Are Tai Pei Chicken Potstickers Gluten-Free? A Guide for Gluten-Conscious Eaters

November 10, 2025 •

4 min read

An estimated 1 in 100 people worldwide have celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming gluten. For those managing this condition or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, knowing the precise ingredients in pre-packaged food is crucial, which is why the question 'Are Tai Pei chicken potstickers gluten-free?' is so important.

Quick Summary

Tai Pei chicken potstickers are not gluten-free, containing wheat flour in their wrappers and wheat-based ingredients in their sauce. This makes them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or gluten sensitivity. Several safe alternatives exist for enjoying similar flavors without compromising dietary needs.

Key Points

Tai Pei Chicken Potstickers are NOT Gluten-Free: The wrappers contain wheat flour, making them unsafe for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Check for Hidden Gluten in Sauces: The accompanying dipping sauce may contain wheat-based soy sauce, another source of gluten.
Always Read Ingredient Labels: For pre-packaged foods, check the ingredient list for wheat, barley, rye, and malt, especially if the product isn't certified gluten-free.
Explore Certified Gluten-Free Brands: Safe frozen potsticker alternatives from brands like Feel Good Foods are a good option for those on a gluten-free diet.
Consider Homemade Versions: Making your own potstickers with gluten-free flour blends provides complete control over ingredients and prevents cross-contamination.
Prioritize Overall Health: Avoiding gluten is crucial for sensitive individuals to prevent serious health complications, such as nutrient deficiencies and chronic inflammation.

The Ingredients That Make Tai Pei Potstickers Not Gluten-Free

For anyone with a gluten-related health condition, reading ingredient lists is an essential habit. An examination of the ingredients in Tai Pei Chicken Potstickers reveals that they are not gluten-free. The key culprit is the wrapper, which is made from wheat flour. Furthermore, the accompanying dipping sauce can contain ingredients with hidden gluten, such as soy sauce that isn't explicitly marked gluten-free and may contain wheat.

Wrapper Ingredients (Contains Wheat):

Wheat Flour: The primary ingredient in the wrapper, which contains gluten.
Water, Corn Starch, Soybean Oil: These are common binding and texture agents, but the presence of wheat flour is a dealbreaker.

Sauce Ingredients (Possible Hidden Gluten):

Soy Sauce: Unless specified as 'tamari' or 'gluten-free,' standard soy sauce is brewed with wheat.
Other Flavorings: Certain flavor enhancers or thickeners may also contain gluten.

Reading Labels for Gluten-Free Safety

Navigating a gluten-free diet requires careful label reading, especially for pre-packaged foods. For those with a gluten allergy or celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. Here's what to look for when checking labels:

The 'Gluten-Free' Label: The most reliable indicator is a certified gluten-free label, which ensures the product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Allergen Statements: The 'Contains' statement on packaging is a quick reference, but it often only lists major allergens like wheat, not necessarily barley or rye.
Ingredient List: Always scan the full ingredient list for common gluten sources, including wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Oats should also be checked to ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

Comparison of Potstickers: Tai Pei vs. Gluten-Free Alternatives


Feature	Tai Pei Chicken Potstickers	Feel Good Foods Gluten-Free Potstickers	Homemade Gluten-Free Potstickers
Availability	Widely available in frozen food aisles.	Less common, found in specific health food or frozen sections.	Requires preparation from scratch.
Wrapper Ingredients	Contains wheat flour and other wheat-based components.	Uses a specialized gluten-free flour blend (e.g., rice flour, tapioca flour).	Uses gluten-free flour blends (e.g., rice, tapioca, psyllium husk).
Dipping Sauce	May contain wheat-based soy sauce.	Often includes a safe, gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative.	Can be made with certified gluten-free tamari.
Convenience	High; ready to cook in minutes.	Medium; still a frozen product but may require searching for.	Low; time-consuming but offers full control over ingredients.
Cross-Contamination	High risk due to shared manufacturing lines.	Certified gluten-free, so low risk.	Dependent on the preparation environment.
Taste/Texture	Classic potsticker taste and texture.	Designed to mimic traditional potstickers, but texture may differ slightly.	Variable, depending on the recipe and flour blend used.

Delicious Gluten-Free Potsticker Alternatives

For those who need to avoid gluten, several alternatives allow you to still enjoy the flavors of potstickers:

Purchase Certified Gluten-Free Brands: Companies like Feel Good Foods offer frozen, certified gluten-free potstickers and dumplings. These products are specifically designed for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring a safe and convenient option.
Make Your Own Wrappers: Making your own wrappers from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients. Recipes often use combinations of rice flour, tapioca starch, and a binding agent like xanthan gum or psyllium husk powder. While more labor-intensive, this guarantees safety and freshness.
Try Different Asian Cuisines: Expand your culinary horizons by exploring naturally gluten-free Asian dishes. Many Vietnamese or Thai dishes use rice noodles and are made with ingredients that can be verified as gluten-free. When ordering out, always inform the restaurant about your gluten-free needs to avoid cross-contamination.

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Diet for Sensitive Individuals

For people with celiac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, the benefits of avoiding gluten go far beyond immediate relief from symptoms like bloating or stomach pain. Prolonged exposure to gluten can lead to more severe health issues, including:

Malnutrition: Damaged intestinal lining impairs nutrient absorption.
Increased Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can lead to other autoimmune disorders.
Bone Density Issues: Impaired absorption of vitamin D and calcium can lead to weakened bones.

By being diligent about reading labels and choosing certified gluten-free options or preparing safe meals at home, individuals can manage their condition effectively and improve their overall health.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, 'Are Tai Pei chicken potstickers gluten-free?', is a definitive no. The primary issue lies in the wrapper, which is made from wheat flour, a known source of gluten. For those with celiac disease, wheat allergies, or gluten sensitivities, consuming these potstickers is not safe due to both the ingredients and the risk of cross-contamination. Fortunately, with the growing availability of specialty gluten-free brands and accessible recipes for homemade versions, delicious and safe alternatives are readily available. Prioritizing careful label reading and choosing appropriate substitutes is the best way to enjoy Asian-inspired cuisine while adhering to a strict gluten-free diet.

Visit the Celiac Disease Foundation for more information on managing a gluten-free lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tai Pei chicken potstickers are not gluten-free because their wrappers are made with wheat flour, a primary source of gluten. The dipping sauce also frequently contains wheat-based soy sauce.

No, you should not assume potstickers from any Chinese restaurant are gluten-free. The wrappers are almost always made with wheat flour, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination in most kitchens. It's best to confirm with the restaurant about their specific ingredients and practices.

Several brands offer certified gluten-free potstickers, such as Feel Good Foods. Always look for the official 'certified gluten-free' label on the packaging to ensure it meets safety standards.

Making gluten-free potstickers at home is more time-consuming than buying them frozen, but it is a straightforward process. You will need a suitable gluten-free flour blend, often including rice flour and tapioca starch, along with a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free wrappers.

When looking at the ingredients for dipping sauce, be aware that standard soy sauce is a significant source of gluten. Instead, opt for certified gluten-free tamari or a sauce made with coconut aminos as a wheat-free alternative.

Yes, even if a product claims to use naturally gluten-free ingredients, cross-contamination is a serious risk. This occurs when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing food in the factory or during preparation.

For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment. It prevents damage to the small intestine, improves nutrient absorption, and reduces symptoms such as bloating and fatigue.