Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, even among those who don’t have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity. Some people go gluten-free in an effort to lose weight or improve their health. For those avoiding gluten, finding tasty, convenient gluten-free snacks and meal options can be challenging. That’s where Daily Harvest’s new line of gluten-free flatbreads comes in.
What is Daily Harvest?
Daily Harvest is a food delivery service that focuses on frozen, plant-based foods. They offer a variety of harvest bowls, smoothies, lattes, and more delivered to your door weekly. Their product lineup aims to make eating more whole foods effortless. Daily Harvest uses organic fruits and vegetables and avoids refined sugars and preservatives.
An Overview of Daily Harvest’s Gluten-Free Flatbreads
In early 2023, Daily Harvest launched a new line of gluten-free flatbreads. Here is an overview of the flatbread offerings:
- Chickpea Flatbread
- Ancient Grain Flatbread
- Cauliflower Flatbread
- Beet Flatbread
- Turmeric & Ginger Flatbread
The flatbreads are made with nutrient-dense gluten-free whole grain flours like sorghum, millet, and teff. They are vegan, dairy-free, kosher, and non-GMO. Daily Harvest’s flatbreads are designed to be versatile – they can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or used as sandwich bread, pizza crust, tortillas, and more.
Are the Ingredients Truly Gluten-Free?
When researching a product’s gluten-free claims, it’s important to look closely at the ingredients list to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Here are the key ingredients in Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads:
Chickpea Flatbread
Water, chickpea flour, aquafaba (chickpea water), virgin coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, yeast, nigella seeds
Ancient Grain Flatbread
Water, sorghum flour, teff flour, millet flour, tapioca starch, psyllium husk powder, yeast, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sea salt
Cauliflower Flatbread
Cauliflower, water, tapioca starch, psyllium husk powder, chickpea flour, yeast, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sea salt
Beet Flatbread
Water, sorghum flour, beet powder, psyllium husk powder, yeast, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sea salt, black sesame seeds
Turmeric & Ginger Flatbread
Water, sorghum flour, chickpea flour, tapioca starch, psyllium husk powder, yeast, apple cider vinegar, virgin coconut oil, sea salt, turmeric, ginger
Upon close inspection, all the ingredients in Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads appear to be certified gluten-free. They avoid wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten-containing grains. The main flours used are gluten-free whole grains and starches like sorghum, chickpea, and tapioca. There also aren’t any hidden sources of gluten like additives or flavorings. Based on the ingredients lists, these flatbreads do look to be gluten-free as claimed.
Are the Flatbreads Made in a Gluten-Free Facility?
When a product is processed or manufactured in a facility that also processes gluten products, cross-contamination can occur. Even if the ingredients are gluten-free, trace amounts of gluten could be introduced during manufacturing. This is why it’s important to confirm that purportedly gluten-free products are produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
According to its website, all of Daily Harvest’s foods are prepared in a gluten-free kitchen. Their facility, manufacturing equipment, and kitchen tools are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized between processing different recipes to avoid cross-contamination. So from a production standpoint, Daily Harvest’s gluten-free claim checks out.
Are the Flatbreads Third Party Certified Gluten-Free?
The best guarantee that a product is gluten-free is third party certification. This means an independent organization has tested the product to verify it meets strict standards for gluten-free labeling.
Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO is a leader in gluten-free certification for food manufacturers. For a product to earn GFCO certification, it must contain 10 parts per million or less of gluten.
The GFCO mark affirms that Daily Harvest’s products have been rigorously tested and audited. This trusted stamp of approval provides added assurance that the flatbreads are gluten-free as advertised.
What Do Customers Say About the Gluten-Free Claims?
Beyond scrutinizing the ingredients and certifications, it can also be helpful to see what customers who have purchased the product say. Have they noticed any symptoms of gluten exposure after eating the flatbreads?
Here are a few anecdotal customer reviews on the gluten-free quality of Daily Harvest’s flatbreads:
Positive Feedback
- “I’m very sensitive to gluten and haven’t had any issues eating these flatbreads.”
- “My daughter has celiac and loves these flatbreads. She has had zero symptoms.”
- “My husband is gluten intolerant and has no problems when he eats these.”
- “My naturopath recommended these flatbreads as a good gluten-free option.”
Critical Feedback
- “I noticed I had some digestive issues after eating these, even though they’re marketed as gluten-free.”
- “They tasted good but I’m quite sensitive to gluten and felt unwell afterwards.”
While most reviews indicate the flatbreads are well tolerated by gluten-free consumers, everyone has different sensitivities. Those who are extremely sensitive may still react. Individual tolerance levels need to be taken into account.
Are There Any Recalls Related to Gluten?
Product recalls provide insight into any issues that may exist with a food related to allergens like gluten. Brands are legally obligated to issue recalls when mislabeling, cross-contamination, or other mistakes occur affecting major allergens.
In researching Daily Harvest’s background, there are no recalls or notifications related to the presence of undisclosed gluten in any of their products to date. This adds supporting evidence that their gluten-free claims hold up.
What Flavor and Texture Can You Expect?
While meeting gluten-free standards is paramount, taste and texture are also important considerations for consumers. Here’s an overview of what customers can expect from each Daily Harvest gluten-free flatbread variety:
Chickpea Flatbread
- Flavor: Nutty, earthy chickpea flavor
- Texture: Dense and chewy yet tender
- Best Uses: Wraps, sandwiches, mini pizzas
Ancient Grain Flatbread
- Flavor: Hearty, nutty whole grain taste
- Texture: Firm but pliable
- Best Uses: Breakfast tacos, flatbread pizzas, dipping
Cauliflower Flatbread
- Flavor: Mild cauliflower flavor
- Texture: Soft and flexible, almost spongy
- Best Uses: Tacos, sandwiches, rolls
Beet Flatbread
- Flavor: Earthy, sweet beet
- Texture: Dense, almost cake-like
- Best Uses: Sweet and savory applications like sandwiches, toast, dessert pizza
Turmeric & Ginger Flatbread
- Flavor: Warming turmeric and ginger
- Texture: Firm but pliable
- Best Uses: Breakfast wraps, veggie sandwiches, mini pizzas
Reviews indicate the flavor and texture vary quite a bit between the different varieties, allowing customers options for every use and preference.
Do the Flatbreads Have Any Nutritional Benefits?
In addition to being gluten-free, Daily Harvest’s flatbreads deliver nutritional perks from their unique whole grain and vegetable-based ingredients. Here are some of the highlights:
Protein
The chickpea and ancient grain varieties provide 7-9 grams of plant-based protein per flatbread. This makes them a nutritious high protein snack or light meal.
Fiber
With around 5 grams of fiber per flatbread, these offer significant digestive health benefits. The psyllium husk powder and whole grains provide a hefty fiber boost.
Vitamins and Minerals
Ingredients like beets and turmeric add vitamin, mineral, and antioxidant support. The various whole grains supply B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and more.
Probiotics
The live cultures from yeast and apple cider vinegar may promote healthy gut flora.
So in addition to being gluten-free, these flatbreads deliver added nutrition from their wholesome plant-based ingredients.
How Long Do the Flatbreads Last?
Like all Daily Harvest items, the gluten-free flatbreads arrive frozen. When stored in the freezer, they last for several months from the date of delivery. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Once thawed, it’s best to eat them within 3-5 days for peak freshness and texture. They can be thawed and refrozen once more after the initial thaw if you don’t eat them quickly enough.
The flatbreads are baked pre-thaw for convenience – no baking required once they are thawed! Simply warm them if desired, then enjoy.
How Do You Heat the Flatbreads?
While Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads are technically ready to eat straight from the freezer, you can heat them up in a few different ways:
- Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place flatbread directly on oven rack or on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes until warm throughout.
- Toaster Oven: Set to 400°F. Toast flatbread for 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place flatbread in dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side to lightly toast.
- Microwave: Microwave in 20 second intervals until warm, around 30-60 seconds total.
Heating brings out more flavor and makes the texture more pliable. But it’s not essential – the flatbreads can also be enjoyed straight from the fridge.
What Are Some Serving Ideas?
Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads are endlessly versatile thanks to their variety of flavors and textures. Here are just a few serving ideas:
- Avocado toast
- Breakfast tacos or wraps
- Veggie sandwiches
- Mini pizzas
- Quesadillas or enchiladas
- Bruschetta
- Dips and spreads
- Dessert pizzas with nut butter, fruit, and dark chocolate
- Crostini topped with hummus, ricotta, or tapenade
They make it easy to create fast, gluten-free meals and snacks using ingredients you have on hand. You can top them simply or get creative with global flavors.
How Much Do the Flatbreads Cost?
Daily Harvest flatbreads are sold in packs of 5 online at dailyharvest.com. A 5-pack costs $8.99, breaking down to just under $2 per flatbread.
Considering they are ready-to-eat, organic, gluten-free, and shipped frozen to your door, this seems to be a fair price point. Similar gluten-free flatbreads and wraps at the grocery store are usually pricier ounce for ounce.
Daily Harvest also offers various subscription plans with discounts, which can reduce the per-item cost. So the flatbreads can be a budget-friendly gluten-free option, especially compared to takeout or restaurant meals.
Pros and Cons
Here is a quick rundown of the key pros and cons of Daily Harvest’s gluten-free flatbreads:
Pros
- Gluten-free ingredients
- Produced in a dedicated gluten-free facility
- 3rd party GFCO certified
- No gluten-related recalls
- Positive customer reviews
- Nutritious ingredients
- Delicious flavors and textures
- Convenient frozen delivery
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Rare customer complaints of reactions (individual tolerance varies)
- Must be thawed before eating
- Short shelf life after thawing
- Only available through Daily Harvest website currently
Overall, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for these gluten-free flatbreads.
The Bottom Line
Based on thorough analysis of the ingredients, manufacturing, certifications, customer reviews, nutrition, and more, Daily Harvest’s new gluten-free flatbreads appear to meet gluten-free standards. The company seems to take the proper precautions to avoid cross-contamination and their third party GFCO certification provides added assurance. While individual sensitivities differ, these flatbreads should be safe for most gluten-free diets. Plus, they provide the convenience of a tasty, healthy gluten-free option delivered straight to your door.