Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people adopting them for health, dietary, or lifestyle reasons. For those who need or want to avoid gluten, knowing which foods and products are gluten free is essential. Wicked Whoopies are a popular treat, but an important question for gluten free eaters is: are Wicked Whoopies gluten free?
What are Wicked Whoopies?
Wicked Whoopies are a sweet sandwich-style treat that originated in Maine. Two small rounded cakes or cookies serve as the “bread” and are sandwiched together with a creamy frosting or marshmallow-like filling in between. Some of the most popular Wicked Whoopie fillings are varieties like peanut butter, chocolate, maple, pumpkin, and raspberry cream. The little cakes themselves are thick, soft and cake-like in texture.
Wicked Whoopies were created by a company called Isamax Snacks in the 1970s, and the name is derived from the rich, creamy “whoopie” or marshmallow filling sandwiched between the cake halves. Over the decades, Wicked Whoopies gained a strong popularity in New England, especially in Maine where they originated. Today, Wicked Whoopies and similar whoopie pie treats can be found across the United States and beyond.
Are the cakes or cookies used in Wicked Whoopies gluten free?
The short answer is: sometimes!
The cakes or cookies used in Wicked Whoopies are not automatically gluten free. Many traditional Wicked Whoopie recipes use all-purpose flour made from wheat in the cake portion. Since wheat contains gluten, these versions would not be gluten free.
However, there are gluten free options available! Wicked Whoopies makes some flavors using gluten free cake recipes. The gluten free varieties use alternate flours like rice flour, sorghum flour, cornstarch, or almond flour to create the sandwich cookies. So while not all Wicked Whoopies are gluten free, they do offer gluten free versions made with gluten free flours and grains.
What about the fillings – are they gluten free?
The interior fillings used in Wicked Whoopies are typically gluten free. Most fillings are made using ingredients like butter, sugar, marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, chocolate, pumpkin puree, and cream cheese. None of these containings have gluten, so the fillings can be considered gluten free.
There are some exceptions. Some seasonal fillings may contain cookies pieces or crumbled biscuits that could contain gluten. Additionally, some fillings are made with wheat flour added, like a traditional buttercream frosting. So as a general rule, the fillings are gluten free but certain varieties may not be.
So in summary, which Wicked Whoopies are gluten free and which aren’t?
To summarize:
- Wicked Whoopies made with traditional all-purpose flour contain gluten and are not gluten free
- Wicked Whoopies labeled as gluten free use alternate flours and are gluten free
- Most fillings are gluten free, but some seasonal varieties may contain gluten
When purchasing Wicked Whoopies, look for the gluten free label to ensure you are getting a gluten free version. You can also look at the ingredients list and avoid any that contain wheat, barley, rye or malt – which are sources of gluten. Cross contact is also a possibility in facilities that make both gluten free and non-gluten free whoopie pies. So if you have celiac disease or are highly sensitive, be sure to check that the product is made in a gluten free facility.
What kinds of gluten free Wicked Whoopies can you get?
Wicked Whoopies currently offers a gluten free product line with a variety of flavors. Some examples of their popular gluten free Wicked Whoopie flavors include:
- Gluten Free Chocolate Wicked Whoopies – chocolate cake cookies with marshmallow filling
- Gluten Free Peanut Butter Wicked Whoopies – peanut butter filling between chocolate cakes
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Wicked Whoopies – pumpkin spice cake cookies with creamy pumpkin maple filling
- Gluten Free Raspberry Wicked Whoopies – raspberry cream cheese filling with chocolate cake cookies
- Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake Wicked Whoopies – strawberry cream cheese filling and vanilla cakes
- Gluten Free Salted Caramel Wicked Whoopies – salted caramel filling and vanilla cake halves
Their selection of gluten free flavors rotates regularly, with seasonal and limited edition varieties as well. Other examples of gluten free Wicked Whoopies they have carried include lemon, banana cream, cookies & cream, maple, coconut, and more.
Where can you find gluten free Wicked Whoopies for purchase?
There are a few ways to find and purchase gluten free Wicked Whoopies:
- Grocery stores – some grocery stores, especially in the New England area, may carry selections of Wicked Whoopies including gluten free options.
- Online direct from company – Wicked Whoopies can be ordered online through the company’s website and shipped anywhere in the US. Gluten free varieties are clearly labeled.
- Independent retailers – Some independent food shops, bakeries, and gourmet markets may carry Wicked Whoopies items for purchase.
When buying in person, be sure to double check the label and ingredients to ensure you are purchasing a gluten free variety. The online direct ordering from WickedWhoopies.com will be the most reliable way to guarantee you are getting a gluten free version.
How should you store gluten free Wicked Whoopies?
Gluten free Wicked Whoopies should be stored properly to maintain freshness, just like their gluten-containing counterparts. Here are some tips for storing them:
- Keep gluten free Wicked Whoopies in a sealed container or zipper bag at room temperature. An airtight container is best.
- They will usually stay fresh for 1-2 weeks at room temperature when properly stored.
- For longer storage, gluten free Wicked Whoopies can be frozen for 2-3 months. Let thaw before eating.
- Do not refrigerate them as this can make the cakes hard and dry. Room temp is best.
- Avoid storing them in very hot conditions over 80°F as the filling may soften.
With proper storage like sealing container, room temperature environment, and avoiding refrigeration, gluten free Wicked Whoopies can stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks after opening. Freezing extends their shelf life even longer.
Can you make homemade gluten free Wicked Whoopies?
Yes, you can certainly create homemade gluten free Wicked Whoopies using your own recipes! They make for a fun gluten free baking project.
To make them gluten free:
- Use your favorite gluten free all-purpose baking flour blend in place of regular wheat flour.
- Good gluten free flour choices include oat flour, brown rice flour, sorghum flour, potato starch, tapioca flour etc.
- Stick with gluten free extracted fillings like marshmallow, peanut butter, Nutella, frostings, etc.
- Read labels carefully and avoid any cookie crumbs or fillings with gluten ingredients.
Gluten free whoopie pies are typically best enjoyed fresh the day they are baked for ideal texture and flavor. Leftovers can be stored as mentioned above. There are many recipe options online for gluten free whoopie pies to give you inspiration for creating your own at home.
Are other whoopie pie brands and products gluten free?
While this article is focused specifically on Wicked Whoopies, it’s important to note that other brands of whoopie pies, cookies, and dessert sandwiches may also offer gluten free options besides just Wicked Whoopies.
Some examples of other gluten free whoopie pie products include:
- Katz Gluten Free Whoopie Pies
- Taste of Nature Minis Gluten Free Whoopie Pies
- Glutino Gluten Free Whoopie Pie Cookies
- Enjoy Life Soft Baked Mini Cookies
Be sure to check labels and ingredients for any gluten free certification on all products, since brand alone does not guarantee gluten free status. Many companies are now accommodating gluten free diets with delicious whoopie pies and sandwich cookies.
What precautions should you take when eating gluten free Wicked Whoopies?
Those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or who avoid gluten for other reasons should take some basic precautions when consuming gluten free Wicked Whoopies or any gluten free products:
- Carefully read the label and ingredients list to verify the product is certified gluten free
- Check that they are made in a designated gluten free facility to avoid cross contact
- Look for a seal from a third party certification program like GFCO for added assurance
- Ask the manufacturer about their gluten free practices if you have concerns
- Avoid eating gluten free products that seem damaged or improperly sealed
Exercising caution helps ensure the integrity of the gluten free status of Wicked Whoopies and reduces risk of exposure to gluten. If you have celiac disease, be sure to check with your doctor before introducing new gluten free products into your diet.
In summary:
While traditional Wicked Whoopies are made with wheat flour and contain gluten, Wicked Whoopies has developed a line of gluten free sandwich cookies made with alternate flours that are safe for gluten free diets. When purchasing, look for the gluten free label and inspect ingredients to verify gluten free status. Gluten free Wicked Whoopies provide a sweet, delicious gluten free treat for those who need or prefer to avoid gluten but don’t want to miss out on these classic New England-style sandwich cookies.
