SunChips are a popular brand of crispy potato and multigrain snacks produced by Frito-Lay. With a variety of flavors and textures, SunChips appeal to many consumers looking for a tasty, crunchy snack. However, for those who need to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons like celiac disease, a big question is: Are any SunChips gluten-free?
Quick Answer
Yes, some SunChips varieties are certified gluten-free. According to Frito-Lay, the following SunChips flavors are gluten-free as of October 2023:
- Original
- Harvest Cheddar
- French Onion
- Garden Salsa
These gluten-free SunChip varieties are made without wheat, barley, rye or related grains that contain the protein gluten. Frito-Lay has procedures in place to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients.
Checking labels for gluten-free certification
When purchasing SunChips, checking the product labels for a certified gluten-free claim is important for gluten-sensitive consumers. In the United States, foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten.
On packages of gluten-free SunChips varieties, consumers should see the words “Certified Gluten Free” along with one of the certification symbols below:
- Certified Gluten-Free label from GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)
- Certified Gluten-Free from NSF (NSF International)
Both GFCO and NSF regularly audit Frito-Lay’s production facilities and test products to ensure SunChips labeled gluten-free contain minimal traces of gluten.
SunChips varieties that contain gluten
While some SunChips are gluten-free, other varieties contain glutenous ingredients and are not safe for gluten-free diets. As of October 2023, these SunChips flavors contain gluten:
- Multigrain
- Cheddar
- Sweet & Smoky BBQ
- Jalapeno Jack
- Nacho Cheese
- Chile Limón
- Spicy Queso
The main gluten-containing ingredient in these SunChips is whole grain wheat. Frito-Lay does not make any gluten-free claims about these varieties.
Cross-contamination risks
Even though some SunChips are certified gluten-free, there is a small risk of cross-contamination with gluten during manufacturing. This is because Frito-Lay produces both gluten-free and gluten-containing SunChips on shared equipment.
Individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should be aware of this potential for cross-contact. The gluten-free certification allows up to 20 ppm of gluten. Those extremely sensitive should exercise judgement when consuming.
Other snacks from Frito-Lay
In addition to SunChips, some other Frito-Lay snacks are labeled gluten-free. As of October 2023, these Frito-Lay products are certified gluten-free in the United States:
- Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
- Lay’s Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips
- Lay’s Poppables Sea Salt Potato Chips
- Cheetos Crunchy Original
- Cheetos Puffs
- Fritos Original Corn Chips
- Fritos Chili Cheese Corn Chips
- Rold Gold Tiny Twists Original Pretzels
- Rold Gold Thins Honey Wheat Braided Pretzels
Checking for a certified gluten-free label is still important, as recipes and ingredients can change over time. Frito-Lay maintains a list of certified gluten-free products on their website.
Safety tips when buying gluten-free SunChips
When purchasing SunChips labeled gluten-free, here are some tips to stay safe from gluten exposure:
- Check the ingredient list – it should not contain wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients.
- Verify the product has a “Certified Gluten Free” claim.
- Look for one of the trusted gluten-free certification symbols like GFCO or NSF.
- Check the manufacturing facility – it should be separate from gluten-containing foods.
- Inspect packaging for signs of damage or cross-contamination.
- Consume snacks labeled gluten-free sparingly if extremely sensitive to gluten.
Contacting Frito-Lay about gluten-free status
If you have any questions about whether a particular SunChips product or flavor is gluten-free, the best option is to contact Frito-Lay directly. You can reach their Consumer Relations center the following ways:
- Phone: 1-800-352-4477
- Online: Through the “Contact Us” page at FritoLay.com
- Mail: Frito-Lay Consumer Relations, P.O. Box 660634, Dallas, TX 75266-0634
Frito-Lay’s customer service team can look up the latest information on ingredients and manufacturing processes to verify if a SunChips product is gluten-free or not. They are generally very responsive to allergy and dietary restriction inquiries.
Gluten-free snacking tips
When following a gluten-free diet, being able to enjoy tasty snacks like SunChips can make life a bit easier and more enjoyable. Here are some general tips for snacking gluten-free:
- Choose certified gluten-free products whenever possible.
- Check labels and ingredients each time before purchasing.
- Wash hands before prepping or eating snacks to avoid cross-contact.
- Use a clean knife when opening snack packages.
- Avoid snacks with warnings like “processed in a facility with wheat.”
- Go for whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds for natural snacking.
- Travel with gluten-free snacks when on-the-go.
- Ask about ingredients when purchasing prepared foods.
With some vigilance in your snacking habits, you can safely enjoy gluten-free crispy SunChips and other Frito-Lay products.
Summary
When you need a crunchy, gluten-free snack, look for these SunChips varieties carrying certified gluten-free labels: Original, Harvest Cheddar, French Onion, and Garden Salsa. Other SunChips contain gluten and are not safe for gluten-free diets. Always verify the gluten-free status by checking product packaging carefully and contacting Frito-Lay with any questions. Follow other gluten-free snacking tips like reading labels, washing hands, and avoiding cross-contamination. With some care, SunChips can be a tasty gluten-free addition to your pantry.
Conclusion
Checking for gluten-free certification is crucial when purchasing SunChips and other processed snacks. While the Original, Harvest Cheddar, French Onion, and Garden Salsa SunChips are labeled gluten-free in the United States, other flavors contain gluten and are not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Consumers avoiding gluten should be vigilant about verifying ingredients and labels each time before buying SunChips, even if purchasing a variety previously confirmed as gluten-free. By being an informed gluten-free shopper, snacking safely on SunChips and other Frito-Lay products is certainly achievable.
