Quick Answer
Most Lance cheese crackers are not gluten-free. Lance’s original cheese crackers contain wheat flour, which contains gluten. However, Lance does offer some gluten-free cheese cracker options, such as their Gluten Free Toasty and Gluten Free ToastChee crackers. So some Lance cheese crackers are gluten-free, but their traditional original cheese crackers contain gluten.
Ingredients in Regular Lance Cheese Crackers
Lance’s classic cheese crackers, the ones packaged in the familiar red box, contain wheat flour as a main ingredient. Wheat flour contains gluten, so these original Lance cheese crackers are not gluten-free.
Specifically, the ingredients listed on a box of original Lance cheese crackers are:
| Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid) |
| Soybean oil with TBHQ added as a preservative |
| Salt |
| Whey |
| Leavening (calcium phosphate and/or baking soda) |
| Monoglycerides |
| Malted barley |
| Corn syrup solids |
| Parmesan cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes) |
| Natural flavors |
| Cornstarch |
| Enzyme modified cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cheese cultures, salt, enzymes) |
| Annatto and paprika extract (color) |
As you can see, the first ingredient listed is enriched wheat flour. This means Lance’s original cheese crackers contain gluten and are not gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Lance Crackers
While Lance’s classic cheese crackers contain gluten, Lance has developed some gluten-free cheese cracker options:
– Lance Gluten Free Toasty Crackers – These crackers are made with rice flour and contain no wheat ingredients.
– Lance Gluten Free ToastChee Crackers – These crackers substitute tapioca flour and rice flour for the wheat flour.
So if you need a gluten-free cheese cracker option, Lance does offer some varieties that fit a gluten-free diet. You just need to look specifically for the Gluten Free Toasty or Gluten Free ToastChee varieties, rather than the traditional cheese crackers.
Cross-Contamination Risk
Even though some Lance crackers are labeled gluten-free, there is still a small risk of cross-contamination with gluten.
This is because Lance produces their gluten-containing crackers on some of the same equipment as the gluten-free varieties. So there is a chance some small amount of wheat flour residue could get into the gluten-free products.
Lance does say they have procedures in place to minimize cross-contamination risks. But for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, even small amounts of cross-contamination can be an issue. So this is something to be aware of with Lance’s gluten-free labeled products.
Lance Crackers Labeled “Wheat Free”
You may also see some Lance cracker varieties that are labeled as “wheat free” but not specifically “gluten free.”
These wheat-free Lance crackers are NOT gluten-free. They still contain barley malt, which contains gluten.
So be sure to look specifically for the Lance products labeled “gluten-free” if you need to avoid gluten. Don’t assume wheat-free automatically means gluten-free when it comes to Lance crackers.
Nutrition Information for Lance Gluten-Free Crackers
Here is some nutrition information on the Lance Gluten Free Toasty Crackers, according to the product packaging:
| Serving Size | 5 crackers (15g) |
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Carbs | 11g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
And here is the nutrition data for the Lance Gluten Free ToastChee Crackers:
| Serving Size | 5 crackers (15g) |
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, the gluten-free Lance crackers are relatively low in calories, fat, and protein compared to some snack options. They get most of their calories from carbohydrates.
Where to Buy Lance Gluten-Free Crackers
You can find Lance brand crackers, including the gluten-free varieties, at most major grocery stores across the United States.
Some specific stores where you are likely to find Lance gluten-free crackers include:
- Walmart
- Target
- Kroger
- Publix
- Safeway
- Harris Teeter
- HEB
- Food Lion
- Stop & Shop
- Winn Dixie
Lance crackers are very widely distributed, so you should have no trouble finding the gluten-free options at your local grocery store or supermarket. Just check the cracker aisle and look for the distinct bright blue and green packaging labeled “Gluten Free.”
You can also purchase Lance gluten-free crackers online from sites like Amazon, Walmart.com, Target.com, and more. Buying online may offer more variety in terms of flavors and cracker types.
Price of Lance Gluten-Free Crackers
Lance gluten-free crackers tend to cost a little bit more than the regular gluten-containing Lance crackers.
On average, a 6.6oz box of Lance Gluten Free Toasty or ToastChee crackers runs about $3.50 to $4.50. Sometimes you can find them on sale for closer to $3.
Meanwhile, a 6.5oz box of original Lance Cheddar cheese crackers is typically $2 to $3.
So you’re generally going to pay about $1 or $2 more for the gluten-free version. This premium price accounts for the different ingredients required to make the crackers gluten-free.
Still, Lance gluten-free crackers are very reasonably priced compared to other gluten-free snack options, which can often cost much more. And remember to compare prices per ounce, rather than just looking at the total box price. The gluten-free boxes are a little smaller than the regular boxes.
You may be able to save some money by buying in bulk online, or by looking for sales and coupons at your grocery store. Overall, Lance gluten-free crackers provide an affordable GF snacking choice.
Reviews of Lance Gluten-Free Crackers
Most reviews of Lance gluten-free crackers are positive. Here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons consumers mention about these products:
Pros:
- Crispy, crunchy texture
- Good cheese flavor
- Do not crumble easily
- Affordable price point
- Readily available in stores
- Can easily find coupon deals
Cons:
- Surface can be a bit salty for some tastes
- Not as flaky as original Lance crackers
- Boxes tend to be smaller than regular versions
- Still some risk of cross-contamination
Overall, most reviews indicate Lance gluten-free crackers have a good flavor and texture, and are a budget-friendly GF option. Just be aware the surface can taste salty, and the texture differs slightly from original Lance crackers.
Nutrition Comparison to Other Crackers
How does the nutrition of Lance gluten-free crackers compare to other popular cracker brands? Here’s a look:
Lance Gluten Free Toasty Crackers (5 crackers)
- 70 calories
- 2.5g fat
- 115mg sodium
- 11g carbs
Ritz Gluten Free Crackers (5 crackers)
- 60 calories
- 3g fat
- 190mg sodium
- 9g carbs
Blue Diamond Nut Thins (5 crackers)
- 70 calories
- 2g fat
- 105mg sodium
- 13g carbs
Mary’s Gone Crackers Original (5 crackers)
- 90 calories
- 3g fat
- 140mg sodium
- 15g carbs
As you can see, Lance gluten-free crackers are very similar in nutrition to other popular brands. They are relatively low in calories, fat, and carbs compared to some other snack options.
Lance GF crackers have a bit more sodium than some brands, but are still low in sodium overall. The fiber content is minimal since they are made with refined flours.
Overall, Lance gluten-free crackers provide a fairly nutritious gluten-free snacking choice that can fit into a balanced diet. Just be sure to watch your portion sizes, as with any cracker product.
Alternatives to Lance Gluten-Free Crackers
Lance certainly isn’t your only option if you’re looking for gluten-free crackers. Here are some other top brands to consider:
- Simple Mills – These are made with almond flour and cassava flour. Great flavor and texture.
- Schar – Offers over a dozen different GF cracker varieties made with corn, rice, buckwheat and potato flours.
- Blue Diamond Nut Thins – Made with rice and almond flours. Available in fun flavors like Cinnamon and Vanilla.
- Mary’s Gone – Crackers made from whole food ingredients like brown rice, quinoa, flax and sesame seeds.
- Crunchmaster – Multi-grain crackers made with brown rice, millet, quinoa and amaranth flours.
- Carr’s – Gluten Free Table Water Crackers are simple but delicious.
There are lots of delicious gluten-free crackers on the market today made by trusted brands. Choosing certified gluten-free products can reduce cross-contamination risk.
Are Cheese Crackers Healthy?
While Lance gluten-free crackers can fit into a balanced diet, no cracker is truly a “health food.” Even gluten-free crackers have minimal nutrition and can spike blood sugar due to their refined carbohydrate content.
Some healthier aspects of Lance GF crackers:
- Low in calories and fat compared to chips or cookies
- Contain no artificial colors or flavors
- Are fortified with vitamins and minerals like niacin, iron and folic acid
Less healthy qualities include:
- Refined flour ingredients lack fiber
- Higher in sodium than many other snack options
- Can cause blood sugar spike when eaten in excess
- Lack protein to balance blood sugar response
- Often lead to overeating if you consume straight from the box
To make cheese crackers like Lance gluten-free options healthier:
- Enjoy in moderation as part of a nutrient-rich diet
- Aim for 1-2 servings rather than mindless snacking
- Pair with protein like lean meats or cheese for more balanced nutrition
- Choose varieties made with whole grains like quinoa or brown rice flour when possible
- Read labels and compare sodium content to pick the healthiest options
Overall, while not a nutritional powerhouse, Lance gluten-free crackers can be incorporated into a healthy diet in moderation alongside more nutrient-dense foods. Just be mindful of portions and sodium content.
Conclusion
In summary, here are the key points to know about Lance gluten-free cheese crackers:
- Lance’s original classic cheese crackers contain gluten and are not gluten-free.
- However, Lance does make some gluten-free varieties like Toasty and ToastChee.
- The gluten-free Lance crackers are made with rice flour and tapioca flour instead of wheat.
- There is still some risk of cross-contamination with gluten in the gluten-free Lance products.
- You can find Lance gluten-free crackers at most major grocery stores for a reasonable price.
- Reviews of the gluten-free Lance crackers are generally positive.
- Nutritionally, Lance gluten-free crackers are similar to other brands and can fit into a balanced diet in moderation.
- Look at alternatives like Simple Mills and Blue Diamond Nut Thins for more variety.
While not the healthiest snack around, Lance gluten-free crackers provide a tasty way for gluten-free dieters to enjoy an old favorite. Be sure to compare nutrition labels and ingredients to find the healthiest gluten-free cheese crackers for your needs.
