Which Brand of Chips Are Gluten-Free?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the FDA, products labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this means many common chip brands are safe to enjoy, but careful label reading is always essential to confirm a specific variety is gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This guide details popular gluten-free chip brands, distinguishing between 'gluten-free' and 'certified gluten-free' labels. It provides a list of safe options and highlights specific brands or flavors to avoid due to gluten-containing ingredients or cross-contamination risk.

Key Points

Look for a Certification Seal: For maximum safety, choose chips with a third-party 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal from organizations like the GFCO.
Understand Labeling Differences: 'Certified Gluten-Free' standards are often stricter (e.g., <10 ppm gluten) than the FDA's 'Gluten-Free' (<20 ppm) label.
Verify Common Brands: Many Frito-Lay products, including Classic Lay's, Original Fritos, and several Tostitos, are listed as gluten-free on their official website.
Stick to Plain Chips: Simple, unflavored potato and corn tortilla chips are often naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredients for any additives.
Check Flavored Varieties: Be cautious with flavored chips, as seasonings can be a hidden source of gluten, such as malt vinegar or wheat flour.
Avoid Specific Brands: Pringles and Sun Chips are generally not gluten-free and should be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet.

Understanding Gluten-Free Labeling

Choosing safe snacks for a gluten-free diet requires more than just checking for the absence of gluten-containing ingredients. The terms 'gluten-free' and 'certified gluten-free' signify different levels of safety and regulatory oversight. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines 'gluten-free' as containing less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Manufacturers that self-declare this status must comply with FDA rules, but they are not required to undergo third-party testing.

Certified gluten-free products, on the other hand, are verified by independent, third-party organizations such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). These programs typically have stricter standards, often requiring products to contain less than 10 ppm of gluten, and perform regular audits and testing. For individuals with a high sensitivity to gluten or celiac disease, certified products offer an additional layer of assurance.

Popular Gluten-Free Potato Chip Brands

Potato chips made from just potatoes, oil, and salt are naturally gluten-free. However, flavored varieties and production methods can introduce gluten. Here are some reliable brands with gluten-free options:

Lay's: The Frito-Lay website maintains an up-to-date list of its U.S. gluten-free products. Many basic flavors like Classic and Wavy Original are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label for flavored varieties.
Kettle Brand: Most Kettle Brand products are certified gluten-free by the GFCO. Their wide range of flavors, from Sea Salt to Jalapeño, makes them a popular and safe choice.
Ruffles: Several Ruffles varieties, including Original, are considered gluten-free by Frito-Lay. Check the official company list for specifics, as some baked flavors also qualify.
The Good Crisp Company: This brand specializes in certified gluten-free stacked potato crisps, with flavors like Original, BBQ, and Sour Cream & Onion.

Gluten-Free Tortilla Chip and Snack Brands

Corn-based tortilla chips are often gluten-free by nature but must be monitored for cross-contamination. Many brands go the extra mile to ensure safety for those with gluten sensitivities:

Tostitos: Many Tostitos varieties, like Simply Organic Yellow and Blue Corn Chips, are classified as gluten-free.
Siete: Known for its grain-free options, Siete offers tortilla chips made from ingredients like cassava flour and avocado oil. Their entire product line, apart from one cracker product, is certified gluten-free.
Late July: A reliable brand for certified gluten-free and organic tortilla chips, Late July has a variety of flavors, including Sea Salt and Nacho Cheese.
Fritos: The Original Fritos Corn Chips are naturally gluten-free, according to Frito-Lay.

Brands and Products to Approach with Caution

Certain brands or product types are known to contain gluten or have a higher risk of cross-contamination. Always read labels carefully, especially for these products:

Pringles: Pringles are not gluten-free because they use wheat starch in their formula.
Sun Chips: Most Sun Chips varieties contain wheat and are therefore not gluten-free.
Doritos: While Frito-Lay has some gluten-free Doritos products, most flavored varieties are not guaranteed to be gluten-free due to manufacturing practices and potential cross-contamination. The Simply Organic White Cheddar is a notable exception.
Flavored Chips: Seasoning blends can be a hidden source of gluten. Chips seasoned with malt vinegar or those containing wheat-based ingredients for flavor, like some cheese and onion varieties, should be avoided unless explicitly labeled gluten-free.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Chip Brands


Brand	Certification	Product Type	Primary Ingredients	Safe Flavors (Examples)
Kettle Brand	GFCO Certified	Potato Chips	Potatoes, oil, salt	Sea Salt, Jalapeño, Sea Salt & Vinegar
Siete	GFCO Certified	Tortilla Chips	Cassava flour, avocado oil	Sea Salt, Nacho, Lime
Late July	GFCO Certified	Tortilla Chips	Corn, oil, salt	Sea Salt, Nacho Cheese, Jalapeño Lime
The Good Crisp Co.	Certified Gluten-Free	Stacked Potato Crisps	Potatoes, oil, seasonings	Original, BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion
Lay's	FDA Compliant*	Potato Chips	Potatoes, oil, salt	Classic, Wavy Original, Baked Original
Tostitos	FDA Compliant*	Tortilla Chips	Corn, oil, salt	Restaurant Style, Bite Size, Simply Organic

*Always check the Frito-Lay website for the most current list of gluten-free compliant products.

Conclusion

Finding a brand of chips that are gluten-free is very manageable with the right information. Relying on products with clear 'certified gluten-free' seals from third-party organizations like the GFCO provides the highest level of confidence for individuals with celiac disease. However, many major brands also offer a wide selection of delicious and safe chips that meet FDA standards. Always take the time to check the product label and, for added security, reference the manufacturer's website for the most current gluten-free product lists. By staying informed, you can confidently navigate the chip aisle and enjoy a wide variety of crunchy, gluten-free snacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The FDA regulates the 'gluten-free' label, requiring products to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, which relies on manufacturer compliance. 'Certified gluten-free' products have been independently verified by a third party, like the GFCO, and often adhere to a stricter standard (e.g., <10 ppm) with regular audits.

No, not all Frito-Lay chips are gluten-free. Some popular products, like Classic Lay's and Original Fritos, are considered gluten-free, but others, including most flavors of Doritos and Sun Chips, contain or risk cross-contamination from gluten. Always check the company's official list and individual product labels.

Flavored chips can contain gluten in their seasoning blends, which might include ingredients derived from wheat, barley, or rye. For example, some chips use malt vinegar for flavor, which is made from barley.

No, Pringles are not gluten-free because they use wheat starch in their recipe. Individuals on a strict gluten-free diet should avoid Pringles.

Yes, cross-contamination is a significant concern. Many chips are made on shared equipment or in facilities that also process gluten-containing products. For those with severe celiac disease, choosing products that are 'certified gluten-free' offers better protection, as these facilities undergo stricter audits.

Chips made from ingredients like potatoes, corn, rice, or root vegetables are naturally gluten-free, provided the seasoning is also free of gluten. Examples include many plain potato and tortilla chips, as well as products from brands like Terra and Siete.

Yes, for those craving Doritos-like flavors, brands like Late July offer certified gluten-free nacho cheese-flavored tortilla chips. Some Doritos varieties, like Simply Organic White Cheddar, are also listed as gluten-free by Frito-Lay.