Yes, most pickle chips are gluten-free. Pickles themselves are naturally gluten-free, as they are made from cucumbers, vinegar, salt, and spices. The main concern when it comes to gluten in pickle chips is the breading or coating used.
Why Pickles Are Gluten-Free
Pickles are made through a fermentation process. Cucumbers are brined in a solution of vinegar, salt, and spices. This solution causes beneficial bacteria to grow, which sours and pickles the cucumbers. Since this process does not involve any gluten-containing ingredients, pickles themselves are gluten-free.
The key ingredients in pickles are:
- Cucumbers
- Vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Spices like dill, garlic, peppercorns
None of these ingredients contain gluten. So pickles made with just these ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Gluten Concerns with Battered Pickle Chips
While pickles themselves are gluten-free, some pickle chips have an added batter or breading. This coating is what can introduce gluten.
Common coatings include:
- Flour batter
- Breadcrumbs
- Cornmeal
Flour batter and breadcrumbs typically contain gluten. So pickle chips coated in these would not be gluten-free.
However, cornmeal coating is naturally gluten-free. So pickle chips covered only in cornmeal would be gluten-free.
Checking the Ingredients
To know for sure if a brand of pickle chips is gluten-free, check the ingredients list.
Pickle chips that only contain ingredients like:
- Cucumbers
- Vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Spices
- Cornmeal
Are gluten-free. Steer clear of pickle chips with batter, flour or breadcrumbs listed.
Certified Gluten-Free Brands
There are many reputable gluten-free brands that make pickle chips:
- Glutino
- Gill’s
- Mt. Olive
- Van Holten’s
- Rick’s Picks
Look for the certified gluten-free label on packaging. This ensures that the product has been tested to verify it meets gluten-free standards.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Pickle Chips
You can also easily make gluten-free pickle chips at home. Simply buy gluten-free pickles and coat with cornmeal or corn flour prior to frying or baking. Be sure to use a dedicated gluten-free fryer or pan.
Gluten-Free Pickle Chips Recipe
Try this easy gluten-free pickle chip recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 32 oz jar gluten-free dill pickle chips, drained
- 1 cup corn flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Pat pickle chips dry thoroughly with paper towel
- Place corn flour in shallow bowl
- Dip pickles in beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off
- Roll in corn flour until evenly coated
- In medium pan, heat 1-2 inches oil to 350°F
- Fry coated pickles in batches 3-4 minutes until golden brown
- Drain on paper towel-lined plate
- Sprinkle with salt and serve
Conclusion
Most pickle chips are naturally gluten-free, but some may have batter or breading containing gluten. Read ingredient lists and look for certified brands to find gluten-free options. Making your own pickle chips at home is also an easy way to control the ingredients. With the right preparations, pickle chips can absolutely be part of a gluten-free diet.
