Quick Answer
Scoops corn chips are generally considered gluten-free. Corn chips are typically made from corn, oil, and salt, which do not contain gluten. However, there is a small chance of cross-contamination with gluten during processing in facilities that also handle wheat products. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should check the label or contact the manufacturer to confirm the chips are gluten-free.
What are scoops corn chips?
Scoops are a popular brand of corn chips produced by Frito-Lay. They are made from corn, vegetable oil, and salt. Scoops have a unique shape, resembling small bowls or scoops rather than flat triangular chips. The chips are light and crispy in texture.
Scoops come in a few different flavors, including Classic, Salsa, and Guacamole. The Classic flavor is simply salted, while the Salsa and Guacamole flavors have extra seasonings added like tomato powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cilantro, and lime juice.
Are corn chips naturally gluten-free?
Yes, corn chips made from just corn, oil, and salt are naturally gluten-free. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Since traditional corn chips do not contain any of these gluten-containing grains, they are considered gluten-free.
Corn chips are made by mixing ground corn with water and seasoning, then cooking the mixture into a dough. This corn dough is flattened, cut into chip shapes, and fried to create the crispy corn chips. No gluten-containing ingredients are used in this process.
So plain corn chips, made from just corn, oil, and salt, do not inherently contain any gluten. Other common seasonings used like chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and vinegar are also naturally gluten-free.
What is the risk of cross-contamination?
While corn chips themselves are gluten-free, there is a chance they could become contaminated with gluten during manufacturing. Facilities that produce corn chips often also process other products that contain gluten, like wheat tortillas and crackers.
Some potential sources of cross-contamination include:
– Shared equipment – Scoops produced on equipment that also processes gluten-containing foods could pick up traces of gluten.
– Shared facilities – Airborne particles of gluten could spread in facilities where wheat flour is used.
– Shared ingredients – Some seasonings or oils may be shared between corn chips and gluten products.
Proper cleaning and scheduling of equipment between production runs can minimize cross-contamination risks. But it is difficult to fully eliminate in shared facilities.
Many major chip brands like Frito-Lay do have strict allergen control procedures to test products and equipment for gluten. But the risk still exists in their shared facilities.
Why celiacs must check labels
For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is crucial to check the label on corn chips for any indication of gluten ingredients. Or call the manufacturer to understand their procedures for avoiding cross-contamination.
Here’s why extra care is warranted:
– Even tiny amounts of gluten from cross-contamination can cause issues for those highly sensitive. Most experts recommend less than 20 parts per million of gluten for foods to be considered gluten-free.
– Symptoms of gluten exposure can include abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, and other digestive issues. In those with celiac disease, even small amounts of gluten can damage the small intestine over time.
– Corn chips may be produced on shared lines with wheat tortilla chips, crackers, or other products containing glutenous grains. Cross-contamination is a real risk.
– Children with celiac disease are especially sensitive, so parents need to be extra vigilant about label reading.
By law, any food labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 ppm of gluten. So when this term appears on a package of corn chips, it provides added assurance.
How Scoops are made
To better understand the potential for gluten cross-contamination in Scoops, it helps to look at how they are manufactured:
Ingredients
The primary ingredients are corn meal, vegetable oil (corn, canola, or sunflower oil), and salt. Scoops also contain seasonings like tomato powder, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and paprika depending on variety.
Cooking process
1. Corn meal is mixed with water and seasonings to form a dough.
2. The dough is flattened and shaped into scoops using a press.
3. The shaped dough pieces are pre-fried in oil to cook and set the shape.
4. The chips are fried again at high heat until crispy.
5. Seasonings like salt are added topically after frying.
6. The chips are inspected, packed, and sealed.
Facility
Frito-Lay produces Scoops in large manufacturing facilities in the U.S. that produce many different chip products. It is likely that Scoops run on shared equipment and have shared ingredients with gluten-containing items.
Testing
Frito-Lay does extensive testing of equipment and products for potential allergens like gluten. But current technology does not allow testing of every product made. There is still a low risk of cross-contact.
Certification
Scoops Classic are certified gluten-free by GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization). This means they have passed testing showing less than 10 ppm of gluten. The flavored varieties are not certified at this time.
Contacting the manufacturer
When in doubt about the gluten-free status of a product, the best thing to do is contact the manufacturer directly. You can call their customer service line or email them.
Here are some questions to ask:
– Are Scoops corn chips made in a dedicated gluten-free facility? Or do you make other products with wheat/gluten on shared equipment?
– What procedures do you have in place to prevent cross-contamination with gluten? Do you schedule gluten-free production first? Do you clean equipment between runs?
– Have you tested Scoops Classic for gluten? If so, what was the approximate level detected?
– Are the flavored Scoops varieties gluten-free? Have these been tested for gluten?
– Do you label any Scoops varieties as “gluten-free”?
Reputable manufacturers should have knowledgeable customer service staff available to answer these types of questions. Being informed helps you make smart, safe choices.
Inspecting the package
When purchasing corn chips, always inspect the product packaging carefully. Look for:
– Any allergen warnings – These may be listed separately or after the ingredients list. Gluten should be called out if present.
– “Gluten-free” labeling – This voluntary certification indicates testing has shown gluten levels under 20 ppm.
– “May contain wheat” statements – This warning indicates there is a risk of gluten contamination where chips are made. Avoid these products.
– List of equipment shared on line – Some brands now list shared equipment. Wheat or gluten will be noted if present.
– Ingredients list – Should only contain corn, oil, seasonings. No wheat, barley, rye or malt.
– Look for changes – Compare to previous packages. New warnings may indicate recipe/process changes.
Carefully reading the label protects you and provides information to guide your purchase. When in doubt, contact the brand to learn more.
Corn chip alternatives
If you need to avoid potential cross-contamination with gluten, look for these safer corn chip options:
Dedicated gluten-free brands
Some smaller brands make corn chips in dedicated gluten-free facilities and test final products to verify non-detectable gluten. Examples include:
– Siete Foods
– Que Pasa
– Food Should Taste Good
Restaurant-made chips
Many Mexican restaurants fry their own corn chips from masa dough. These avoid manufacturing cross-contamination risks.
Blue corn chips
Blue corn contains naturally occurring anti-gluten antibodies. Look for brands focused on blue corn, like Blue Corn Chips by Food Should Taste Good.
Homemade corn chips
Making baked or fried corn chips at home lets you control ingredients and avoid cross-contact. Use gluten-free corn tortillas or make masa dough from scratch.
Tapioca/rice chips
Chips made from tapioca flour or rice flour are reliably gluten-free options. Brands like Beanfields make tasty rice and bean chips.
Are flavored scoops gluten-free?
When it comes to flavored Scoops like the Salsa and Guacamole varieties, the gluten-free status becomes less clear. Here are a few points:
– The flavored Scoops are not certified gluten-free, while the Classic flavor is GFCO certified.
– Added seasonings could potentially introduce sources of gluten like maltodextrin, soy sauce powder, or flavor extracts.
– Cross-contamination risks increase with additional seasonings on the production line.
– Frito-Lay does not label their flavored Scoops varieties as gluten-free. Their customer service says these are not recommended for gluten-free diets.
So while the Classic Scoops seem to be gluten-free based on certification and testing, those with celiac disease or sensitivity should use caution with the flavored varieties unless Frito-Lay provides confirmation.
Are other Frito-Lay chips gluten-free?
Besides Scoops, some other Frito-Lay chips that appear to be gluten-free based on ingredients include:
– Fritos Original Corn Chips
– Lay’s Classic Potato Chips
– Lay’s Kettle Cooked Original Potato Chips
– Cheetos Puffs and Crunchy
– Doritos Toasted Corn
Again, there is still some risk of cross-contact even though these do not contain gluten ingredients. Those highly sensitive should look for certified gluten-free labels or contact the company.
Other flavored Frito-Lay chips more likely to contain questionable ingredients include Ranch Doritos, Cheddar & Sour Cream Ruffles, and Barbecue Lays. Always thoroughly read the ingredients and double-check with the brand.
Are store-brand corn chips safe?
Generic store-brand corn chips found at grocery chains may be produced by outside manufacturers to the retailer’s specifications. So the gluten-free status of these products can vary.
Some tips for assessing store brand corn chips:
– Carefully read labels for any gluten ingredients or allergen warnings
– Look for gluten-free certification from GFCO, Certified Gluten-Free, etc.
– Compare the ingredient lists to major brands like Fritos – similar is a good sign
– Reach out to the store’s customer service to learn about their contract manufacturer and policies for avoiding cross-contamination.
– Try to find information about the facility where the store brand chips are made – is it a shared facility or dedicated?
– Purchase and contact the contract manufacturer named on the package for direct information.
With extra sleuthing, store brand corn chips that are produced in dedicated facilities and tested for gluten may prove to be safe options at lower prices. But gluten-free status should not be assumed without verification.
Are corn chips fried in gluten-free oil?
Another consideration is whether corn chips are fried in just corn oil, or other vegetable oils that could introduce gluten contact.
Here are some common frying oils for chips:
Corn oil
Made by extracting oil from corn germ, this is naturally gluten-free. Most traditional corn chips are fried in corn oil.
Canola oil
Canola oil is extracted from rapeseed and typically gluten-free. But some facilities extract oil from wheat germ as well, so always check.
Sunflower oil
Sunflower oil avoids gluten as it comes from sunflower seeds. It is increasingly used for frying chips.
Soybean oil
Though soy itself is gluten-free, soybean oil is sometimes sourced from facilities that also extract from wheat germ. Check diligently for gluten-free status when it is used.
Palm oil
Extracted from the fruit of palm trees, palm oil contains no gluten. However, environmental concerns exist around palm oil production.
Ideally, look for chips fried in just one dedicated gluten-free oil, like corn, sunflower, or sustainably-sourced palm oil. Blended oils introduce more risk of exposure.
Are corn chips safe for celiacs?
For those with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage. So are corn chips that may be at risk for trace cross-contamination actually safe to eat?
This depends on your sensitivity level:
– People with celiac who are highly sensitive should use extreme caution with chips made in shared facilities, even if labelled gluten-free due to residual risk. Dedicated facility brands or homemade chips are safest.
– Those with celiac who are less symptom-prone can look for certified gluten-free chips that have been tested below 10 ppm gluten. Brands like Scoops Classic may be tolerable for these individuals.
– For people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, chips with a low risk of cross-contact from shared equipment are less likely to cause issues. Symptoms are not triggered by trace amounts for many.
Of course, the only way to tell if a product is safe for you is to try eating it! Start with a small serving and monitor symptoms. Be prudent and listen to your body.
Are corn tortilla chips gluten-free?
Corn tortilla chips are generally considered gluten-free, though many of the same caveats apply as with corn chips:
– Plain yellow corn tortilla chips only contain corn, oil, and salt, making them naturally gluten-free.
– But they may be processed on shared equipment with wheat flour tortillas, raising the risk of cross-contamination.
– Restaurant-made tortilla chips are less likely to be cross-contaminated.
– Flavored tortilla chips may have questionable added seasonings.
– Verify gluten-free status through certification, testing, contacting the brand, and reading labels carefully.
Well-known brands like Tostitos, Don Pancho, and Mission offer some labeled gluten-free tortilla chip options that test below 10 ppm gluten. Those highly sensitive to gluten should seek these out over potentially cross-contaminated versions.
Cooking and baking with corn chips
Plain corn chips or tortilla chips can be incorporated into many different recipes as a gluten-free flour or crunchy topping substitute:
– Crush them into a breading for baked chicken tenders or fish
– Mix into gluten-free cookie, muffin, or cake batter
– Use in place of flour to coat vegetables or meat before frying
– Layer on top of casseroles or tacos as a crunchy topping
– Blend into gluten-free bread dough for texture
– Make homemade tortilla or corn chip salad bowls
When baking, you will get the best results treating corn chips as you would corn flour and combining with other gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca, or almond meal. Enjoy experimenting!
Are corn chips healthy?
Though corn itself contains beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium, traditional fried corn chips end up being a fairly unhealthy snack due to:
– High sodium content – A 1 ounce serving can contain around 15% of daily value.
– High glycemic index – Processed corn chips cause quicker glucose spikes.
– Low protein and nutrients – Much lower nutritional value than the whole corn kernel.
– Trans fats – Chips fried in hydrogenated oils contain trans fats that raise bad cholesterol.
– Acrylamide – This carcinogen forms in starchy foods from high heat cooking.
– Weight gain – Chips are very easy to overeat as they lack fiber and protein.
To make corn chips a healthier snack, look for versions that are:
– Low sodium or unsalted
– Baked instead of fried
– Made from organic non-GMO corn
– High in protein or fiber, like bean chips
– Free of trans fats and GMO oils
Portion control is key. Stick to recommended serving sizes around 1 ounce, and pair corn chips with fresh salsa, guacamole or bean dip for added nutrients.
Conclusion
When shopping for gluten-free corn chips and tortilla chips, more diligence is required than simply checking ingredients lists. Seeking out dedicated brands that avoid cross-contamination and test final products provides assurance for gluten-free consumers. Individual tolerance levels also help determine whether chips made in shared facilities will be tolerated or should be avoided entirely. By understanding manufacturing processes, contacting manufacturers, and reading labels carefully, those avoiding gluten can enjoy corn chips safely. Just be sure to opt for the most nutrient-dense versions possible.
