Are Pringles Gluten Free?

When it comes to chips, one of the most popular ones, along with Doritos, has got to be Pringles! But are Pringles gluten free?

Pringles, with their unique stackability and satisfying crunch, are a popular snack choice worldwide. But when it comes to being gluten-free, things can get a bit tricky. It's important to understand what ingredients go into these chips before you decide whether or not to eat them.

In this article, I’ll go over everything you need to know about Pringles and whether or not they’re gluten-free. I’ll also share some great gluten free chips I highly recommend you check out!

What are Pringles?

Pringles are a popular brand of potato and wheat-based stack-abled snack chips. They're known for their unique saddle shape and come packed in a distinctive cylindrical can. 

Unlike many traditional potato chip brands, Pringles are not made from slices of potato but rather from a dough made of potato flakes, rice, wheat starch, and corn. This dough is then rolled out, cut into the iconic Pringle shape, and then fried until crispy.

The flavor variety is another aspect that sets Pringles apart. From the classic original flavor to more adventurous ones like pizza, sour cream & onion, and even a 2012 limited-edition white chocolate peppermint for the festive season, there's a flavor to suit everyone's palate.

Are Pringles Gluten Free?

The answer is no, Pringles are not gluten free. It may come as a surprise, but Pringles contain gluten! Despite their appearance, all Pringles flavors and varieties include wheat starch and gluten. Wheat is most likely used to give them a thicker texture. 

It's interesting to note that wheat starch still affects many people with Celiac disease even though it's safe if the gluten content is less than 20 parts per million. The FDA allows some items containing wheat starch to be branded gluten-free, but only if the gluten has been eliminated.

In other words, the FDA considers wheat starch to be gluten-free, but the finished product must be tested below 20 ppm. If the gluten content of the wheat starch is less than 20 ppm, the FDA will allow the product to be branded gluten-free.

Pringles, on the other hand, does not adhere to this removal process, making it unsafe for people with Celiac disease to consume. 

According to Pringles' website, all of its products contain wheat; hence there are no gluten-free Pringles products. This includes goods such as Pringles Stix and Pringles Loud. It’s even clearly stated on their SmartLabel online.

While Pringles are not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities, many alternative gluten-free potato chips are. Check the ingredient list to see if your favorite chip brand contains gluten.

What Makes Pringles Not Gluten-Free?

Pringles, like many other processed snacks, contain a variety of ingredients that make them unsuitable for a gluten-free diet. The primary ingredient in Pringles is wheat starch, which is a derivative of wheat and therefore contains gluten.

In addition to wheat starch, Pringles also contain malt extract and malt flavoring, both of which are commonly derived from barley, another gluten-containing grain. Even though these ingredients are used in small amounts, they can still trigger symptoms in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Plus cross-contamination is another concern. Pringles are made in facilities where other gluten-containing products are also processed. This could potentially lead to traces of gluten being present in the product, even if it's not listed in the ingredients.

Pringles Ingredients

The primary ingredients in Pringles are dried potatoes, vegetable oil (corn, cottonseed, high oleic soybean, and/or sunflower oil), degerminated yellow corn flour, cornstarch, rice flour, maltodextrin, mono- and diglycerides, salt, wheat starch.

At first glance, you might notice that wheat starch is listed. Wheat, as we know, is a gluten-containing grain. This immediately raises a red flag for those following a gluten-free diet. 

What is Wheat Starch?

Wheat starch is a white, powdery substance that is derived from wheat. It's often used in the food industry as a thickening agent, binder, and filler. You might see it listed in the ingredients of various food items, including some brands of chips, such as Pringles.

Wheat starch is produced by removing the protein, minerals, and vitamins from the wheat kernel. What remains is a carbohydrate-rich substance that gives structure to baked goods and helps to improve their texture. 

However, it's important to note that wheat starch does contain traces of gluten, which can be problematic for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Does the FDA Allow Gluten-Free Products to Contain Wheat Starch?

The term "gluten-free" can sometimes be a bit misleading. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a product can be labeled as "gluten-free" if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. 

This standard is recognized by the global scientific and medical community as safe for most people with celiac disease. This is also the guideline that the FDA follows.

Now, to the crux of the matter: Does the FDA allow gluten-free products to contain wheat starch? The answer is yes but with a caveat. 

Wheat starch can be included in gluten-free products, provided it has been processed to remove the gluten protein to the extent that the final product contains less than 20 ppm of gluten.

This means that wheat starch, in its processed form, can be a part of gluten-free products. However, it's important to note that individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may react differently to these products. 

Some people might be able to tolerate them without any issues, while others might experience discomfort or adverse reactions.

However, unfortunately, Pringles does not partake in this removal process at all and for this reason their chips are not currently labeled “gluten free” by the FDA.

Are Pringles Chips?

Yes, Pringles are indeed a type of potato chip. However, they're not your typical potato chip. 

Traditional potato chips are sliced from whole potatoes, fried until crispy, and then seasoned. Pringles, on the other hand, are not made from sliced potatoes but rather from a mixture of potato flakes, rice flour, and wheat starch that is shaped into its iconic curved form.

The unique process used to create Pringles gives them their distinctive shape and texture. They are thin and crisp with a uniform appearance, unlike traditional potato chips, which can vary in size and thickness. 

This distinct process, while creating a tasty snack, unfortunately also introduces gluten into the mix through the wheat starch used, making them unsuitable for those following a strict gluten-free diet.

Gluten Free Potato Chip Alternatives

If you're a chip lover who is also gluten-free, don't worry! There are plenty of delicious, gluten-free alternatives to Pringles available on the market. Let's look at some of the main ones:

Lay's Stax Original 

If you love chips, then Lay’s Stax Original is a great option for anyone following a gluten-free diet.

Lay's Stax Original chips are made from dried potatoes, vegetable oil, unmodified potato starch, rice flour, and salt. Noticeably absent from the ingredient list is wheat starch, which is the primary culprit for Pringles not being gluten-free. They’re clearly stated to be gluten-free on the Frito Lay website as well.

It's important to note that while Lay's Stax Original chips are gluten-free, not all Lay's products are. Always check the label to ensure the product is certified gluten-free before purchasing.

Good Crisp Company 

If you're a fan of the unique taste and texture of Pringles but need to maintain a gluten-free diet, don't worry! There's a great alternative available, and that's the Good Crisp Company. This brand offers a range of gluten-free chips that are a great copycat for Pringles.

The Good Crisp Company's chips are not only gluten-free but also non-GMO and free from any artificial flavors and colors. They offer a variety of flavors, including Original, Sour Cream & Onion, and BBQ, which are all reminiscent of the classic Pringles flavors we all know and love.

The texture of their chips is very similar to Pringles - thin, crispy, and perfectly curved for maximum flavor. They come in a canister similar to Pringles, making them an easy and convenient snack for on-the-go.

Cape Cod Classic

Cape Cod Classic offer kettle-cooked potato chips that are a delicious and healthier substitute for your favorite snack. What’s best is that they use really simple ingredients too! 

The Classic variety contains only potatoes, vegetable oil, and a touch of sea salt. No hidden gluten, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors or colors. Just simple, wholesome ingredients that you can trust.

The Cape Cod Classic chips are cooked in small batches, which gives them their signature crunch and rich flavor. They are thicker than Pringles, which means they can hold up to your favorite dips without breaking.

But what really makes these chips a standout is their commitment to being gluten-free. Cape Cod ensures that its products are made in a gluten-free environment, allowing those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to enjoy them without worry. 

This means that all Cape Cod chips are gluten free!

Lay's Classic And Simply Lay's

If you're a fan of Pringles but are looking for a gluten-free alternative, Lay's Classic and Simply Lay's could be your new best friends. Both of these products are made by Frito-Lay, a well-known and reputable brand in the snack industry.

Lay's Classic potato chips are made with three simple ingredients: potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt. They are not only gluten-free but also free from artificial flavors and preservatives. The simplicity of the ingredients in Lay's Classic chips makes them a safe and delicious choice for those following a gluten-free diet.

On the other hand, Simply Lay's are a line of products that include various flavors of chips made with non-GMO ingredients. The range includes Sea Salted, Barbecue, and Black Pepper flavors, among others. All of these flavors are certified gluten-free, so you can snack without worry.

Luke's Organic

Luke’s Organic chips are another great gluten free alternative to pringles. They’re made from whole grain, brown rice, quinoa, and amaranth, which are all naturally gluten-free ingredients. 

They come in a variety of flavors, including Sea Salt, BBQ, and Sour Cream & Onion, giving you the freedom to choose according to your preferences without worrying about gluten.

Ruffles Chips

Ruffles Original and many of its flavored varieties are listed on Frito-Lay's U.S. gluten-free product list. However, it's always a good idea to check the label before you buy, as ingredients can change. Remember, if you see "wheat" listed in the ingredients or allergen statement, the product is not gluten-free.

Ruffles Chips are known for their hearty ridges and satisfying crunch, making them a great choice for dipping. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, so you're sure to find one that you’ll enjoy!

Keep in mind that while Ruffles Chips are a gluten-free alternative to Pringles, they're still a processed snack food. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.