As of the most current information available from Frito-Lay (the division of PepsiCo that produces Cracker Jack), the original Cracker Jack product is and does not carry a gluten-free label. Frito-Lay explicitly states that while some of their products are made without gluten ingredients, they cannot guarantee that Cracker Jack meets the FDA’s strict standard of less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten due to shared manufacturing facilities.

The primary ingredients in traditional Cracker Jack are popcorn, peanuts, and molasses. Popcorn itself is naturally gluten-free, as are peanuts and molasses. However, the potential for gluten contamination arises from two main sources: added flavorings or stabilizers, and cross-contact during manufacturing. Some caramel coatings may contain barley malt or wheat-derived ingredients as thickeners or flavor enhancers. Additionally, many snack foods produced on shared equipment with wheat-based products carry a risk of trace gluten contamination.

It is worth noting that Cracker Jack has released limited-edition or specialty versions over the years, such as Cracker Jack’D (a line of bolder-flavored snacks). Some of these may have different ingredient profiles, but none are currently marketed as gluten-free. Additionally, products sold outside the United States may have different formulations, so international consumers should check local packaging.