Do Herr's cheese curls have gluten? An essential guide for safe snacking

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

In 2015, some Herr's chips were recalled for improper 'gluten-free' labeling, highlighting the need for vigilance even with trusted brands. For those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the crucial question remains: 'Do Herr's cheese curls have gluten?' The good news is that the standard baked variety is safe for a gluten-free diet.

Quick Summary

The standard Herr's Baked Cheese Curls are considered gluten-free as they are made from cornmeal and clearly labeled as such. Always verify product labels, as ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. It is also important to be aware of cross-contamination risks and check for current certifications.

Key Points

Gluten-Free Confirmation: Standard Herr's Baked Cheese Curls are officially labeled gluten-free and are made from cornmeal, not wheat flour.
Crucial Label Verification: Always check the most current product label for the "gluten-free" designation, especially for flavored varieties, as ingredients can change.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: While the product is gluten-free, individuals with severe celiac disease should be mindful of potential cross-contamination in manufacturing facilities that also process gluten-containing items.
Ingredient Awareness: Be aware that gluten can be used in other processed cheese products as a thickener or in flavorings, so always read the full ingredient list.
Informed Snacking: Prioritizing snacks with a clear 'gluten-free' certification and focusing on naturally gluten-free foods are the best strategies for a safe diet.
Historical Context: A past recall of a different Herr's product with incorrect labeling underscores the importance of not relying on brand reputation alone when it comes to allergies.

The Gluten-Free Verdict on Herr's Cheese Curls

For those needing or choosing to avoid gluten, the answer to "Do Herr's cheese curls have gluten?" is reassuring. The standard Herr's Baked Cheese Curls are made primarily from cornmeal, not wheat, and are explicitly labeled as gluten-free on the packaging. This makes them a safe option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, provided they confirm the gluten-free label on the specific product they are purchasing.

Herr's uses a special blend of real cheddar cheeses for flavoring, which are typically gluten-free dairy products. The curls are baked, which contributes to their light, fluffy texture. However, it's always critical to read the most recent ingredients list and allergy information, as formulations can change over time. The 2015 recall of a different Herr's product due to a mislabeling error serves as a historical example of why label verification is so important for those with severe gluten intolerances.

Decoding "Gluten-Free" Claims and Celiac Disease

For individuals with celiac disease, strict adherence to a gluten-free diet is essential to avoid intestinal damage. Therefore, relying on product labels is the first line of defense. A product labeled "gluten-free" means it meets the FDA's requirements of containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten, which is a safe level for most people with celiac disease. However, cross-contamination during manufacturing is always a potential risk, especially in facilities that also process products containing wheat. While Herr's labels certain products as gluten-free, it's best for highly sensitive individuals to confirm production details directly if they have any concerns.

The Ingredients of Concern in Processed Snacks

Gluten can hide in surprising places in processed foods, including snacks that aren't primarily flour-based. This is why a simple assumption isn't enough when managing a health condition. Some common culprits where gluten is used as an additive include:

Flavorings: Artificial or natural flavor blends can sometimes use gluten-containing ingredients.
Thickeners and Binders: Starches and certain cellulose powders are sometimes added to keep ingredients from clumping, especially in shredded cheeses.
Coatings: Some seasoned snacks may have coatings that contain wheat-based ingredients.

Herr's ingredient list for their baked cheese curls, which focuses on cornmeal and real cheese, avoids these common pitfalls for gluten contamination.

Navigating Snack Options on a Gluten-Free Diet


Snack Type	Gluten-Free Status	Important Note
Herr's Baked Cheese Curls	Gluten-Free	Made with cornmeal and labeled accordingly, making it a safe choice.
Traditional Pretzels	Contains Gluten	A common snack made from wheat flour. Look for certified gluten-free pretzel brands instead.
Flavored Potato Chips	Varies	Many brands and flavors are gluten-free, but some seasonings can contain gluten. Always check the ingredients list.
Corn Tortilla Chips	Generally Gluten-Free	Made from corn, but check the label for seasonings and cross-contamination warnings.
Oats	High Contamination Risk	Unless certified gluten-free, oats are frequently cross-contaminated with wheat during processing.
Processed Cheese Spreads	Varies	Some spreads contain gluten as a stabilizer or filler. Stick to natural block cheese or read labels carefully.

How to Ensure Your Snacks Are Safe

To navigate a gluten-free diet safely, a systematic approach to label reading is crucial. Here are some steps to take:

Read the Ingredient List: Always check the ingredient list for any obvious gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye. Be vigilant about unfamiliar flavorings or modified food starches.
Look for the Certified Label: Products with a certified gluten-free seal have been independently tested and verified to meet strict standards for gluten levels.
Scrutinize Allergen Statements: In addition to the gluten-free label, check the 'contains' statement for wheat. Also, look for advisory statements like 'may contain' or 'processed in a facility that also processes wheat'.
Stay Up-to-Date: Ingredients and processes can change. It's a good habit to periodically check the labels of products you regularly consume.
Choose Naturally Gluten-Free: Opting for whole, naturally gluten-free foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts is often the safest bet.

Conclusion: Informed Snacking for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, the answer to 'do Herr's cheese curls have gluten?' is a positive one for the standard baked variety. As verified by their labeling and ingredients, they are a corn-based, gluten-free snack option. However, the broader lesson is the importance of diligent label-reading for all processed foods. Being an informed consumer is the best way to enjoy a wide variety of snacks safely while adhering to a gluten-free nutrition plan. For further guidance on maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle, resources like Beyond Celiac offer extensive information and support.

The Role of Gluten in a Healthy Diet

It's important to remember that a gluten-free diet is not inherently healthier for those without a medical need to avoid gluten. Whole grains containing gluten are a valuable source of fiber and nutrients. For those without sensitivities, removing gluten without replacing these nutrients can negatively impact health. Therefore, the decision to avoid gluten should be guided by a medical need, not simply by the perception that it is a 'healthier' option.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard Herr's Baked Cheese Curls are explicitly labeled and made with gluten-free ingredients, primarily cornmeal. It is important to confirm this by checking the packaging for the 'gluten-free' label.

No, not all Herr's products are gluten-free. While their cheese curls and some potato chip varieties are, others contain gluten. Always check the label of each specific product to be sure.

The main ingredient in Herr's cheese curls is cornmeal, a naturally gluten-free grain. They are then baked, not fried, and flavored with a real cheddar cheese blend.

Yes, individuals with celiac disease should always be cautious. While the product is labeled gluten-free, manufacturing facilities can process multiple items. For high sensitivity, verifying current practices is recommended, and the certified gluten-free seal offers extra assurance.

Most natural, unflavored cheese is gluten-free. However, some processed cheese products, especially shredded or flavored versions, can contain gluten in additives or starches. Always read the product label carefully.

Yes, in 2015, Herr's recalled some bags of Sour Cream & Onion Potato Chips that were incorrectly labeled as gluten-free. This incident underscores the importance of checking labels and not relying solely on a brand's reputation for allergy safety.

To be sure, look for a product that is explicitly labeled as "gluten-free" on the packaging. For maximum confidence, especially for those with severe allergies, look for a certified gluten-free logo.