How much gluten is in Cheetos?

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Frito-Lay, many Cheetos products in the United States contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which meets the FDA's standard for gluten-free labeling. This means that while a small amount of gluten may be present, the vast majority of Cheetos are considered gluten-free and suitable for many people with gluten sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Cheetos products are predominantly made from cornmeal, not wheat, with many varieties testing below the FDA's 20 ppm gluten-free threshold. However, they are often processed on shared equipment, posing a cross-contamination risk for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity. Different flavors and product lines have varying gluten statuses.

Key Points

FDA Standard Compliance: Most Cheetos varieties in the US are considered gluten-free by Frito-Lay, testing under the FDA's threshold of 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Cornmeal Base: The core ingredient of Cheetos is cornmeal, a naturally gluten-free grain, not wheat.
Risk of Cross-Contamination: Since Cheetos are often produced on shared manufacturing lines with wheat-containing products, there is a risk of cross-contamination, especially for individuals with celiac disease.
Not Certified Gluten-Free: Cheetos are not certified gluten-free by a third-party organization, which provides the highest level of assurance for those with celiac disease.
Varying Gluten Status: Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese products contain wheat and are not gluten-free, while most crunchy and puffy variations are considered gluten-free by Frito-Lay standards.
Check the Frito-Lay Website: The Frito-Lay website provides an official and updated list of their products considered gluten-free in the U.S..

Understanding Gluten in Cheetos

The question of how much gluten is in Cheetos is not as straightforward as a simple 'yes' or 'no.' The answer depends on which Cheetos product you're considering and your personal sensitivity to gluten. The primary ingredient in Cheetos is enriched cornmeal, which is naturally gluten-free. However, the additional ingredients, the processing environment, and the final testing are what ultimately determine its gluten status.

The Ingredient Foundation: Cornmeal

Cheetos are created using a base of cornmeal, which is mixed with water and formed into a dough. This dough is then pushed through an extruder, fried or baked, and coated in cheese seasoning. Since corn is a gluten-free grain, the core of the Cheetos snack is safe for a gluten-free diet. The crucial distinction arises with the flavorings and the manufacturing process.

FDA Standards vs. Certified Gluten-Free

Frito-Lay has a specific protocol for labeling products as gluten-free in the United States. A product must undergo analytical testing to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten to qualify. While many Cheetos products meet this benchmark and are listed on Frito-Lay's gluten-free list, they may not carry a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from a third-party organization. This is an important distinction for those with severe celiac disease, as certification provides an extra layer of assurance against cross-contamination.

The Real Risk: Cross-Contamination

Even when a product is made with gluten-free ingredients, cross-contamination is a potential issue during manufacturing. This occurs when a food product comes into contact with gluten-containing products on the same processing lines or in the same facility.

Reasons for cross-contamination risk:

Shared Equipment: Cheetos are manufactured in large facilities that also process products containing wheat, like some flavors of Doritos. While equipment is cleaned between batches, traces can remain.
Flavorings: Some flavorings or additives might contain gluten, even if the primary ingredient does not. Always check the ingredient list for specific flavor varieties.
Raw Material Sourcing: Contamination can also occur at the raw ingredient level, such as during the milling of cornmeal.

For most people with a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the low level of gluten in Frito-Lay's tested products is not a concern. However, for those with celiac disease, a high degree of vigilance is recommended.

A Comparison of Cheetos Flavors

It's important to know that not all Cheetos are created equal when it comes to gluten. Here is a comparison of some popular options:


Cheetos Product	Gluten Status (US)	Cross-Contamination Risk	Suitable for Celiac?	Notes
Cheetos Crunchy	Gluten-Free (as tested <20 ppm)	Present	Risky for high sensitivity	Made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, but shared equipment is used.
Cheetos Puffs	Gluten-Free (as tested <20 ppm)	Present	Risky for high sensitivity	Also made from cornmeal, similar risks to Crunchy Cheetos.
Cheetos Flamin' Hot	Gluten-Free (as tested <20 ppm)	Present	Risky for high sensitivity	Contains cornmeal and spices; risk is primarily from shared lines.
Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese	Contains Gluten	Very Likely	Unsuitable	These products contain wheat-based pasta and are not gluten-free.
Simply Cheetos Puffs	Gluten-Free (Labeled)	Lower	Possibly safe	These are specifically marketed as gluten-free, suggesting additional control measures.

Making a Safe Snacking Decision

For those managing a gluten-free diet, the most reliable source of information is always the product label. Look for explicit 'gluten-free' claims and, if you have celiac disease, consider products with third-party certification seals. Frito-Lay provides a comprehensive list of its US gluten-free products on their corporate website, which is a valuable resource.

Alternative products also exist for those who are particularly sensitive or prefer to avoid the cross-contamination risk altogether. Many dedicated gluten-free brands produce similar corn-based cheese puffs that are certified free of gluten, offering a safer alternative to Cheetos for celiac patients and those with severe sensitivities. Choosing a certified gluten-free snack eliminates the uncertainty associated with shared manufacturing lines and provides peace of mind.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Cheetos and Gluten

So, how much gluten is in Cheetos? In the United States, Cheetos are considered a gluten-free product by the manufacturer, Frito-Lay, because they test below the FDA's 20 ppm threshold. The base ingredients are naturally gluten-free cornmeal. However, for individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment means that Cheetos may not be a completely safe choice. The 'gluten-free' label does not equal a 'certified gluten-free' status. Always read the packaging and assess your personal sensitivity to make the right choice for your diet.

Authoritative Link

For the most up-to-date and complete list of gluten-free products offered by Frito-Lay, including most Cheetos varieties, refer to their official resource page: Frito-Lay U.S. Gluten-Free Products.

Frequently Asked Questions

For someone with celiac disease, Cheetos may not be a safe snack. While the ingredients are often gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination from shared manufacturing equipment with wheat products is present and significant for those with high sensitivity.

The primary ingredient in Cheetos is cornmeal, which is naturally gluten-free. The gluten status is determined by the absence of other gluten-containing ingredients and the potential for cross-contamination during production.

Frito-Lay has developed a validation process based on FDA regulations, testing qualifying products to be labeled 'gluten-free'. Other product lines, like Cheetos Mac 'n Cheese, contain wheat and are not eligible for this label.

No, there is generally no difference in the gluten risk between Crunchy and Puffs Cheetos, as both are made from cornmeal and processed in the same type of facility with the same potential for shared equipment cross-contamination.

Yes, for someone with celiac disease or a high gluten sensitivity, even a small amount of cross-contamination (e.g., traces remaining on manufacturing lines) can trigger a reaction.

You can find the official gluten-free list on the Frito-Lay corporate website, where they publish products that have passed their internal gluten-free testing.

Some 'Simply Cheetos' products are specifically labeled and marketed as gluten-free, which may indicate extra precautions against cross-contamination have been taken during their production.