Quick Answer
Some chips served at Qdoba Mexican Eats may contain gluten, while others are gluten-free. Qdoba’s tortilla chips are made from just corn, oil, and salt, so they do not contain gluten. However, some of Qdoba’s other chips may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should check with Qdoba to determine the gluten status of any chips besides the tortilla chips.
Detailed Answer
Qdoba Mexican Eats is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain serving Mexican-inspired cuisine. Like many Mexican restaurants, Qdoba offers tortilla chips as an appetizer or side. Qdoba’s tortilla chips are gluten-free, as they are made from just three simple ingredients: corn, oil, and salt [1]. Corn tortillas and the chips made from them naturally do not contain gluten.
However, Qdoba serves some additional chips that may not be safe for those avoiding gluten. For example, Qdoba offers chips with queso dip. These chips could potentially be cross-contaminated with gluten if they are fried in the same oil as flour-containing items like empanadas. Shared fryer oil is a common source of cross-contact with gluten [2].
Some Qdoba locations also allow customers to add chips to their entrées or bowls. These chips may not be plain corn tortilla chips; they could be flavored tortilla chips containing glutenous ingredients. Flavored tortilla chips sometimes contain wheat flour or maltodextrin derived from wheat. Additionally, they may be cross-contaminated with gluten during processing and packaging [3].
So in summary:
Plain yellow corn tortilla chips from Qdoba are gluten-free
These basicchips are made only from corn and contain no gluten.
Other chips may be cross-contaminated
Chips served with dips or added to entrees could pick up traces of gluten during processing or frying.
Flavored tortilla chips often contain gluten
Ingredients like wheat flour are commonly added to give flavored tortilla chips their taste and texture.
Those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should verify the gluten-free status of any chips besides plain yellow corn tortilla chips with Qdoba. Individual sensitivity levels vary, but in general, less than 20 parts per million of gluten is considered gluten-free [4].
Are corn tortilla chips ever not gluten-free?
Plain corn tortilla chips are inherently gluten-free. However, in rare cases, they could become cross-contaminated with gluten:
During crop harvesting and processing
If equipment is shared with gluten-containing grains like wheat, traces could get into the corn.
During manufacturing
Most facilities that make corn tortillas or tortilla chips are dedicated gluten-free facilities. But a facility that also processes wheat flour tortillas could pass on gluten to the corn tortillas or chips.
During frying
Restaurants that fry corn tortilla chips in the same oil as flour tortillas or other glutenous foods can cross-contaminate the corn chips with gluten.
So while plain corn chips are gluten-free by nature, circumstances like these once in a blue moon could introduce small amounts of gluten. Reputable gluten-free brands will take steps to avoid cross-contact scenarios.
Do corn tortillas have gluten?
Authentic corn tortillas contain no gluten. Like corn tortilla chips, they are made solely from corn that has been nixtamalized. This is the process of soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution, traditionally limewater or slaked lime [5].
Nixtamalization helps make the corn easier to grind into masa, the dough used to make tortillas and tortilla chips. It also improves the nutritional value of the corn by increasing availability of certain amino acids and vitamins [6].
So real corn tortillas consist of just masa flour made from nixtamalized corn, water, and perhaps a pinch of salt. They are naturally free of gluten-containing ingredients. However, rare cross-contact scenarios could affect corn tortillas, too:
During growing and harvesting
If equipment is shared with gluten grains, tiny amounts could get into the corn.
During manufacturing
In facilities that also make wheat flour tortillas, cross-contamination may occur.
During cooking
If corn tortillas are heated on shared grills or steamers with flour tortillas, gluten could transfer.
So while corn tortillas are inherently gluten-free, these hypothetical situations illustrate why some extra sensitive individuals still prefer brands that are certified or labeled gluten-free.
Are blue corn tortilla chips gluten-free?
Yes, blue corn tortilla chips are gluten-free. They are made from a special variety of corn called blue corn. Blue corn has a darker blue/purple hue compared to normal yellow corn. It also has a slightly nuttier, sweeter flavor and denser texture [7].
But despite these differences, blue corn is still corn, so tortilla chips made from ground blue corn contain no gluten. Blue corn chips may also be less likely to get cross-contaminated with gluten during production, because fewer manufacturers make blue corn products.
However, those extremely sensitive should still check the labels and manufacturing practices of any blue corn chip brand for certainty. Terms like “gluten-free” and “made in a gluten-free facility” indicate diligent efforts to avoid cross-contact with gluten during processing.
Are restaurant corn tortilla chips gluten-free?
Corn tortilla chips served at restaurants are usually gluten-free, but there are some caveats to keep in mind:
– **Cross-contact from fryers:** Some restaurants fry tortilla chips in shared oil with breaded, glutenous foods like chicken strips or empanadas. This can pass traces of gluten onto the tortilla chips [8].
– **Flavored chips:** Restaurants sometimes seasoning their tortilla chips or serve ones with added flavors like lime and salt. These seasonings could contain glutenous ingredients [9].
– **Mistaken identity:** Servers may inaccurately identify flour tortilla chips as corn chips. The two can look similar.
So before eating corn tortilla chips from a restaurant, those avoiding gluten should ask about fryer practices, clarify chips are plain yellow corn, and request a manager double check chip ingredients for gluten. Polite persistence pays off when it comes to dining out gluten-free.
Where to buy guaranteed gluten-free corn tortilla chips?
Here are some recommended brands for gluten-free corn tortilla chips:
Food Should Taste Good
This brand makes many different flavors of tortilla chips, all certified gluten-free. Their chips are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
Xochitl
These non-GMO, organic tortilla chips come in fun flavors like Sweet Lime & Salt. They are certified gluten-free and made in a gluten-free facility.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s carries corn tortilla chips under their own trusted brand. They are labeled gluten-free and made in a gluten-free facility.
Mission
Look for Mission’s gluten-free labeled varieties of their classic tortilla chips, made with non-GMO corn.
Siete
This grain-free brand makes cassava and almond flour tortilla chips in flavorful options. Their facilities and products are free of gluten and common allergens.
Those highly sensitive to gluten may wish to verify these products in person or contact the manufacturers directly to discuss gluten testing protocols and facility procedures.
Nutrition comparison: Corn chips vs potato chips
Corn chips and potato chips have some nutritional similarities and differences, as shown in this comparison table:
| Nutrient (per 1 oz serving) | Corn Chips | Potato Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 142 | 154 |
| Fat | 8g | 10g |
| Carbs | 18g | 15g |
| Protein | 2g | 2g |
| Fibre | 2g | 1g |
Key takeaways:
– Corn chips have slightly fewer calories and less fat compared to potato chips.
– Corn chips contain more fibre, while potato chips have a bit more protein.
– Both are higher in carbs and lower in protein.
– Neither are very nutrient-dense, but corn chips have a slight edge thanks to more fibre.
So while both rank as poor nutritional choices, corn chips make for a somewhat healthier gluten-free swap for potato chips if craving a crunchy, salty snack.
Are corn chips healthier than flour tortilla chips?
Yes, corn chips are generally healthier than flour tortilla chips. Here’s why:
More fibre
Corn contains more fibre than refined wheat flour, so corn chips have an edge in fibre content.
Fewer carbohydrates
Corn has a lower glycemic index than flour, meaning corn chips impact blood sugar levels less drastically [10].
Less fat
Flour tortilla chips tend to be thicker and absorb more oil during frying, making them higher in fat than thinner corn chips.
No gluten
Corn chips are naturally gluten-free. Those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance must avoid flour chips.
However, neither corn nor flour chips are healthy staples. Both should be limited in a balanced diet, though corn makes for a better occasional gluten-free indulgence.
Conclusion
In summary, plain yellow corn tortilla chips from Qdoba and other restaurants are gluten-free. But flavored tortilla chips or those fried in shared oil may contain traces of gluten. Corn tortillas and chips are inherently gluten-free, but in rare cases, cross-contact during production could introduce gluten. Blue corn chips, despite the color difference, are also gluten-free. Those highly sensitive should look for certified brands made in dedicated facilities. Compared to flour chips, corn chips are lower carb and higher fiber, making them a somewhat healthier gluten-free swap. But overall, chips remain a fried, processed food to enjoy only occasionally in moderation.
