Understanding the Real Good Foods Gluten-Free Approach
Real Good Foods has built a brand around creating more nutritious, lower-carb, and higher-protein frozen meals. A core part of this mission is catering to specific dietary needs, including gluten-free diets. While the brand is well-regarded in the keto and low-carb communities, its approach to gluten-free manufacturing requires a closer look.
The Gluten-Free Status of Real Good Chicken
The brand's most popular breaded chicken products, including their chicken nuggets and lightly breaded chicken strips, are certified gluten-free. Instead of using traditional wheat-based flour for breading, Real Good Foods uses a combination of ingredients like chickpea flour, whey protein, and seasonings to achieve a crispy texture. This substitution is a key feature that makes these items suitable for those avoiding gluten.
However, it is crucial to understand that not every single Real Good Foods product is gluten-free. As stated on their website, any of their meals containing a tortilla, such as enchiladas, burritos, or flautas, contain gluten. To prevent cross-contamination, the company employs strict procedures, including sanitizing equipment between runs of gluten-containing and gluten-free products, per USDA guidelines.
Ingredients and Labeling: Your Gluten-Free Checklist
For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, examining product labels is not just recommended—it's necessary. A few key phrases to look for on Real Good Foods packaging include:
- Certified Gluten-Free: This label ensures the product has been verified by a third-party organization and meets a specific gluten threshold, typically less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
- Grain-Free: Many of Real Good Foods' chicken items are also grain-free, a detail often highlighted on the packaging. This is a further assurance for some consumers.
- Allergen Information: The 'contains' statement is a critical part of the label. For products that are not gluten-free, like the burritos, this section will list wheat or other gluten-containing ingredients.
List of Real Good Chicken Products and Their Gluten Status
- Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Strips: Gluten-Free
- Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets: Gluten-Free
- Orange Chicken Bowl: Gluten-Free, made with chickpea flour and tamari soy sauce
- Bacon-Wrapped Cordon Bleu Chicken: Gluten-Free
- General Tso's Chicken Bowl: Gluten-Free
- Enchiladas: NOT Gluten-Free, as they contain a tortilla
Navigating the Aisle: Real Good Chicken vs. Conventional Chicken Products
Many conventional breaded chicken products are not suitable for gluten-free diets due to their wheat-based breading. Here is a comparison to help illustrate the differences.
| Feature | Real Good Chicken Products (Gluten-Free) | Conventional Breaded Chicken Products |
|---|---|---|
| Breading Ingredients | Grain-free options like chickpea flour, whey protein, and spices | Wheat flour, enriched wheat flour, and various grain-based binders |
| Carbohydrate Count | Low-carb and keto-friendly; often with low single-digit net carbs per serving | Significantly higher carb counts due to wheat-based breading |
| Gluten Status | Clearly labeled and marketed as gluten-free | Typically contains gluten unless explicitly stated otherwise |
| Ingredient Purity | Emphasizes 'real, simple ingredients' with no artificial components | May contain fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives |
| Allergen Risk | Strict cross-contamination protocols for manufacturing | High risk of gluten cross-contamination in facilities handling wheat |
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question of whether Real Good chickens are gluten-free depends on the specific product. Their range of breaded chicken nuggets, strips, and various bowls are explicitly formulated to be gluten-free, using alternative, grain-free breading. However, it is imperative to remember the company also produces items with tortillas that contain gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those following a strict gluten-free diet, the path forward is clear: always check the packaging. A simple glance at the ingredient list and the gluten-free certification mark is the most reliable way to ensure you are choosing a safe product. By paying attention to product details, consumers can confidently enjoy the numerous gluten-free offerings from Real Good Foods.
For additional information and to verify specific product details, consumers can visit the official Real Good Foods FAQ page: https://realgoodfoods.com/pages/faqs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Good Chickens and Gluten
Can all Real Good Foods chicken products be considered gluten-free? No, while many of their popular chicken items like nuggets and strips are gluten-free, other products like enchiladas and burritos are not. You must check the label for each specific product.
What makes Real Good's breaded chicken gluten-free? Instead of using wheat flour, Real Good Foods uses a blend of alternative, grain-free ingredients like chickpea flour and whey protein for its breading to create a crispy texture.
How can I be sure a specific Real Good chicken product is gluten-free? Look for the words "Gluten Free" and check the ingredients list on the packaging for verification. The company highlights this feature on all its compliant products.
Is there a risk of cross-contamination for Real Good gluten-free products? Real Good Foods states they follow strict USDA guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing equipment after running products with gluten, which helps minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Are Real Good chicken products suitable for those with celiac disease? For those with celiac disease, it is crucial to stick to the products explicitly labeled as gluten-free and to double-check the ingredient list. The company takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination.
Where can I find ingredient information for Real Good Foods chicken? You can find detailed ingredient lists and nutritional information on the packaging of each product and on the Real Good Foods website.
Does Real Good Foods make gluten-free versions of all their products? No, they do not. For example, their tortilla-based products, like enchiladas, are not gluten-free. It's important to differentiate between their different product lines.
