Quick Answer
Most Snack Factory pretzel products are gluten-free, with the exception of a few flavored pretzel crisps varieties that contain wheat. Snack Factory’s original pretzel crisps, mini pretzel crisps, pretzel crisps sticks, pretzel crisps minis, and pretzel thins are all certified gluten-free. However, some flavored pretzel crisps like the Everything and Sesame varieties do contain wheat and are not gluten-free.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, and more.1 The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity may also need to avoid gluten to manage symptoms.
There has been increasing awareness and demand for gluten-free foods, both for those with medical needs and people simply pursuing gluten-free diets for perceived health benefits. In response, many food manufacturers have started labeling their products as “gluten-free” and reformulating recipes to remove gluten-containing ingredients.
About Snack Factory
Snack Factory is a snack food manufacturer best known for Pretzel Crisps, thin and crunchy pretzel crackers. The company was founded in 2004 by Sara and Warren Wilson. It was acquired by Snyder’s-Lance in 2012 and now operates under the Campbell Soup Company.
Snack Factory states that most of their pretzel products are gluten-free, made without wheat, barley, or rye. However, they advise customers to double check labels and allergen information for specialty flavored pretzel products that may contain gluten.
Are original Pretzel Crisps gluten-free?
Yes, Snack Factory’s original Pretzel Crisps are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).2 They are made with a simple ingredient list of wheat flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. The original Pretzel Crisps contain no barley, rye, or other gluten sources beyond wheat.
However, Pretzel Crisps are made in facilities that also process wheat-based foods. There is a small chance of cross-contact with gluten from shared equipment. People with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should use their own discretion when consuming Pretzel Crisps.
Ingredients in original Pretzel Crisps
– Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
– Sugar
– Salt
– Yeast
Are all Pretzel Crisps gluten-free?
No, not all varieties of Pretzel Crisps are gluten-free. Most of the seasonings and flavors are gluten-free, but some do contain wheat ingredients:3
Pretzel Crisps flavors that contain gluten:
– Chipotle Cheddar
– Everything
– Falafel
– Original Deli Style
– Sesame
– Cinnamon Toast
– Supreme
So before purchasing, it’s important to check the ingredients list and allergen information on each specific variety of Pretzel Crisps to see if wheat is included. The gluten-free status will also be clearly labeled on packaging.
Other Snack Factory gluten-free products
In addition to original Pretzel Crisps, Snack Factory offers several other crunchy pretzel products that are certified gluten-free:4
– Pretzel Crisps Minis: Mini versions of the original thin pretzel crisps.
– Pretzel Crisps Sticks: Larger crunchy pretzel sticks in Original and Everything flavors.
– Pretzel Crisps Thins: Thinner, crispier pretzel crackers in Original, Everything, and Sesame flavors.
– Pretzel Crisps Minis Dark Chocolate Crunch: Mini pretzel crisps coated in dark chocolate.
– Pretzel Crisps Peanut Butter Crunch: Original pretzel crisps coated with peanut butter.
The gluten-free status of these pretzel products is validated through third-party testing by GFCO, so people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can feel confident consuming them. However, they are produced in shared facilities with wheat-based foods and have a small risk of gluten cross-contact.
Are Snack Factory pretzels made in a gluten-free facility?
No, Snack Factory pretzels are not made in a gluten-free facility. The facility produces pretzels made with wheat-based ingredients on shared manufacturing lines. So there is potential for trace amounts of gluten to come into contact with the gluten-free pretzel products through shared equipment.
Snack Factory does list that allergens like wheat, milk, soy, and nuts may be present due to potential cross-contact in production. People with food allergies like celiac disease should be aware of this risk when consuming.
However, Snack Factory states that their gluten-free pretzels undergo specific sanitation protocols and microbial testing before packaging to ensure gluten levels remain below 20 parts per million (ppm), the recognized standard for gluten-free certification.5
This very low level of potential cross-contact is considered safe for the majority of people on a medically necessary gluten-free diet. But individuals with celiac disease or wheat allergy should make their own judgment call based on their health needs and sensitivities.
Nutrition info for Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels
Here is the nutrition information for Snack Factory’s gluten-free pretzel products:6
Pretzel Crisps Original Nutrition Facts
– Serving size: 28g
– Calories: 110
– Fat: 0g
– Sodium: 330mg
– Carbs: 23g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 2g
– Protein: 3g
Pretzel Crisps Thins Nutrition Facts
– Serving size: 30g
– Calories: 100
– Fat: 1.5g
– Sodium: 220mg
– Carbs: 21g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 1g
– Protein: 2g
Pretzel Crisps Minis Nutrition Facts
– Serving size: 28g
– Calories: 110
– Fat: 1g
– Sodium: 250mg
– Carbs: 23g
– Fiber: 1g
– Sugar: 2g
– Protein: 3g
The gluten-free pretzels are low in fat, high in carbs from wheat flour, and contain 2-3g of protein per serving. They make a crunchy fiber-rich snack, though the sodium content can be high in some varieties.
Where to buy Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels
You can find Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels at many major grocery stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Shoprite. They are often stocked in the pretzel aisle or with other salty snacks.
Gluten-free specialty retailers like Sprouts, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers also carry Snack Factory pretzels labeled gluten-free. You can usually find them in the gluten-free section.
Snack Factory pretzels are widely available online from retailers like Amazon, SnackFactory.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and more. Buying online can provide more variety and easy home delivery.
Are there other gluten-free pretzel brands?
Yes, besides Snack Factory, some other popular gluten-free pretzel brands include:
– Glutino – Wide range of gluten-free pretzels, pretzel chips, and pretzel sticks. Certified gluten-free.
– Snyder’s of Hanover – Offers gluten-free pretzels in styles like sticks, rods, wheels, and more. Certified gluten-free.
– Crunchmaster – Specializes in gluten-free crackers but has gluten-free pretzels as well.
– Utz – Company makes gluten-free pretzels under the brand Good Health.
– Unique – Gluten-free classic twist pretzels in Original and Everything flavors.
– Aleia’s – Hand-crafted gluten-free pretzels in a variety of styles and flavors.
Always carefully read the label and allergen info for any pretzel product to confirm it is gluten-free before consuming. Individual tolerances to cross-contact vary among people with gluten intolerance.
Should people with wheat allergy eat gluten-free pretzels?
People with a wheat allergy need to avoid all wheat-based products and typically follow a gluten-free diet. However, some gluten-free pretzels like Snack Factory are produced in facilities with wheat and have the disclaimer that products may contain trace amounts from cross-contact.
For people with severe wheat allergy, these gluten-free pretzels that have contact with wheat may still cause an adverse reaction. It depends on individual sensitivity levels. Caution should be exercised and pretzels should be avoided if any reaction occurs.
Consulting with a doctor is recommended to determine suitable safety thresholds for wheat cross-contact. There are some dedicated wheat-free facilities that may produce pretzels with lower risk of wheat exposure for people with wheat allergy. But diligent label reading is always necessary.
Are Snack Factory pretzels vegan/dairy-free?
Yes, Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels are vegan and dairy-free. The classic pretzels only have four ingredients: enriched wheat flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. They contain no milk-derived ingredients or other animal products.
However, some specialty pretzel flavors may contain milk or milk derivatives, such as:
– Pretzel Crisps Peanut Butter Crunch (contains milk)
– Pretzel Crisps Dark Chocolate Crunch (contains milk)
So vegans and those avoiding dairy will need to verify the ingredients list for flavored varieties before consuming. But Snack Factory’s plain original gluten-free pretzels are classified as vegan and dairy-free.
Do Snack Factory pretzels contain nuts?
Most plain Snack Factory pretzel products are free of nuts. However, there is a chance of cross-contact with nuts during manufacturing, as stated on the allergen info labels.
Some specialty flavors do intentionally contain nuts, such as:
– Pretzel Crisps Peanut Butter Crunch (contains peanuts)
– Pretzel Crisps Dark Chocolate Crunch (may contain tree nuts)
Those with peanut/tree nut allergy should be aware and avoid potentially unsafe flavored varieties. When in doubt, contact the company for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Can dogs eat Snack Factory pretzels?
In moderation, most dogs can safely eat plain Snack Factory gluten-free pretzels as an occasional snack. The hard, crunchy texture can help clean their teeth. However, some things to keep in mind:7
– Avoid flavored pretzels with onion, garlic, chocolate or other toxic ingredients. Stick to plain original pretzels.
– Pretzels are high in salt, so limit portion size to a few pretzels at most. Too much sodium is unhealthy.
– Make sure pretzels are fully chewed into small pieces to reduce choking hazard.
– Don’t make pretzels a dietary staple. Feed only as the occasional snack in a balanced diet.
In general, check with your veterinarian about any people food you want to share with your dog. But Snack Factory’s original gluten-free pretzels can be a safe occasional crunchy treat. Monitor your dog for signs of illness after introducing.
Do Snack Factory pretzels expire?
Yes, Snack Factory pretzels do eventually expire and should not be eaten after the printed “best by” date on the packaging. Unopened, they typically last about 9-12 months from the production date if stored properly in a cool, dry pantry.
Once opened, gluten-free pretzels will start to slowly lose their freshness and texture. For best quality, try to finish pretzels within 2-3 weeks after opening. Properly resealed bags help lengthen shelf life by preserving crispness.
Some signs that pretzels are expired and should be discarded:
– Stale, soft texture instead of crisp snap
– Loss of the pretzel’s signature smell and saltiness
– Off odors or appearance of mold/mildew
– Greatly exceeding best by date, especially if opened
Storing pretzels in an airtight container extends their shelf life for a while. But expired pretzels with poor texture or any mold growth should always be thrown out rather than consumed.
Conclusion
Snack Factory offers a line of gluten-free pretzels that provide a satisfying crunch for those on a gluten-free diet. While their facilities are not gluten-free, strict protocols allow most products to test below 20ppm of gluten. People very sensitive should exercise caution.
Carefully check labels of flavored pretzels, as some do contain glutenous ingredients. Original Pretzel Crisps, Pretzel Thins, Pretzel Sticks and Minis are reliably gluten-free alternatives for dipping, topping, and snacking when you crave the classic pretzel taste and texture.
References
1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/celiac-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352220
2. https://www.pretzelcrisps.com/faq/
3. https://www.pretzelcrisps.com/flavors/
4. https://www.snackfactory.com/gluten-free-products/
5. https://www.snackfactory.com/faq/
6. https://www.pretzelcrisps.com/nutritional-information/
7. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-pretzels/
