Quick Answer
Yes, there are several brands that make gluten-free pita chips. Some popular gluten-free pita chip options include:
- Crunchmaster Multigrain Pita Chips
- Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Pita Chips
- 365 Everyday Value Gluten Free Pita Chips
- Tribe Mediterranean Foods Hummus Crisps
- Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Gluten-free pita chips provide a crunchy, flavorful snack option for those who need to avoid gluten. They are typically made from grains like rice, corn, and quinoa instead of traditional wheat-based pita bread. Many brands explicitly label their pita chips as “gluten-free” or “certified gluten-free.” When in doubt, check the ingredients list for wheat, barley, rye or ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors.”
What Makes Pita Chips Gluten-Free?
Traditional pita chips are made from wheat-based pita bread, which contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to avoid gluten, as it can cause digestive issues and other adverse health effects for them.
Gluten-free pita chips swap out traditional wheat flour for alternative gluten-free grains and starches like:
- Rice flour
- Corn flour
- Potato starch
- Tapioca flour
- Quinoa flour
- Chickpea flour
- Sorghum flour
Using these gluten-free ingredients allows people who are sensitive to gluten to enjoy the signature crunch and flavor of pita chips, without the issues caused by gluten. The chips may also be made on equipment and in facilities that avoid any cross-contamination with gluten. Brands certified gluten-free must adhere to strict protocols to avoid contact with gluten.
Popular Brands of Gluten-Free Pita Chips
Here is an overview of some of the top gluten-free pita chip brands:
Crunchmaster Multigrain Pita Chips
Crunchmaster specializes in gluten-free crackers and baked snacks, including pita chips made from a blend of gluten-free grains like brown rice, quinoa, amaranth and millet. Their pita chips come in flavors like Sea Salt, Garlic & Herb and Roasted Vegetable.
Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Pita Chips
This brand uses a variety of gluten-free flours like brown rice flour and chickpea flour to craft their multigrain pita chips. They are vegan and non-GMO verified. Flavors include Olive Oil, Chia & Flax and Blue Corn.
365 Everyday Value Gluten Free Pita Chips
The Whole Foods store brand 365 offers an affordable option for gluten-free pita chips, made with cassava flour and rice flour. They have a simple sea salt flavor.
Tribe Mediterranean Foods Hummus Crisps
These pita-like snacks are specifically designed to pair well with hummus. Tribe uses a blend of chickpea flour and rice flour to craft crispy, certified gluten-free hummus crisps in flavors like Sea Salt and Za’atar.
Garden of Eatin’ Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
Blue corn tortilla chips make a great gluten-free pita chip substitute. The Garden of Eatin’ brand is certified gluten-free and uses organic blue corn as the first ingredient. Their chips come in tasty flavors like Blue Sesame and Spicy Red Chile.
Nutrition Comparison of Gluten-Free vs Regular Pita Chips
Gluten-free pita chips are typically comparable to traditional pita chips in terms of calories, fat, carbs and other nutrients. However, there are some differences:
| Nutrition Facts | Gluten-Free Pita Chips (28g) | Regular Pita Chips (28g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 | 140 |
| Fat | 4.5g | 6g |
| Carbs | 21g | 22g |
| Protein | 2g | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g | 1g |
| Sodium | 230mg | 290mg |
Key differences:
- Gluten-free chips may be slightly lower in fat and calories
- They often have more fiber thanks to grains like quinoa
- Sodium content varies depending on flavoring
- Carb and protein content is generally comparable
So gluten-free pita chips can be just as crunchy and delicious as traditional pita chips, while accommodating gluten-free dietary needs. They make a tasty, veggie-dipping snack as part of a balanced diet.
Are Corn Chips Also Gluten-Free?
Corn chips are inherently gluten-free, since they are made from corn, not wheat. Look for brands that specifically say “gluten-free” on the label and avoid flavorings or seasonings that could contain gluten, like soy sauce.
Some gluten-free corn chip brands include:
- Food Should Taste Good Yellow Corn Chips
- Late July Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips
- Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
- Beanitos White Corn Tortilla Chips
- Glutino Gluten-Free Tortilla Chips
Corn chips make a tasty gluten-free alternative to pita chips. However, corn chips lack some of the same nutrition as multigrain pita chips, like fiber, iron and calcium. Pita chips made from ancient grains like quinoa can provide more balanced nutrition.
Tips for Enjoying Gluten-Free Pita Chips
Here are some tips for purchasing and enjoying gluten-free pita chips:
- Check labels closely for any wheat-based ingredients
- Look for gluten-free certifications from GFCO, NSF and Gluten Intolerance Group
- Call manufacturers with any ingredient questions
- Avoid flavored chips with ambiguous “natural flavors”
- Pair chips with hummus, salsa, baba ganoush, Greek yogurt and guacamole
- Use pita chips for scooping veggies, chickpeas, cottage cheese
- Look for whole grain and seeded varieties to boost nutrition
- Store tightly sealed to maintain crispness
With so many tasty gluten-free pita chip options, those avoiding gluten don’t have to miss out on these crave-worthy crispy snacks. Just be diligent in checking labels and ingredients.
Gluten-Free Pita Chip Recipe
If you want to try making homemade gluten-free pita chips, here is an easy recipe to bake a crunchy, flavorful batch right at home:
Ingredients
- 2 gluten-free pita breads
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Brush each pita bread lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Stack the pitas and slice into 8 wedges each.
- Arrange pita wedges in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with desired seasonings.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until crisped and golden brown, flipping once halfway.
- Let cool before serving.
You can experiment with other spice combinations like cumin, chili powder, paprika or za’atar. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Enjoy these homemade crisps with hummus, guacamole, or your favorite gluten-free dip.
Are Restaurant Pita Chips Gluten-Free?
When eating pita chips from a restaurant, caution is needed around gluten. Some tips:
- Ask your server about dedicated fryers – pita chips fried in shared fryer oil may be cross-contaminated
- Request to see packaging to check ingredients
- Avoid flavored pita chips that could contain gluten ingredients
- Check cuisine – Middle Eastern restaurants more likely to offer gluten-free pita
- Call ahead to ask questions if very sensitive to gluten
Your safest bet is a restaurant that specifically advertises gluten-free menu items, as they likely have protocols in place to avoid cross-contact. An inherently gluten-free cuisine like Indian or Thai may offer greater ability to accommodate gluten-free needs. Check with staff thoroughly before dining.
Conclusion
Gluten-free pita chips provide a delicious way for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or those avoiding gluten for other reasons to enjoy the crunch and flavor of traditional pita chips. With so many brands making gluten-free pita chips using alternate grains like rice, corn and quinoa, it’s easy to find options at many major grocery stores. Just take care to thoroughly read labels and ingredients lists, as some seasonings and flavorings may contain hidden sources of gluten. With the right diligence, gluten-free pita chips can become a go-to snack to pair with dips, spreads, hummus and more.
