What Name Brand Snacks Are Gluten-Free?

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, up to 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by Celiac disease, necessitating a strict gluten-free diet. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the snack aisle can be challenging, but many popular and delicious name brand snacks are gluten-free, including options from SkinnyPop, Snyder's of Hanover, and MadeGood.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a detailed list of readily available, gluten-free branded snacks, including chips, crackers, popcorn, and sweets. It offers tips for safe snack selection and explains the importance of reading labels for allergens and certifications to avoid cross-contamination. This information helps people with gluten sensitivities and celiac disease make informed food choices.

Key Points

• Check for Certifications: Always look for a clear "gluten-free" label or a third-party certification mark (like GFCO) for the highest level of assurance.

• Read All Ingredients: Scrutinize the ingredient list for hidden gluten, especially in flavored products, and be aware of cross-contamination warnings.

• Trusted Brands: Rely on brands that specialize in gluten-free products, such as Siete, The Good Crisp Company, and MadeGood, which have built trust in the community.

• Chips and Popcorn: While often naturally gluten-free, check for certification on processed chips and popcorn due to potential cross-contamination during manufacturing.

• Sweets and Baked Goods: Many popular candies like Reese's Cups (standard size) are gluten-free, but always check seasonal items and choose certified brands like Enjoy Life for cookies and bars.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Snack Aisle

For anyone with a gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease, grocery shopping requires careful attention to labels. Fortunately, a wide variety of well-known snack brands now offer delicious gluten-free options that are easy to find at most major supermarkets. This guide breaks down some of the most popular brands and snack categories so you can navigate the aisles with confidence.

Certified Gluten-Free Chips and Crackers

Many common chip brands are naturally gluten-free, as their primary ingredient is corn or potato. However, cross-contamination is a risk, so always look for a "certified gluten-free" label for complete assurance. For crackers, where wheat is a more common ingredient, dedicated gluten-free options are key.

• Siete Family Foods: This brand specializes in grain-free and gluten-free chips, offering delicious tortilla chips made from ingredients like cassava and chickpea flour.
• The Good Crisp Company: All of their potato crisps, known for their satisfying crunch, are certified gluten-free.
• Kettle Brand: Most of their kettle-cooked potato chips are gluten-free, but always double-check the ingredient list, especially for flavored varieties.
• Blue Diamond Nut-Thins: These crackers are made from rice flour and nuts, providing a crispy, gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat crackers.
• Simple Mills: This brand is a go-to for gluten-free crackers made from almond flour, seeds, and other whole-food ingredients.
• Crunchmaster: Specializing in gluten-free crackers, Crunchmaster offers a variety of flavors and textures for pairing with dips and cheeses.

Popcorn and Puffs: Safe and Satisfying

Popcorn is naturally gluten-free, but the risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing or with added seasonings makes label-checking crucial. Puffed snacks made from corn, rice, or chickpeas are excellent, flavorful alternatives.

• SkinnyPop: This brand is widely available and its popcorn is certified gluten-free, made with just a few simple ingredients.
• Pirate's Booty: A popular cheesy puff snack made from corn and rice, Pirate's Booty is certified gluten-free.
• LesserEvil: Offering a range of popcorn and other snacks, many LesserEvil products are certified gluten-free.
• HIPPEAS Organic Chickpea Puffs: A plant-based option, HIPPEAS are chickpea puffs that are certified gluten-free and come in a variety of savory flavors.
• Quaker: Some of their rice crisps and cakes are gluten-free, but always choose those specifically labeled as such, as not all Quaker products are.

Pretzels, Bars, and Sweet Treats

Finding gluten-free versions of classic favorites like pretzels and cookies is easier than ever, thanks to brands dedicated to allergen-friendly foods. For candy, ingredients are key, as some varieties and seasonal shapes may contain gluten.

• Snyder's of Hanover: This long-standing pretzel brand now offers several varieties of certified gluten-free pretzels.
• MadeGood: Specializing in allergen-free products, MadeGood offers a variety of granola bars and cookies that are certified gluten-free.
• Sweet Loren's: Offering pre-made cookie dough and other baked goods, Sweet Loren's products are certified gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
• Enjoy Life Foods: A leader in allergen-friendly products, Enjoy Life offers a wide range of cookies and other snacks that are certified gluten-free.
• Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Most varieties of this classic candy are gluten-free, but be cautious with seasonal shapes and certain limited editions, which may be at risk of cross-contamination.
• Hershey's: Many of their plain chocolate bars (the 1.55oz size) are gluten-free, but always check the label for specific varieties and sizes.

How to Safely Shop for Gluten-Free Snacks

1. Look for the label: The most reliable way to ensure a product is gluten-free is to find the official certification mark (like the GFCO mark) or a clear "gluten-free" statement on the package. This indicates that the product meets the FDA's strict standards (less than 20 parts per million of gluten).
2. Read the ingredients: For products without a specific label, you must read the ingredients list carefully. Avoid any product containing wheat, barley, rye, or malt ingredients. Pay close attention to sources for flavorings, modified food starch, and thickeners.
3. Beware of cross-contamination warnings: Statements like "Made on shared equipment" or "May contain wheat" are voluntary manufacturer warnings. If a product with such a warning is also certified gluten-free, it has been tested and meets the standard. If not certified, it's best to avoid if you are sensitive.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Snack Brands

Brand	Snack Type	Certification	Notes	Where to Find
Siete	Tortilla Chips, Cookies	Certified Gluten-Free	Specializes in grain-free, whole-food ingredients.	Major supermarkets, health food stores
SkinnyPop	Popcorn	Certified Gluten-Free	Simple, classic flavors; low-calorie option.	Widespread in grocery and convenience stores
Snyder's of Hanover	Pretzels	Certified Gluten-Free (Select Varieties)	Offers a gluten-free version of their popular pretzel sticks and minis.	Most major grocery stores
MadeGood	Granola Bars, Cookies	Certified Gluten-Free	Also free from common allergens like nuts.	Health food aisles, online, Target
Kettle Brand	Potato Chips	Some Certified Gluten-Free	Check each flavor's label for specific certification.	Major supermarkets
Pirate's Booty	Puffed Snacks	Certified Gluten-Free	A cheesy, puffed snack for both kids and adults.	Widespread in grocery and convenience stores

The Power of a Gluten-Free Label

Opting for a product with a clear gluten-free label is the easiest way to ensure safety. For individuals with Celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can cause a reaction, so these certifications are invaluable. Brands like Siete, SkinnyPop, and MadeGood have built their reputation on providing safe, delicious products for this community, making them trustworthy choices. By supporting these brands, you not only enjoy a safe snack but also encourage more companies to prioritize allergen-friendly practices.

Conclusion

Choosing gluten-free snacks no longer means compromising on flavor or variety. With many well-known brands now offering a wide range of certified gluten-free options, you can find everything from crunchy chips and savory puffs to satisfying sweets. Always remember to check for a gluten-free certification or carefully read the ingredient list to ensure the product is safe for your dietary needs. By staying informed and knowing which brands to trust, you can enjoy a delicious and worry-free snacking experience.

Recommended Outbound Link

For more information on living with Celiac disease, including resources and support, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's official website: https://celiac.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which chips are safe for a gluten-free diet?

Many plain potato and corn tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but it's essential to check the label for seasonings or cross-contamination warnings. Brands like Siete, The Good Crisp Company, and Kettle Brand (select flavors) are reliable options with gluten-free labels.

Is all popcorn gluten-free?

Plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free. However, flavored or pre-packaged popcorn may contain gluten from additives or due to cross-contamination in the manufacturing facility. Brands like SkinnyPop and Pirate's Booty are certified gluten-free options.

Can I eat pretzels on a gluten-free diet?

Traditional pretzels are made with wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, brands like Snyder's of Hanover offer certified gluten-free pretzel sticks and mini pretzels as a safe alternative.

What candy brands are gluten-free?

Many classic candies, like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups (standard size), Skittles, and plain Hershey's chocolate bars (certain sizes) are gluten-free. Always check the label, especially for seasonal shapes or flavors, as ingredients can change.

How can I tell if a snack is truly gluten-free?

The most reliable method is to look for a certified gluten-free label, which guarantees the product meets a specific standard for gluten content. If a label isn't present, carefully read the ingredient list to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye are used.

Are snacks from companies that also produce wheat-based products safe?

If a company uses shared equipment, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Many brands take steps to avoid this and will provide a certified gluten-free label. For those with high sensitivity, it is safest to choose products with a certification from companies dedicated to allergen-free manufacturing.

Where can I find more specialty gluten-free brands?

You can often find specialty gluten-free brands, like Simple Mills and Enjoy Life Foods, in the natural and health food aisles of most large supermarkets, online retailers, or at dedicated health food stores.