Are Off The Eaten Path Veggie Crisps Zesty Salsa Gluten-Free? An Ingredient Deep Dive

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), products labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Many consumers following a special diet question: are off the eaten path veggie crisps zesty salsa gluten-free? This article examines the ingredients and brand standards to answer that question definitively for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Quick Summary

This article explores whether Off The Eaten Path Zesty Salsa veggie crisps contain gluten, analyzing the ingredients for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. It also covers labeling standards, cross-contact risks, and ingredient substitutions for safe, informed snacking.

Key Points

No Gluten Ingredients: The ingredient list for Off The Eaten Path Zesty Salsa crisps contains no wheat, barley, or rye, basing the crisp on rice flour and vegetables like peas and black beans.
FDA Definition: Products labeled 'gluten-free' must meet the FDA standard of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a crucial detail for those with sensitivities.
Cross-Contact Risk: For individuals with celiac disease, it's vital to rely on the official 'gluten-free' label due to potential cross-contact with gluten in manufacturing facilities, even with inherently gluten-free ingredients.
Beyond Celiac: Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, while non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a less severe intolerance, but both warrant attention to diet.
Healthier Alternatives: Unprocessed, naturally gluten-free foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are excellent, nutritious alternatives to processed gluten-free snacks.
Look for Certification: Third-party certifications, such as the GFCO symbol, provide an extra layer of assurance against cross-contact for those with severe sensitivities.

Ingredient Breakdown: The Verdict on Zesty Salsa

For anyone with gluten sensitivities, checking the ingredients list is the most crucial step before consuming a new product. Off The Eaten Path's Zesty Salsa flavored veggie crisps feature a plant-based composition, and an examination of the ingredients listed by major retailers reveals no wheat, barley, or rye. The primary components include rice flour, sunflower oil, dried green peas, dried yellow peas, and dried black beans. The salsa flavor is derived from maltodextrin (made from corn), dried green peppers, onion powder, garlic powder, citric acid, yeast extract, and other natural flavors.

Rice Flour: A naturally gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, forming the base of the crisp.
Maltodextrin (made from corn): The ingredients list specifies the source as corn, which is safe for those avoiding gluten. When not specified, it's wise to be cautious, but in this case, the label provides clarity.
Yeast Extract: Yeast extract is a common flavoring agent. Although some yeast extracts can be derived from barley, the ingredient list does not specify a gluten-containing source, and other brand information points to their products being gluten-free.

The Critical Role of Certification and Labeling

While the ingredient list is promising, relying solely on it is not enough for individuals with celiac disease due to the significant risk of cross-contact. Cross-contact, the more accurate term for gluten cross-contamination, occurs when gluten-containing foods or particles come into contact with gluten-free products during processing, storage, or preparation.

Manufacturers like Off The Eaten Path (a PepsiCo brand) often produce their specialty products in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains. This makes the official "gluten-free" label, regulated by the FDA, a vital assurance. The FDA standard requires the final product to contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For maximum safety, some products also carry a third-party certification mark, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) symbol, which often sets an even stricter standard. Always check the packaging for these specific symbols and claims for peace of mind.

Navigating Gluten Sensitivity vs. Celiac Disease

It's important to differentiate between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, as the level of required caution can differ. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten ingestion damages the small intestine. For celiac sufferers, even minimal gluten from cross-contact can cause long-term intestinal damage, making strict adherence to a gluten-free diet non-negotiable. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) also causes adverse symptoms upon gluten consumption, but it does not lead to intestinal damage. Individuals with NCGS may have a higher tolerance for trace amounts of gluten, but caution is still advised.

Symptoms of Gluten-Related Disorders


Symptom	Celiac Disease	Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Gastrointestinal	Severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation	Similar to Celiac, but without intestinal damage
Systemic	Fatigue, anemia, weight loss, rash, neurological issues	Headaches, fatigue, "brain fog," depression, joint pain
Trigger	Autoimmune response to gluten	Non-autoimmune inflammatory response
Cross-Contact Risk	High risk, any amount can cause damage	Varies, individual tolerance differs

Comparison with Other Off The Eaten Path Flavors

To better understand the brand's consistency, here is a comparison of the Zesty Salsa flavor with other popular Off The Eaten Path offerings:


Feature	Zesty Salsa	Chickpea Veggie Crisps	Sea Salt & Pepper Crisps
Primary Ingredients	Rice Flour, Peas, Black Beans	Rice Flour, Chickpeas, Peas, Black Beans	Rice Flour, Peas, Black Beans
Flavor Profile	Zesty, savory with pepper and citrus notes	Slightly savory, mild chickpea taste	Classic savory with sea salt and black pepper
Stated Gluten-Free	Implied by ingredients; relies on label	Explicitly stated "Gluten free"	Explicitly stated "Gluten free"

Safer Alternatives and Considerations for Snacking

Even with the confidence in a brand's gluten-free labeling, it is wise to have a range of alternative snack options. Many naturally gluten-free foods are nutrient-dense and unprocessed, offering a healthier choice. This is especially true given that some gluten-free products can be higher in sugar, fat, or sodium to compensate for changes in texture.

Naturally Gluten-Free Snacks:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Apples with nut butter, carrots with hummus, or berries.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds (check for cross-contact warnings on flavored varieties).
- Dairy products: Cheese sticks, plain yogurt, or cottage cheese.
- Simple grains: Plain popcorn or certified gluten-free rice cakes.
- Lean proteins: Beef jerky (read labels carefully), hard-boiled eggs, or edamame.
Homemade Snacks: Creating your own snacks from whole foods offers complete control over ingredients and eliminates the risk of cross-contact. Recipes for spiced chickpeas, baked kale chips, or sweet potato fries are easily accessible.

Conclusion: Safe Snacking Depends on The Label

In conclusion, based on the publicly available ingredient list, Off The Eaten Path Zesty Salsa veggie crisps do not appear to contain gluten. The brand is known for offering gluten-free products, which provides a strong indication of their safety. However, for those with celiac disease, the risk of cross-contact in a shared manufacturing facility means that relying on the specific package's official "gluten-free" label is paramount. Reading labels carefully and confirming certification marks are the best ways to ensure a snack is safe for consumption. When in doubt, naturally gluten-free alternatives offer a simple, healthy, and risk-free way to satisfy snack cravings. For more detailed information on celiac disease and managing a gluten-free diet, please consult a trusted resource like the Celiac Disease Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many of the brand's flavors are explicitly labeled as gluten-free, including Chickpea Crisps and Sea Salt & Pepper, it is always safest to check the individual product packaging for the specific 'gluten-free' claim, especially for those with celiac disease.

'Gluten-free' means a product contains no gluten proteins from wheat, barley, or rye. 'Wheat-free' only means it does not contain wheat, but it could still contain gluten from barley or rye. Therefore, a product can be wheat-free but not gluten-free.

Look for a third-party certification symbol on the packaging. For instance, the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) has a recognizable logo. This indicates that the product and facility have undergone strict audits to minimize cross-contact.

Maltodextrin can be derived from several starches, including corn, potato, rice, or wheat. In the US, if it is made from wheat, it must be declared as a wheat allergen. The maltodextrin in Zesty Salsa is specified as being 'made from corn,' making it gluten-free.

Yes, cross-contact can occur in a home kitchen when shared utensils, cutting boards, or toasters are used for both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods. Airborne flour can also contaminate surfaces. For celiac sufferers, it's recommended to use separate equipment.

Not necessarily. A gluten-free label doesn't automatically mean a product is healthier. Many processed gluten-free foods can be higher in sugar, fat, and sodium. Focusing on naturally gluten-free whole foods is the best approach for a nutritious diet.

Gluten can be found unexpectedly in many processed foods and additives. Examples include some soy sauces, salad dressings, sauces and gravies, and even some medications or vitamin supplements.