Are Simply snacks gluten-free? A Complete Nutrition Guide

October 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 3 million people in the U.S. alone follow a gluten-free diet, and one of the most common questions is, are Simply snacks gluten-free? The answer is surprisingly complex, as it depends on which specific brand and product you choose due to multiple companies using the 'Simply' name.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive analysis of various snack brands containing "Simply" in their name, clarifying their individual gluten-free statuses. Includes details on certifications, cross-contamination risks, and advice for safe label reading to assist with dietary choices.

Key Points

Not all 'Simply' brands are the same: The term 'Simply' is used by multiple companies (Frito-Lay, Simply 7, Simply Snacks Co), and their gluten-free policies differ significantly.
Check for certification, especially with Frito-Lay: For Frito-Lay's 'Simply' line, only products with a "Gluten-Free" label are verified safe for a strict gluten-free diet, due to potential cross-contamination on shared lines for other flavors.
Simply 7 Snacks are certified safe: All products from the Simply 7 brand are Certified Gluten-Free and are safe for those with celiac disease.
Cross-contamination is a risk with some brands: Simply Snacks Co, for instance, manufactures in a facility that also processes gluten, which is a risk for sensitive individuals.
Prioritize reading the full product label: Always look for an official "Gluten-Free" claim or a GFCO certification logo on the packaging to ensure a product is safe, regardless of the brand name.
Naturally gluten-free options are always safe: If in doubt, stick to naturally gluten-free snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and plain dairy products to avoid any risk.

Demystifying the 'Simply' Brand Label

The name 'Simply' is used by several different snack manufacturers, not just one. This leads to frequent confusion for consumers following a gluten-free diet. The gluten-free status is determined by the specific company and product, so relying on the word 'Simply' alone is not enough. For instance, the Simply brand from Frito-Lay, a major manufacturer, has different policies than the independent Simply 7 Snacks company. Similarly, Pret A Manger and Good Thins also offer products labeled 'Simply,' each with its own sourcing and certification process.

Frito-Lay's 'Simply' Line

Frito-Lay's 'Simply' branded products are a common source of confusion. The company distinguishes between products that are explicitly labeled "Gluten-Free" on the packaging and those that are simply made with "no gluten ingredients." For individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, this distinction is critical because of potential cross-contamination.

Frito-Lay has a specific list of products that have been validated to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten and are labeled accordingly. Products without this label, even if their ingredient list appears gluten-free, carry a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing. Some confirmed gluten-free options from this line include:

Simply Cheetos Puffs White Cheddar
Simply Organic White Cheddar Doritos
Simply Tostitos Blue Corn and Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips

Other 'Simply' Branded Snacks

Beyond the Frito-Lay products, numerous other companies use the 'Simply' branding. Here’s a breakdown:

Simply 7 Snacks: This brand makes products like hummus chips, lentil chips, and quinoa curls. They proudly state that all of their snacks are Certified Gluten-Free.
Simply Snacks Co: This company makes peanut butters and other treats. While their website states their products are gluten-free, they also note that manufacturing occurs in a shared facility that handles other allergens, including gluten. For highly sensitive individuals, this could pose a risk.
Simply Protein: This brand of bars and shakes is explicitly gluten-free, with products tested to ensure gluten levels are below 20 ppm.
Good Thins: Good Thins crackers with the name 'Simply Salt Rice Snacks' are Certified Gluten-Free by GFCO.

How to Navigate Gluten-Free Labeling

For anyone on a gluten-free diet, understanding the difference between various labels is essential. Always check the packaging, not just the brand name. The most reliable indication is a certified gluten-free logo, such as GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization), which guarantees products contain less than 10 ppm of gluten. The FDA regulates the term "gluten-free," requiring products with this label to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. If a product only lists "no gluten ingredients" and lacks a certified label, proceed with caution due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Safe Snack Alternatives

If navigating packaged snacks feels too complicated, many nutritious, naturally gluten-free options are available:

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Nuts and seeds (check for processing warnings)
Hard-boiled eggs
Plain yogurt and cheese
Hummus with carrot sticks or gluten-free rice crackers
Popcorn

Comparison of 'Simply' Brand Products


Product Category	Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Certification	Cross-Contamination Risk
Doritos (Organic White Cheddar)	Frito-Lay	Yes	Yes (Labeled)	Low
Cheetos Puffs (White Cheddar)	Frito-Lay	Yes	Yes (Labeled)	Low
Tostitos Tortilla Chips	Frito-Lay	Yes	Yes (Labeled)	Low
Other Frito-Lay Simply Flavors	Frito-Lay	Based on Ingredients	Not Certified	Potential
All Simply 7 Snacks	Simply 7 Snacks	Yes	Yes (GFCO Certified)	Low
Simply Snacks Co (Peanut Butter)	Simply Snacks Co	Yes, but...	Not Certified	Potential (Shared Facility)
Simply Salt Rice Crackers	Good Thins	Yes	Yes (GFCO Certified)	Low
Simply Protein Bars/Shakes	Simply Protein	Yes	Yes (Tested)	Low

Conclusion: Read the Label, Not the Name

While the name 'Simply' suggests a straightforward approach, the gluten-free status of these snacks is anything but uniform. The critical takeaway for anyone on a gluten-free diet is to look beyond the brand name and scrutinize the packaging for explicit "Gluten-Free" labels or certifications. For Frito-Lay products, be aware of the distinction between labeled products and those simply lacking gluten ingredients. Brands like Simply 7 and Simply Protein offer certified options, but products from other companies, like Simply Snacks Co, carry a cross-contamination risk for highly sensitive individuals. By understanding these nuances and prioritizing label verification, you can make informed decisions and enjoy a wider range of snacks safely.

This information is based on current product details and company statements; always check the most recent product labels for changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Only specific Frito-Lay 'Simply' products that are explicitly labeled "Gluten-Free" on the package are verified safe. The company acknowledges a risk of cross-contamination for other products in the line, even if they don't contain gluten ingredients.

A 'gluten-free' label, regulated by the FDA, means the product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten and is suitable for most with celiac disease. 'No gluten ingredients' means gluten is not listed as an ingredient, but it does not guarantee protection against cross-contamination from manufacturing.

Yes, all Simply 7 Snacks products are Certified Gluten-Free. This certification ensures they meet strict standards for gluten content and cross-contamination prevention.

Yes, Simply Cheetos White Cheddar Puffs are specifically labeled as gluten-free by Frito-Lay, making them a verified option for a gluten-free diet.

While Simply Snacks Co. states their products are gluten-free, they do not certify them and note they are made in a facility that also handles gluten. This poses a potential risk for highly sensitive individuals.

You can find an official list of Frito-Lay's gluten-free products, including some of the 'Simply' line, on their corporate website. However, always confirm the specific product you are purchasing has the official label.

Safe, naturally gluten-free alternatives include fresh fruits, vegetables, plain nuts and seeds, hard-boiled eggs, plain yogurt, and homemade popcorn. These options naturally lack gluten and avoid any cross-contamination concerns.