Fig Newtons are a popular snack cookie made by Nabisco that have been around since the late 1800s. The main question many people have about Fig Newtons is whether they contain wheat as an ingredient. Wheat is a common allergen and gluten source, so whether Fig Newtons have wheat is an important question for consumers who need to avoid wheat for medical reasons.
Quick Answer
Yes, Fig Newtons do contain wheat. Wheat flour is listed as an ingredient on the Fig Newtons packaging and website. Fig Newtons are not gluten-free or wheat-free.
Ingredient List
The full ingredient list for Nabisco Fig Newtons is as follows:
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate {vitamin B1}, riboflavin {vitamin B2}, folic acid)
- Fig paste
- High fructose corn syrup
- Corn syrup
- Palm and/or canola oil
- Sugar
- Whey (milk)
- Water
- Modified corn starch
- Salt
- Yeast
- Leavening (baking soda, ammonium bicarbonate)
- Natural flavors
As you can see, the first ingredient listed is “enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate {vitamin B1}, riboflavin {vitamin B2}, folic acid).” This clearly indicates that Fig Newtons contain wheat flour as a main ingredient.
Why Do Fig Newtons Contain Wheat?
Fig Newtons contain wheat flour because wheat flour is a key ingredient used to give them their cookie-like texture. Wheat flour contains gluten, a protein that helps baked goods hold their shape and have a chewy texture when cooked. Removing the wheat flour and gluten would significantly alter the iconic texture of Fig Newtons.
Some other reasons why Fig Newtons contain wheat flour:
- Wheat flour has binding properties that help hold the fig filling in place.
- Wheat flour lends a sweet, grainy flavor that complements the fig filling.
- Wheat flour is relatively inexpensive compared to other flour options.
- People expect traditional cookies like Fig Newtons to contain wheat.
No Wheat or Gluten-Free Fig Newtons
Currently, Nabisco does not make a gluten-free or wheat-free version of Fig Newtons. The standard Fig Newtons are not labeled as gluten-free or wheat-free. Some key reasons why include:
- Replacing the wheat would significantly change the taste and texture that consumers expect from Fig Newtons.
- Wheat flour provides important functional properties like structure and binding that would need to be replaced.
- Gluten-free flours can be more expensive and less readily available.
- The facility may not be gluten-free, so cross-contamination is a risk.
- Nabisco has focused on other gluten-free products instead.
While gluten-free and wheat-free Fig Newton alternatives exist from other brands, Nabisco has not yet released an official gluten-free or wheat-free version of its iconic Fig Newton cookies.
Other Allergens in Fig Newtons
In addition to containing wheat, Fig Newtons contain other common food allergens:
- Milk: Whey is listed as an ingredient.
- Tree nuts: Some varieties of Fig Newtons contain walnuts.
- Eggs: Some Fig Newton flavors contain eggs.
Fig Newtons are not labeled as being free of milk, tree nuts, eggs, or any other major allergens besides wheat. People with allergies to these ingredients should be cautious and check labels of specific Fig Newton varieties carefully.
Nutrition Facts for Fig Newtons
Here are the nutrition facts for a standard Fig Newton cookie (16g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 1g |
As you can see, a single Fig Newton contains 70 calories and 13g of carbohydrates, mainly from added sugars. The low fiber and protein make Fig Newtons more of a sugary treat than a nutritious snack.
Nutrition Concerns
Some nutrition concerns with Fig Newtons and similar snack cookies include:
- High sugar content from high fructose corn syrup
- Low fiber
- Low protein
- Highly processed wheat flour rather than whole grains
- Lack of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
While fine in moderation, cookies like Fig Newtons provide a lot of calories, sugar, and refined carbs without much nutritional value. More nutrient-dense snacks with protein and fiber are recommended for a balanced diet.
Fig Newton Ingredients – Explained
Let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the main ingredients used in Fig Newton cookies:
Wheat Flour
Wheat flour provides the base structure, texture, and binding qualities in Fig Newtons. Enriched refined wheat flour has the gluten forming proteins vital for chewy cookies removed.
Fig Paste
Fig paste provides the sweet, fruity fig flavor. It is made from cooked down pureed figs. Dried figs are mixed with water and cooked until it forms a thick jam-like paste.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
High fructose corn syrup is used to sweeten Fig Newtons. It is a controversial sweetener made from corn that consists of glucose and a high percentage of fructose. It is used for cost and shelf stability.
Sugar
Additional granulated cane sugar is used along with the high fructose corn syrup to sweeten the cookies. Granulated sugar also contributes to the cookie’s texture.
Palm Oil
Palm oil gives Fig Newtons a soft, chewy texture and mouthfeel. It also enhances the carrying of flavors. However, palm oil production contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction.
History of Fig Newtons
Here is a brief history of how Fig Newtons came about and achieved popularity as an iconic cookie:
- 1891 – Fig Newtons were invented and launched by the Kennedy Biscuit Company (later Nabisco). They were originally called Newtons.
- Early 1900s – The cookies were reformulated and renamed Fig Newtons. They gained popularity as a tasty, filling snack.
- 1912 – Nabisco heavily marketed Fig Newtons at the popular Radio Food and Home show.
- 1940s – Fig Newtons became incorporated into military rations for soldiers in WWII.
- 1960s – Advertisements portrayed Fig Newtons as wholesome, nutritious snacks for families.
- Today – Fig Newtons remain popular, ranking as one of Nabisco and America’s favorite cookie brands.
Throughout their long history, Fig Newtons have retained their distinctive taste, texture, and appearance. While recipes and ingredients have been updated, wheat flour remains a core component of the Fig Newton recipe.
Varieties of Fig Newtons
While the original Fig Newtons contain fig paste as filling, Nabisco has introduced many different flavors, varieties, and spin-offs over the decades. Some examples include:
- Apple Newtons – Newtons with apple filling instead of fig.
- Fruit Newtons – Fillings like cherry, blueberry, and strawberry.
- Fat Free Fig Newtons – A lower fat recipe.
- Whole Grain Fig Newtons – Made with whole wheat flour.
- Chocolate Fig Newtons – Fig and chocolate flavored cookies.
- Mini and Big Newtons – Different sizes.
However, despite changes in fillings, flavors, and sizes, all varieties of Newtons continue to use wheat flour as a primary ingredient. There are no gluten-free or wheat-free Fig Newton options under the Nabisco brand name.
Store Brand Fig Newtons
In addition to Nabisco Fig Newtons, many grocery stores offer cheaper generic brand versions. These store brand fig cookies often imitate the look, taste, and ingredients of Fig Newtons. However, there can be some differences:
- Store brands may use fractionated palm oil instead of palm oil.
- They may contain modified wheat starch instead of wheat flour.
- Some brands may use dried figs instead of fig paste.
- They might be made in facilities handling wheat, milk, and nuts.
In most cases, store brand fig cookies still contain some form of wheat or wheat starch. But it is important to carefully check labels for any allergens when purchasing generics.
Where to Buy Fig Newtons
Fig Newtons are widely available at most major grocery stores in the cookie or snack aisle. Some places you can buy Fig Newtons include:
- Grocery stores – Sold at chains like Walmart, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, etc.
- Warehouse clubs – Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s.
- Convenience stores – 7-Eleven, Wawa, Circle K.
- Online – Amazon, Instacart, Walmart.com.
- Dollar stores – Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar.
- Drugstores – CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid.
Fig Newtons retail for around $2.50-$4 per pack on average. Nabisco frequently offers coupons to help make them more affordable.
How to Confirm Fig Newton Ingredients
To double check that Fig Newtons contain wheat, you can:
- Read the ingredients list on the back of the Fig Newtons package.
- Check the Nabisco website for the most up-to-date Fig Newton ingredient list.
- Call Nabisco Consumer Affairs at 1-800-962-4797 for direct confirmation.
- Email Nabisco via their contact page and ask about wheat content.
- Contact organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation if uncertain.
Reputable third party allergen checkers like Nima sensors can also be used to test Fig Newton products for gluten. Taking multiple steps helps ensure you get reliable information on whether Fig Newtons contain allergens.
Finding Wheat-Free Fig Cookie Options
While mainstream Fig Newtons contain wheat, some alternatives exist for gluten-free and wheat-free diets:
- Katz Gluten Free – Makes gluten-free fig cookies using rice flour and tapioca starch.
- Tate’s Bake Shop – Offers wheat-free fig cookies sweetened with honey and cane sugar.
- Anna’s Gluten Free – Carries a gluten-free fig cookie variety.
- Homemade – Makewheat-free fig bars at home with almond flour or oats.
Carefully check labels since facilities and ingredients vary. Homemade is the surest way to control for allergens. Overall, those seeking wheat-free fig cookies have some options available.
Conclusion
In summary, standard Fig Newtons do contain wheat as a primary ingredient. The wheat flour gives Fig Newtons their distinctive cookie texture and aids in binding the fig filling. Nabisco currently does not offer a gluten-free, wheat-free version of its popular Fig Newton cookies. However, consumers who need to avoid wheat have some commercial and homemade Fig Newton alternatives available. When in doubt, carefully check ingredient labels of any Fig Newton product to confirm absence of allergens.
