Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people adopting them for health or lifestyle reasons. For those avoiding gluten, checking labels and researching products is an important part of maintaining the diet. Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops are a popular snack chip option, but are they safe for gluten-free diets? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a negative autoimmune response, causing symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue and more. The only treatment for celiac disease is strictly following a 100% gluten-free diet. For those with gluten sensitivity, minimizing gluten intake can help manage symptoms.
Are Tostito’s Chips Gluten-Free?
Most varieties of Tostito’s chips, including Tostito’s Original Restaurant Style, Tostito’s Hint of Lime, Tostito’s Cantina Thin & Crispy, and Tostito’s Rolls are not gluten-free. They contain wheat ingredients. However, Tostito’s offers two varieties of gluten-free tortilla chips:
- Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops
- Tostito’s Simply Natural Blue Corn Scoops
Both of these options are made with naturally gluten-free grains and are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products to contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
Ingredients in Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops
According to the product packaging, the ingredients in Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops are:
- Stone ground yellow corn
- Stone ground whole grain brown rice
- Sunflower and/or canola oil
- Salt
None of these ingredients contain gluten. The whole grain brown rice provides extra nutrients and fiber compared to traditional white corn tortilla chips. Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops are Non-GMO Project Verified and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Manufacturing Precautions
Even though the ingredients are gluten-free, cross-contamination is still a concern during manufacturing. Tostito’s states that they follow stringent sanitation protocols and have designated equipment and facilities for gluten-free production. However, the brand does acknowledge the possibility of trace amounts of gluten due to shared production equipment.
The FDA gluten-free labeling law allows products to contain up to 20ppm of gluten if labeled gluten-free. For perspective, one slice of bread can contain anywhere from 100-500ppm of gluten depending on the variety.
Those with celiac disease or who are highly sensitive should exercise caution and contact Tostito’s directly to discuss their individual level of gluten tolerance.
Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for a 1 ounce (about 15 chips) serving of Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops tortilla chips:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 2g |
Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops provide 6% DV fiber and 8% DV protein per serving. The chips are low in sugar and high in carbohydrates from the corn and brown rice.
Where to Buy Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops
Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops can be found at most major grocery stores in the chip aisle. They typically retail around $3-4 per 9.5oz bag. The chips are available on Amazon and can be purchased in bulk packs as well.
Some grocery delivery services like Instacart allow you to search for and filter products by specialty diet categories like gluten-free. This can make it easy to add the chips to your online order.
Flavors and Sizes
Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops only come in one flavor: Original. They are available in 9.5oz bags for snacking or sharing and 16oz “Party Size” bags for gatherings and events.
Those looking for more flavor variety can try Tostito’s Simply Natural Blue Corn Scoops. They come in Original, Hint of Lime, and Hint of Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors.
Storing and Serving Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops
Unopened bags of Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops have a shelf life of around 4-6 months when stored properly. Once opened, it’s best to transfer the chips to an airtight container or resealable bag. This helps maintain freshness and prevent the chips from getting stale or soggy.
When serving the chips for dipping or snacking, use separate bowls for gluten-free and non-gluten-free chips to prevent cross-contamination. Be sure to read labels and check for gluten in any dips or accompaniments as well.
Are They Healthy?
Though gluten-free, Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops are still a highly processed food made primarily from refined corn meal and oils. They are high in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates compared to whole foods.
That said, when eaten in moderation they can be part of a balanced gluten-free diet. The added brown rice provides a boost of fiber and protein. For added nutrition, try pairing the chips with fresh homemade salsa or guacamole rather than heavy queso or cream-based dips.
Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops Reviews
Most reviews indicate Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops have excellent crunch and texture. They are thicker than regular tortilla chips so they hold up well to dips and toppings. The corn and brown rice flavors blend nicely for a subtly sweet, nutty taste.
Some reviewers mention the chips having a bit more of a bland or cardboard-like flavor compared to traditional chips made with wheat. But most agree the trade-off is worth it for a gluten-free chip that offers a satisfying crunch.
Alternative Gluten-Free Chips
For those looking for other gluten-free tortilla chip options, here are some top recommended brands:
- Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips – made with corn, chia, flax, oats
- Late July Snacks Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips – made with non-GMO corn, sunflower oil
- Siete Family Foods Grain Free Tortilla Chips – made with cassava & coconut flour
- Fritos Original Corn Chips – select gluten-free varieties made with corn, oil, & salt
- Beanitos White Bean Tortilla Chips – made with navy beans and rice
There are also many gluten-free restaurant style tortilla chip options made by regional brands available in health food stores or specialty markets. Trying different varieties can help find the taste and texture you like best.
Making Your Own Gluten-Free Chips
For complete control over ingredients, gluten-free tortilla chips can also be made easily at home. Corn tortillas, brown rice tortillas, or cassava flour tortillas can all be used as the base.
Simply cut the tortillas into triangular wedges, toss with oil, and bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy. Season with salt or spices as desired. Homemade allows customizing flavors and cook time for the perfect crunch.
Are Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops Gluten-Free: The Verdict
Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops are certified gluten-free, made with corn and brown rice flour instead of wheat. They are produced separately from Tostito’s regular chips to prevent cross-contamination. However, those highly sensitive should exercise caution due to the possibility of trace gluten amounts.
When eaten in moderation, Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops can be a safe and satisfying gluten-free chip choice. They provide an addictively crunchy, Nacho-worthy snacking experience. Just be sure to check labels on any accompanying salsas or dips.
The Takeaway on Tostito’s Gluten-Free Chips
- Most Tostito’s chips contain gluten and wheat-based ingredients.
- Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops and Blue Corn Scoops are labeled certified gluten-free.
- Multigrain Scoops are made from corn and brown rice.
- Tostito’s follows dedicated gluten-free production protocols.
- There is a slight chance of trace gluten due to shared equipment.
- They provide satisfying crunch and flavor for gluten-free chip lovers.
- Store properly and use separate bowls when serving to prevent cross-contamination.
- Compare nutrition facts and reviews to find your perfect gluten-free chip.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining a gluten-free diet requires diligence reading labels and researching products. Thankfully, snacks like Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops make safe, worry-free gluten-free snacking possible. While not the most nutritious choice, they provide the satisfying crunch you crave in a tortilla chip. Tostito’s Multigrain Scoops let you dip freely while sticking to your gluten-free lifestyle.
