recommended daily value for a 1 cup / 8 fl oz standard serving size of Folgers Caramel Drizzle K-Cup Pods:

  • Calories – 2.4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 116mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Folgers Vanilla Biscotti K-Cup Pods

Folgers Vanilla Biscotti K-Cup pods are made from coffee beans and natural flavorings. Below are nutrition facts and percentage of recommended daily value for a 1 cup / 8 fl oz standard serving size of Folgers Vanilla Biscotti K-Cup Pods:

  • Calories – 2.4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 116mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0

Is regular coffee gluten-free?

A coffee bean does not naturally contain gluten. But, those beans can come into contact with gluten particles as they are processed. They could be transported in a truck that recently carried wheat or stacked in a facility next to a shipment of barley. So, the danger is that the coffee is potentially processed, stored or transported on equipment that has come into contact with gluten. Flavored coffee has a higher chance of containing gluten because natural flavorings are often made with gluten-based products.

Can natural flavorings contain gluten?

Yes. Natural flavorings are made from grains – like wheat, barley and rye – that contain gluten. Federal law requires manufacturers to label the product if the natural flavorings they use were derived from wheat, but not from any of the other grains. That goes for the rest of the eight major allergens. The FDA requires the product be labeled if natural flavor contains traces of the allergen.

Is coffee healthy?

Many people who are gluten sensitive have problems with IBS and other digestive issues. If you’re one of those, you might find that the caffeine in coffee further irritates that problem. You could be spending more time in the bathroom if you’re already battling digestive problems and you drink coffee.

Coffee studies have showed both positive and negative effects on the body. It’s been shown to improve memory, help prevent depression and it may help in preventing some diseases like diabetes and gout. It’s also been shown to lead to anxiety, cause insomnia and stomach irritation, and leach calcium from your system. Most studies conclude: coffee can be healthy in moderation.

Are there harmful chemicals in coffee?

J.M. Smucker, the company that owns Folgers, states on their website that they are concerned about sustainability and being environmentally friendly, however the company’s products are not certified pesticide, herbicide or fungicide free. They do not offer an organic coffee option.

How does Folgers compare with other coffee?

Folgers is a budget brand of coffee. The coffee is roasted in New Orleans, Louisiana and beans are grown all over the world in places like Africa, Central America, and the Caribbean. The company produces ground, K-cup and instant coffee. Folgers Classic Roast is a mixture of arabica and robusta beans, giving it a hearty and harsh quality. Folgers coffees are not organic and do not source beans that are fungicide, herbicide or pesticide free.

How to choose a sustainable coffee brand

Look for a coffee that is certified USDA organic, certified by the Rainforest Alliance and certified Fair Trade if you’re looking for a sustainable brand of coffee. If a coffee is labeled organic it means that 95% of the beans have been grown in organic conditions, using no synthetic additives. The Rainforest Alliance badge means the product is free from chemicals and pesticides, as well as meeting a whole slew of other sustainable requirements. Here are my top 5 sustainable coffee brands.

Alternatives to Folgers

Chameleon Organic Guatemalan Ground Coffee

This coffee is certified organic and sustainably sourced. They offer whole bean and ground coffee in a huge variety of flavors, but they started with a mission to make the best cold-brew in the world. Their ground coffee is pretty tasty, too! It isn’t certified gluten-free, but contains only one ingredient: ground coffee beans sourced from Guatemala.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 8 fl. oz.):

  • Calories – 4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0.1 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 4.7 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 110mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Cafedirect Fairtrade Smooth Roast Coffee

Certified Fair Trade and organic, this coffee company sources beans that are shade-grown. This makes production more cost-effective for the farmer and is better for the environment. It is one of the largest hot drink brands in the UK. This freeze-dried instant coffee is not certified gluten-free, but contains no gluten ingredients. In fact it only contains one ingredient – coffee beans that have been ground and freeze dried.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving / 100 ml):

  • Calories – 1
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 2.1 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 110mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0.2 g

Equal Exchange Organic Love Buzz Coffee

Equal Exchange’s coffees are certified gluten-free and certified USDA organic. The company’s coffee beans are ethically sourced and the company openly promotes social justice, organic and environmentally sustainable growing methods and promotes great relationships with farmers. Ingredients are organic arabica coffee.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 8 fl. oz.):

  • Calories – 0
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 0 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Higher Ground Ethiopian Yirgacheffe

Higher Ground Ethiopian Yiracheffe has only one ingredient – Ethiopian-grown coffee beans. It is not certified gluten-free, but contains no gluten ingredients. The company hails from Tennessee and is all about sustainability. Higher Ground buys wind power credits to subsidize wind farms and their product is certified Fair Trade and organic. They also give back to farm and community programs.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 8 fl. oz.):

  • Calories – 0
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 0 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

DOMA Coffee Roasting Company Kenya Roast

This coffee is certified Fair Trade and organic, has eco-friendly packaging and gives back to the community in the form of youth programs. It is not certified gluten-free, but contains no gluten in the one ingredient – roasted coffee beans sourced from Kenya.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 8 fl. oz.)

  • Calories – 0
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 0 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0 g

Healthy Coffee Substitutes

There isn’t going to be anything quite like coffee. If you’re looking to find a different delectable routine to settle into for your mornings, though, there are plenty of drink combinations that are meant to boost wellness and give you the same energy and mental jolt you get from coffee.  Sweeten these substitutes with honey or other sweeteners, like maple syrup.

RISE Coffee Alternative

RISE Brewing Co. | Original Black Cold Brew | Vegan & Non-Dairy | Organic, Non-GMO | 32oz. Multi-Serve Carton (Pack of 6) This is a blend of chai spice, cacao and adaptogens meant to boost you both mentally and physically. It is certified gluten-free, non-GMO, keto, kosher and vegan. RISE contains cacao, chicory root, cinnamon, turmeric, ashwaganda, lion’s mane mushroom, reishi mushroom, cordyceps mushroom and L-Theanine.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 7 fl. oz.)

  • Calories – 10
  • Total Carbohydrates – 2 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 15 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – < 1 g

Mud Water

This coffee substitute is certified gluten-free and goes above and beyond some of the others by boosting digestion, balancing immunity, supporting mental and physical performance, and increasing alertness. The company boasts a ‘complex flavor profile’ that can be just as enticing as coffee. Ingredients are a masala chai blend (black tea, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper), turmeric, Himalayan salt, and a four mushroom blend (chaga, lion’s mane, reishi, cordyceps).

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 1 tbsp.):

  • Calories – 20
  • Total Carbohydrates – 4 g
  • Total Fat – .5 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 10 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 1 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – < 1 g

RASA Mushroom Latte

Original Rasa Herbal Coffee Alternative with Ashwagandha, Chaga + Reishi for All-Day Energy + Focus - Caffeine-Free, Organic, Adaptogens, Vegan, Keto, Whole30, 8 Ounce This herbal blend contains no gluten ingredients, but is not certified gluten free. It contains burdock, chicory and dandelion roots, cacao, shatavari, codonopsis, eleuthero, he shou wu, rhodiola extract, cinnamon, cordyceps extract, lion’s mane extract, schisandra extract, gynostemma extract, shilajit extract and chaga, with less than 1% cassava dextrin as a processing agent.  promotes mental clarity and focus, provides non-jittery energy, and has less caffeine than matcha and coffee. It also contains collagen and other health-boosting ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (per 1 serving, 1 tbsp.):

  • Calories – 0
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 0 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – < 1 g

Clevr Matcha SuperLatte Mix

Clevr SuperLatte Starter Kit – Chai & Golden SuperLattes with Included Frother, Latte Powder Mix with Organic Spices, Oat Milk and Coconut Cream, Powered by Adaptogens, Mushrooms + Probiotics Clevr Matcha SuperLatte Mix contains ingredients that are all gluten-free, but it is not certified gluten-free. Ingredients are Oatmilk powder, coconut milk powder, monk fruit, matcha, ashwaganda extract, lion’s mane extract, reishi extract, Himalayan pink salt, and the probiotic Bacillus Coagulanas GBI 30-6086.

Nutrition Facts ( per 3 tbsp.):

  • Calories – 80
  • Total Carbohydrates – 15 g
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 85 mg / 4%
  • Potassium – 87 mg / 3%
  • Dietary Fiber – 0 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 2 g
  • Protein – 0 g

DelighTeas Ayurvedic Golden Milk Blend Turmeric Tea Latte

Ayurvedic Organic Golden Milk blend with Turmeric, Ceylon Cinnamon, Ginger and Black Pepper; Anti-Inflammatory (5 oz, 120 cups) This tea latte mix combines all organic ingredients of cinnamon powder, ground ginger, ground black pepper, turmeric powder. The combination has been used for joint support and promotion of immunity and digestion. Combine with water or your favorite milk. DelighTeas Ayurvedic Golden Milk Blend Turmeric Tea Latte mix is labeled gluten-free, organic and vegan.

Nutrition Facts (per ½ tsp):

  • Calories – 4
  • Total Carbohydrates – 0 mg
  • Total Fat – 0 g / 0%
  • Sodium – 0 mg / 0%
  • Potassium – 0mg / 0%
  • Dietary Fiber – <1 g / 0%
  • Sugars – 0 g
  • Protein – 0.1 g

Related Questions

Is Coffee Vegan?

Coffee beans are naturally vegan because they don’t contain any animal products. Ethical vegans should take note that the process of making coffee can sometimes conflict with pro-environment ideals. Coffee cultivation can include the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides.

Is Coffee Kosher?

Yes. Coffee is considered kosher because it only encounters water during the roasting process. Coffee becomes non-kosher when it is decaffeinated and when it is flavored.

Are there allergens in coffee?

Coffee contains a high amount of histamine, which can trigger an apparent allergic reaction in a small amount of people. Coffee is naturally free of the eight major food allergens, but can come into contact with any of them throughout transportation, storage or processing.

How much caffeine is in coffee?

There is more caffeine in one standard cup of coffee than in a cup of most energy drinks. There are 96 mg in one 8-oz cup of regular black coffee. Compare that with 4 mg of caffeine in brewed black tea,  22 mg of caffeine in 8 oz of soda and 29 mg in 8 oz of most energy drinks.

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Jessica Else

Jessica Else is a nutrition writer who has a passion for health and wellness. As a breast cancer survivor and a celiac, Jessica sticks to a gluten-free, nutrient-dense diet and lives an active lifestyle. Yoga, hiking and gardening are her favorite ways to stay healthy and engaged with life and she’s dedicated to helping others discover what they can do to boost wellness in their own lives.

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