Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are a popular pre-packaged cookie found in many grocery stores. With their distinctive white frosting and sprinkle topping, they are an eye-catching treat. But an important question for many cookie lovers is – are Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies gluten-free?
For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, knowing the gluten content of foods is extremely important. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those who are gluten-intolerant. So determining if Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are gluten-free is key.
Gluten Content of Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
After thorough research, the answer is clear – Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are not gluten-free. Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies contain wheat flour. Since wheat contains gluten, this means Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Lofthouse does not specifically market their frosted sugar cookies as being gluten-free. The ingredients list for a Lofthouse Frosted Cookies package lists “enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)” as the main ingredient. As wheat flour contains gluten, this confirms that Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are not gluten-free.
Lofthouse used to produce a gluten-free frosted sugar cookie, but that product has since been discontinued. On their website’s Frequently Asked Questions section, Lofthouse states:
“At this time we no longer produce a gluten free sugar cookie. The gluten free sugar cookies were discontinued due to very slow sales. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”
So while Lofthouse did formerly offer a gluten-free option, their regular frosted sugar cookies currently sold in stores contain gluten from wheat flour.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if a food product does not directly contain gluten ingredients, there can still be a risk of cross-contamination through manufacturing processes. Since Lofthouse produces gluten-containing products on shared equipment, their facilities are at risk for cross-contamination.
Lofthouse does process peanut products in the same facility as their frosted cookies. However, they note that the peanut products run at different times than the frosted cookies. They do not address whether they take any special precautions regarding gluten cross-contamination.
So in addition to the intentional inclusion of wheat flour, there may be an additional risk of gluten cross-contamination in Lofthouse facilities. This further supports that their frosted sugar cookies are not reliably gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Cookie Alternatives
While disappointing for gluten-free consumers, the reality is that regular Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies contain gluten. However, there are some store-bought cookie alternatives to consider instead:
- Katz Gluten Free Frosted Sugar Cookies – Katz offers gluten-free versions of many classic bakery treats, including frosted sugar cookies. They are certified gluten-free to less than 5 ppm.
- Mi-Del Ginger Snaps – Mi-Del makes gluten-free cookie options like ginger snaps that have similar crispy texture to sugar cookies.
- Anna’s Gluten Free Sugar Cookies – Anna’s kitchen specializes in gluten-free baked goods, including classic sugar cookies with frosting.
- Enjoy Life Soft Baked Cookies – Enjoy Life makes many allergy-friendly cookies, including chewy chocolate chip and double chocolate cookies.
There are also many easy recipes for making gluten-free sugar cookies at home. Homemade is a surefire way to control ingredients and avoid cross-contamination.
How to Identify Gluten-Free Products
When evaluating any product for gluten content, be sure to:
- Check the ingredients list for any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients
- Look for a “gluten-free” label, indicating less than 20ppm gluten
- See if the product is made in a dedicated gluten-free facility
- Contact the manufacturer if uncertain about gluten status
Following these steps is important, as gluten can show up in unexpected places. Never assume a product is gluten-free without verifying.
Key Takeaways on Lofthouse Frosted Sugar Cookies
To wrap up, here are the key facts to remember about Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies:
- Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies contain wheat flour and are NOT gluten-free
- Lofthouse discontinued their gluten-free cookie offering years ago
- Risk of cross-contamination may exist in the shared Lofthouse facility
- Verified gluten-free alternatives are available for store-bought cookies
- Proper label reading and manufacturer contact is vital for identifying gluten-free status
While it is unfortunate Lofthouse frosted sugar cookies are off-limits for the gluten-free community, there are still ways to safely enjoy a frosted sweet treat. Being an informed gluten-free consumer means knowing how to identify products that fit your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any Lofthouse frosted cookie products that are gluten-free?
No, at this current time Lofthouse does not offer any gluten-free frosted cookie options. Their previous gluten-free frosted sugar cookie was discontinued. All current Lofthouse frosted cookies contain wheat flour and gluten.
What about Lofthouse frosted cookies made without wheat flour?
There are no Lofthouse frosted cookies made without wheat flour. All of their cookie products list wheat flour as the first ingredient.
Does Lofthouse have warnings about gluten or wheat allergens on their packaging?
No, Lofthouse does not provide any allergen warnings about wheat or gluten on their frosted cookie packages. However, the ingredient lists do clearly state wheat flour is used.
Are there alternative cookie brands that are similar to Lofthouse that are gluten-free?
Yes, brands like Katz and Anna’s offer gluten-free frosted sugar cookies and other sweets that are similar in taste and texture to Lofthouse cookies. Enjoy Life and Mi-Del also make gluten-free crunchy cookies and crispy treats that can substitute for the Lofthouse style.
What happens if someone with celiac disease or gluten intolerance eats a Lofthouse frosted cookie?
If someone with celiac or gluten intolerance consumes a Lofthouse frosted cookie, they are likely to experience abdominal discomfort, bloating, diarrhea and other adverse symptoms. Ingesting gluten can damage the small intestine and contribute to other serious health issues for those with gluten-related disorders.
The Bottom Line
Lofthouse frosted cookies are a beloved grocery store treat for many. But with their wheat flour content, they are unsuitable for gluten-free diets. While Lofthouse no longer offers gluten-free alternatives, there are several cookie brands that create similar frosted options that are gluten-free. By reading labels diligently and seeking third party certification, you can enjoy the fun colors and flavors of frosted sugar cookies without the gluten. With care and awareness, living gluten-free does not mean completely giving up sweet indulgences.
