Do Healthy Choice Power Bowls have gluten? A guide to ingredients and finding safe options

While some Healthy Choice Power Bowls are specifically made to be gluten-free, featuring riced cauliflower instead of grains, others in their "Classic" line contain ingredients like wheat-based soy sauce or barley and are not safe for those avoiding gluten. It is essential for consumers to check the specific product's packaging for a "gluten-free" label.

Quick Summary

Some Healthy Choice Power Bowls are gluten-free and grain-free, made with ingredients like cauliflower rice, while other 'Classic' bowls contain grains like brown rice and barley, plus gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat-based soy sauce. Check product packaging carefully.

Key Points

• Check the Packaging: Not all Healthy Choice Power Bowls are gluten-free, so you must check the specific product's label for a "Gluten Free" or "Grain Free" stamp.

• Two Distinct Lines: Healthy Choice offers both a "Grain Free" line, which is gluten-free and uses ingredients like riced cauliflower, and a "Classic" line that contains gluten-containing grains.

• Look Out for Hidden Gluten: The "Classic" Power Bowls contain ingredients like brown rice, barley, and sometimes wheat-based soy sauce, which are not gluten-free.

• Safe Options Exist: Many grain-free varieties like Greek-Style Chicken and Spicy Black Bean & Chicken are explicitly labeled as gluten-free and are safe for those avoiding gluten.

• Ingredient Vigilance is Crucial: Due to past recalls and the potential for cross-contamination, individuals with celiac disease should always verify ingredients on the packaging before consuming.

• Alternative Grains are Key: The gluten-free options substitute conventional grains with riced cauliflower to provide a filling and satisfying meal.

Understanding the Two Types of Healthy Choice Power Bowls

Healthy Choice offers two distinct categories of Power Bowls: the "Grain Free" line and the "Classic" line. The gluten status of a specific Power Bowl depends entirely on which line it belongs to. For those managing celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or simply following a gluten-free lifestyle, understanding this distinction is the most important step to making a safe choice.

Identifying Gluten-Free Power Bowl Options

To simplify shopping for gluten-free options, Healthy Choice clearly labels its dedicated line of Grain Free Power Bowls. These products are formulated without gluten-containing ingredients and are explicitly marketed to those with gluten sensitivities or following a low-carb diet. The primary difference is the substitution of traditional grains with wholesome, gluten-free alternatives like riced cauliflower.

Here are some examples of Healthy Choice's gluten-free options based on product information and descriptions:

• Greek-Style Chicken: Features pulled chicken and vegetables on riced cauliflower with an oregano feta vinaigrette.
• Basil Pesto Chicken: Includes pulled chicken and vegetables over riced cauliflower with a pesto sauce.
• Spicy Black Bean & Chicken: A grain-free bowl with chicken, black beans, vegetables, and a spicy sauce over riced cauliflower.
• Cajun-Style Chicken and Sausage: Combines chicken, sausage, and beans with vegetables and riced cauliflower.
• Spicy Steak Burrito Bowl: A grain-free option with steak and vegetables.

When purchasing, look for bold "Gluten Free" and "Grain Free" markings on the packaging to ensure the product meets these criteria.

Healthy Choice Power Bowls Containing Gluten

Conversely, Healthy Choice's "Classic" line of Power Bowls often includes a mix of ancient grains as its base, meaning they are not gluten-free. These products contain grains such as brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, and black barley, which are not suitable for a gluten-free diet. Beyond the grains, specific recipes may also include hidden sources of gluten in sauces or flavorings, such as soy sauce made with wheat.

Examples of classic Power Bowls that contain gluten and/or ingredients with gluten include:

• Adobo Chicken: Contains a mix of whole grain brown and red rice, red quinoa, and black barley.
• Korean-Inspired Beef: Uses brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, and black barley, and includes soy sauce made with wheat.
• Buddha Bowl: A vegetarian option containing barley in its grain blend.
• Shiitake Chicken: Uses a base of brown and red rice, red quinoa, and black barley, with soy sauce listed as an ingredient.

The Importance of Careful Label Reading

For individuals with celiac disease, a high degree of sensitivity to gluten, or other dietary restrictions, simply knowing the general category of a product isn't enough. It's important to read the ingredients list and allergen warnings on every package, every time you purchase. While Healthy Choice takes measures to prevent cross-contamination for their certified gluten-free meals, unexpected issues can arise. Past product recalls have occurred due to mislabeling or potential contamination with extraneous materials, highlighting the need for vigilance. Always consult the most current information available on the packaging.

How to Verify for Gluten

Here are some best practices for confirming if a Power Bowl is safe for your diet:

1. Look for the "Gluten Free" or "Grain Free" Label: This is the quickest and most reliable indicator for a specific product. If you do not see one of these labels, assume the product contains gluten.
2. Inspect the Ingredients List: For any product without a clear gluten-free label, carefully read the ingredients. Look for common gluten sources like wheat, barley, rye, and malt. In Asian-inspired bowls, specifically check for soy sauce, which is often made with wheat unless explicitly labeled "tamari" or "gluten-free soy sauce".
3. Review the Allergen Information: Food packaging typically lists major allergens, including wheat. Check this section for a clear declaration.
4. Confirm on the Manufacturer's Website: Visit the Healthy Choice website for the most up-to-date product information and ingredient lists.

A Comparison of Power Bowls: Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Containing

To illustrate the key differences, here is a side-by-side comparison of a gluten-free Power Bowl and a gluten-containing one based on details from the Healthy Choice website and retailer product pages.

Feature	Greek-Style Chicken (Gluten-Free/Grain-Free)	Adobo Chicken (Classic/Gluten-Containing)
Gluten Status	Explicitly labeled Gluten Free and Grain Free.	Contains Gluten due to grains and processing.
Grain/Base	Riced cauliflower.	Whole grains: brown rice, red rice, red quinoa, and black barley.
Key Flavor Profile	Greek-style with oregano feta vinaigrette.	Southwestern-inspired with spicy guajillo chili sauce.
Notable Ingredients	Pulled chicken, riced cauliflower, tomatoes, zucchini, greens, red onions, artichoke, and feta vinaigrette.	Pulled chicken, whole grains, black barley, pinto beans, fire-roasted corn, poblano peppers, greens, and guajillo chili sauce.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, "Do Healthy Choice Power Bowls have gluten?" is: some do, and some do not. It is critical for anyone on a gluten-free diet to differentiate between the company's designated Grain Free Power Bowls and its Classic offerings. The Grain Free line is a safe and convenient option, but requires careful attention to the product label. For those with celiac disease or high sensitivity, the consistent labeling of the "Grain Free" line and the practice of thoroughly checking ingredients remain essential safeguards. With this information, you can make an informed and delicious choice for your nutritional needs.

For more detailed product information, including a list of their grain-free offerings, visit the Healthy Choice website at https://www.healthychoice.com/power-bowls-grain-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Healthy Choice Power Bowls are safe for a gluten-free diet?

The Healthy Choice Power Bowls explicitly labeled as "Grain Free" or "Gluten Free" are safe for a gluten-free diet. These varieties typically use riced cauliflower as a base instead of grains.

Do any of the Healthy Choice Power Bowls contain barley?

Yes, some of the Power Bowls, particularly those in the "Classic" line like the Korean-Inspired Beef and Adobo Chicken, contain a mix of whole grains that includes black barley.

What is used instead of rice in the gluten-free Power Bowls?

In the grain-free and gluten-free Power Bowls, Healthy Choice uses riced cauliflower as a base to provide a similar texture and fiber content to traditional grains.

Can people with celiac disease eat all Healthy Choice Power Bowls?

No, people with celiac disease must be very careful and only consume the Healthy Choice Power Bowls that are specifically labeled "Gluten Free". Any bowls not bearing this label are not safe due to gluten-containing ingredients or potential for cross-contamination.

Is the soy sauce in Healthy Choice Power Bowls gluten-free?

Not always. For example, the Korean-Inspired Beef Power Bowl lists soy sauce made with wheat as an ingredient, which contains gluten. You must check the ingredient list of each product, especially Asian-inspired recipes.

Have Healthy Choice Power Bowls ever been recalled for gluten-related issues?

Yes, there have been recalls in the past involving Power Bowls, including instances of mislabeling that led to undeclared allergens. This underscores the need for consumers to always check the packaging themselves.

How can I easily tell the difference between gluten-free and gluten-containing Power Bowls?

The easiest way is to look for the prominent "Grain Free" or "Gluten Free" marking on the front of the box. The grain-free options also use riced cauliflower, whereas the classic varieties list grains like brown rice and barley as primary ingredients.