Wholly Wholesome vs. Wholly Gluten Free: The Key Distinction
Understanding the relationship between Wholly Wholesome and Wholly Gluten Free is crucial for anyone with a gluten-free diet. The parent company, Wholly Wholesome, creates a variety of baked goods and dessert products. However, to meet the specific needs of the gluten-free community, they developed a separate and distinct brand: Wholly Gluten Free. The Wholly Gluten Free line is produced in a dedicated gluten-free and allergen-friendly facility, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination from gluten-containing ingredients. This dedicated production process is the primary reason why products under the Wholly Gluten Free name can be trusted by those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. It's a best practice for consumers to look for the explicit "Wholly Gluten Free" branding and certification seals on packaging, rather than simply relying on the parent company's name. This dual-brand strategy allows Wholly Wholesome to continue serving its general customer base while providing a safe, reliable alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
Understanding the "Wholly Gluten Free" Product Line
The Wholly Gluten Free brand offers a variety of products designed to meet the needs of gluten-free consumers. These aren't just gluten-free; they are also formulated to be free from other common allergens.
- Pie Shells: One of their flagship products, the 9-inch gluten-free pie shells, are a popular choice for baking. Made with brown rice flour, they are certified gluten-free, vegan, and free from the top common allergens, including dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
- Pizza Dough: For homemade pizza night, Wholly Gluten Free offers a frozen, ready-to-use pizza dough ball. This dough is also certified gluten-free and allergen-friendly, providing a versatile base for various recipes.
- Fudge Brownies: Satisfying a sweet tooth is easy with their frozen fudge brownies. They are vegan and free from major allergens, using gluten-free whole grain oat flour for their base.
- Skillet Cookie: Another dessert option is the Wholly Gluten Free chocolate chunk skillet cookie. It's a frozen, ready-to-bake item that is gluten-free and allergy-friendly.
- Pizza Crusts: In addition to the dough balls, they also offer pre-formed, individually wrapped pizza crusts, ready for toppings and baking.
Comparison: Wholly Gluten Free vs. Conventional Wholly Wholesome
For clarity, here is a comparison highlighting the key differences between the two brands.
| Feature | Wholly Gluten Free Products | Conventional Wholly Wholesome Products |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Status | Certified gluten-free | May contain gluten; not guaranteed gluten-free |
| Manufacturing | Made in a dedicated gluten-free bakehouse | Produced in a shared facility with potential for cross-contamination |
| Allergens | Free from top common allergens (dairy, egg, soy, etc.) | Often contains common allergens; check labels carefully |
| Packaging | Clearly labeled with the "Wholly Gluten Free" brand name and certification seals | Uses the standard Wholly Wholesome branding; may or may not mention specific allergens |
| Audience | Consumers with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and other allergies | General consumers without specific dietary restrictions |
How to Identify a Wholly Gluten Free Product
When shopping, knowing how to spot a genuinely gluten-free item is your best defense against accidental consumption. Start by looking for the distinct Wholly Gluten Free branding. Then, scrutinize the packaging for official third-party certification logos, such as from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). This symbol indicates that the product has been independently verified to meet strict gluten-free standards. Finally, always check the ingredient list and the allergen statement, which is legally required to be listed on product labels. The Wholly Gluten Free website provides additional information and a product locator tool.
Reading Labels for Food Safety
Beyond looking for the main brand name and certification, a deeper dive into the label offers maximum assurance. Pay close attention to the ingredient list to ensure no gluten-containing items like wheat flour, barley, or rye are present. The list of allergens, often following the word “Contains:”, will specify if common allergens are included. A good practice is to double-check that the product was produced in a dedicated facility, a claim that Wholly Gluten Free prominently makes on their packaging. For those with multiple allergies, such as dairy or soy, verifying the additional allergen-free claims is also critical, as Wholly Gluten Free often accommodates these needs as well.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
To answer the question, "Is wholly wholesome gluten-free?", the answer is both yes and no. Wholly Wholesome as a parent company produces both conventional and gluten-free items. However, all of their certified and reliably gluten-free products are sold under their sister brand, Wholly Gluten Free. For individuals following a strict gluten-free diet, it is essential to specifically purchase products from the Wholly Gluten Free line and to confirm the certification on the packaging. This will ensure both safety and satisfaction with high-quality, allergy-friendly products created in a dedicated facility.
Learn more about their dedicated products on the Wholly Gluten Free website.
