Are Crispers Gluten-Free? A Guide to Safe Snacking

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Manufacturers state that snacks such as Crispers are not gluten-free and contain wheat and barley. For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, this is an important fact that requires careful attention to ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the gluten status of Crispers and similar products, clarifying why many contain gluten. It highlights key gluten ingredients and provides safe, certified gluten-free snack options for people with dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Crispers are not gluten-free: Crispers contain wheat flour and malted barley flour, making them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.
Always check the ingredient list: Common hidden gluten sources in snacks include wheat, barley, malt extract, and wheat-based seasonings.
Cross-contamination is a risk: Many manufacturers process gluten and non-gluten products on the same equipment, posing a risk for individuals with celiac disease.
Look for certified gluten-free labels: Third-party certifications, such as the GFCO, ensure a product meets standards and has less than 20 ppm of gluten.
Safe alternatives are available: Gluten-free snack options include certified potato chips, chickpea puffs, and rice-based crackers.

Understanding the Ingredients in Crispers

Crispers are not a gluten-free food. A review of the ingredients in flavors like All Dressed or Salt & Vinegar reveals why. Although potato flour is a primary ingredient, these snacks also contain components from gluten-containing grains. This combination makes them unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Why Crispers are not a safe option

Multiple sources confirm that Crispers include wheat flour and malted barley flour. For those with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can cause an immune reaction. The presence of these ingredients means Crispers should be avoided by anyone with a gluten-related disorder. The manufacturing process may also pose a risk, as shared equipment can cause cross-contamination.

Decoding Food Labels: What to Look For

When checking any snack for gluten, it is important to be careful and look beyond the main ingredient. Manufacturers must list all allergens, which is where wheat will be found, but other hidden gluten sources might be less obvious.

Wheat: The most obvious gluten source, often labeled as wheat flour, enriched wheat flour, or other wheat-based components.
Barley: Malted barley flour is a common ingredient in Crispers and contains gluten. Malt extract, derived from barley, is another ingredient to watch for.
Rye: Less common in crisps, rye is another gluten-containing grain used in some products.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Phrases like 'may contain wheat' or 'manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat' indicate a risk of cross-contamination, unsafe for those with celiac disease.

Certified Gluten-Free Alternatives

The snack market provides many certified gluten-free alternatives that offer a satisfying crunch without gluten exposure. Look for products with a 'Certified Gluten-Free' logo from a reputable third-party organization, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).

Here are some categories and examples of safe snacks:

Potato Chips: Many brands offer certified gluten-free options. Kettle Chips, for instance, have many certified gluten-free flavors.
Chickpea Puffs: Brands like Hippeas make puffs from chickpeas, naturally gluten-free and a source of fiber and protein.
Rice Chips: Rice-based crackers like Good Thins offer a crispy, savory snack certified gluten-free.
Baked Vegetable Crisps: Snacks made from vegetables like beetroot, parsnips, and sweet potatoes can be delicious gluten-free alternatives.

Choosing Safe Snacks: Crispers vs. Certified GF Chips


Feature	Crispers (e.g., Christie's)	Certified Gluten-Free Chips	Notes
Primary Flour	Wheat Flour, Potato Flour	Rice Flour, Corn Flour, Potato Flour	Critical for celiac safety.
Contains Gluten	Yes (contains wheat and malted barley flour)	No (less than 20 ppm)	Certified products meet strict gluten-free standards.
Allergen Warnings	Contains: Wheat, Barley, Soy, Sulfites	May contain tree nuts, soy, etc., but guaranteed gluten-free	Always check the ingredients and allergen statement.
Cross-Contamination Risk	High (made with gluten ingredients on shared equipment)	Low to None (manufactured in dedicated or strictly controlled facilities)	Certified products offer high safety assurance.
Flavoring	Often contains wheat-based coatings and malt	Uses gluten-free seasonings and spices	A common source of hidden gluten.

Conclusion

Crispers are not gluten-free due to wheat and barley flour in their ingredients. For individuals following a gluten-free diet, especially those with celiac disease, it is essential to read labels carefully and avoid these snacks. A variety of safe, certified gluten-free alternatives are available, from potato-based chips to snacks made from rice, chickpeas, and other vegetables. Choosing certified products ensures safety and a good snacking experience. For more information on safely navigating a gluten-free diet, visit resources like the Coeliac UK website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crispers are unsuitable for a gluten-free diet because they contain wheat flour and malted barley flour, which contain gluten.

No, people with celiac disease should avoid Crispers due to the presence of wheat and malted barley flour, where even small amounts can trigger a reaction.

No, not all crisps and chips are gluten-free. Some are made with wheat-based ingredients or contain gluten in their seasonings, and are at risk of cross-contamination.

Malted barley flour is flour made from malted barley, a grain that contains gluten. It's an ingredient in Crispers that makes them unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

To find safe gluten-free snacks, examine the ingredients list for gluten-containing ingredients. The 'Certified Gluten-Free' label from a third party provides the highest assurance.

Some gluten-free chip alternatives include brands like Kettle Chips and Popchips. Many chips made from ingredients like rice, chickpeas, or certain vegetables are also safe, but always verify with the label.

Yes, cross-contamination is a serious risk for those with celiac disease. If a product is made in a facility that also handles gluten-containing products, trace amounts can make it unsafe, even if the primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free.