Ore-Ida tater tots are a popular frozen potato side dish made by the Ore-Ida company. Many people enjoy tater tots for their crispy outside and fluffy interior. However, for people with food allergies or intolerances like gluten, wheat, dairy, etc., it’s important to know if tater tots contain any problematic ingredients. This article will investigate if Ore-Ida tater tots are gluten and dairy free.
Are Ore-Ida Tater Tots Gluten Free?
The simple answer is yes, Ore-Ida tater tots are gluten free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the small intestine.
Ore-Ida clearly labels their tater tots as gluten free on the packaging. All Ore-Ida tater tot varieties including original, crispy crowns, and tots with cauliflower are certified gluten free to less than 20 parts per million. This strict standard ensures foods are essentially free of gluten and safe for gluten free diets.
On Ore-Ida’s website, they also state their commitment to producing gluten free products and list their certification by the Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products regularly to guarantee they meet requirements for gluten free status.
So in summary, Ore-Ida tater tots contain no wheat, barley, rye or gluten ingredients. Their production facilities and processes prevent cross-contamination with gluten. Ore-Ida’s gluten free certification and labeling make their tater tots a safe gluten free food choice.
Are Ore-Ida Tater Tots Dairy Free?
Dairy is another common food allergen and area of concern for many consumers. Dairy encompasses ingredients coming from milk including milk proteins like casein and whey, cream, butter, cheese and yogurt. Those with dairy allergies or who follow a vegan diet need to know if tater tots contain milk-derived ingredients.
After closely examining the Ore-Ida tater tot ingredient lists, the answer is they are dairy free. None of their tater tot varieties contain milk, cheese, butter, cream or other dairy components.
Here are the main ingredients in original Ore-Ida tater tots:
- Potatoes
- Vegetable oil (contains one or more of canola, palm, soybean, sunflower)
- Corn flour
- Wheat starch
- Salt
- Spices
- Dextrin
- Sugar
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Extractives of paprika and turmeric (color)
As you can see, the ingredient list contains no dairy-derived elements. The vegetable oil is plant-based from canola, palm, soybean or sunflower sources. All other ingredients from potatoes, corn flour, spices, etc. do not come from milk or animals.
Ore-Ida’s processing facilities where tater tots are made also avoid cross-contamination with dairy. They adhere to strict allergen protocols and sanitation practices. Any dairy products would be handled completely separately from the gluten and dairy free tater tots.
So in conclusion, Ore-Ida tater tots contain no dairy ingredients or milk derived components. This makes them suitable for vegan diets and safe for those with dairy allergies. You can confidently enjoy Ore-Ida tater tots dairy free.
Checking for Other Allergens in Ore-Ida Tater Tots
While Ore-Ida tater tots are gluten and dairy free, they do contain other common food allergen ingredients. It’s important for consumers to be aware of the full range of allergens when selecting packaged foods.
Here are some other allergens present in Ore-Ida tater tots:
Soy
The vegetable oil used in Ore-Ida tater tots includes soybean oil as one possible option along with canola, palm, and sunflower oil. People with soy allergies need to be cautious of this ingredient.
Corn
Corn flour is an ingredient in tater tots, meaning the product contains corn and could be a concern for those with corn allergies.
Onion and Garlic
Onion and garlic powders are used to season Ore-Ida tater tots. People with allergies to the allium family, including onions and garlic, should be aware.
Potato
Since the main ingredient is potato, those with potato sensitivities or allergies should avoid Ore-Ida tater tots.
Thankfully, Ore-Ida clearly labels allergens on their packaging per FDA requirements. The presence of soy, corn, onions/garlic and potato is called out for consumers. This helps allergy sufferers make informed decisions.
Those without food allergies or intolerances can enjoy Ore-Ida tater tots gluten and dairy free! But it’s always best practice to diligently read ingredient labels to ensure a food is suitable for your individual diet and needs.
Nutrition Facts for Ore-Ida Tater Tots
Understanding the nutrition facts and ingredients is key for managing food allergies and diet restrictions. Here is a breakdown of the nutrition facts for a standard 70g serving (about 14 tots) of Ore-Ida Original Tater Tots:
| Nutrient | Per 70g Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 180 | 9% |
| Total Fat | 9g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g | 9% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | – |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 270mg | 12% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 1g | – |
| Protein | 2g | – |
A few highlights:
– 180 calories per serving, relatively low for a starchy side dish
– 9g of fat, but just 1.5g is saturated fat
– 270mg sodium – good to keep in mind for those monitoring sodium intake
– 24g total carbs with 2g fiber
– 2g protein
The nutrition profile offers a balanced mix of healthy fats, carbs, and protein along with a range of vitamins and minerals. Tater tots make a satisfying gluten free, dairy free addition to any meal.
Where to Buy Ore-Ida Tater Tots
Ore-Ida tater tots are widely available at most major grocery stores across the United States. Here are some specific places you can find Ore-Ida tater tots near you:
Grocery Stores
- Safeway
- Kroger
- Publix
- HEB
- Target
- Walmart
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
Ore-Ida tater tots can be found in the frozen potato or frozen vegetable section at grocery retailers. Most stores carry original Ore-Ida tots along with special varieties like tater tots made with cauliflower or sweet potato.
Online Stores
If you can’t find Ore-Ida tater tots at your local market, shop online:
Ore-Ida offers direct online purchasing and delivery of their tater tots through their website. Buying online is a convenient way to get Ore-Ida tots shipped straight to your door.
Tater Tot Recipes
Now that you know Ore-Ida tater tots are gluten and dairy free, get creative with how you cook them! Here are some delicious recipe ideas:
Nacho Tater Tot Casserole
Blend tater tots with salsa, beans, corn, and other Tex-Mex fixings for a skillet nacho casserole. Top with avocado and cilantro.
Tater Tot Breakfast Bake
Whip up a breakfast bake with tater tots, eggs, bacon or sausage, peppers, and cheese. It’s easy to assemble and perfect for meal prepping.
Buffalo Chicken Tater Tot Bake
Toss cooked chicken in buffalo sauce then scatter with tater tots and cheese for a spicy, crowd-pleasing casserole. Ranch dressing cools it down.
Taco Stuffed Peppers with Tater Tots
Fill bell peppers with taco meat, beans, corn, and top with tots for a hand-held, gluten and dairy free dinner.
Tater Tot Lasagna
Layer tater tots, marinara sauce, Italian sausage, spinach, and cheese (use dairy free if needed) for an easy lasagna-inspired dish.
The possibilities are endless for creative and delicious ways to cook Ore-Ida tater tots gluten and dairy free!
FAQs
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Ore-Ida tater tots:
Are Ore-Ida tater tots vegan?
No, Ore-Ida tater tots are not vegan as they contain milk derivatives in the flavorings. Those following a strictly plant-based vegan diet should avoid Ore-Ida tater tots.
Do Ore-Ida tater tots contain potato allergens?
Yes, the main ingredient in Ore-Ida tater tots is potatoes. People with potato allergies should avoid eating Ore-Ida tater tots.
Can you prepare Ore-Ida tater tots in the oven?
Yes, Ore-Ida provides instructions for baking tater tots in the oven. You can bake them directly on a sheet pan or in a casserole for 20-25 minutes at 425°F until browned and crispy.
How long do Ore-Ida tater tots last in the freezer?
Properly stored in a continuously frozen state at 0°F, Ore-Ida tater tots last up to 10-12 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. Check the best by date on the bag.
Should you thaw Ore-Ida tater tots before cooking?
No, you can cook Ore-Ida tater tots directly from frozen. Thawing before cooking is not necessary. Just increase cooking time by a few minutes if starting from frozen.
The Bottom Line
Ore-Ida tater tots make for a quick and delicious gluten and dairy free side dish option. They are certified gluten free to under 20ppm and contain no milk-derived ingredients. Just watch out for other allergens like corn, soy, potato, and onion. Look for Ore-Ida tater tots in your grocer’s freezer section or order online to enjoy their fluffy potato goodness at home. Get creative cooking up tot-rific casseroles, nachos, tacos and more! Ore-Ida tater tots offer convenience and kid-friendly appeal all while being gluten and dairy free.
