Pop Tarts are a popular brand of toaster pastries made by Kellogg’s. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are a go-to breakfast option for many people. However, traditional Pop Tarts contain gluten, which means they are off-limits for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
So do Pop Tarts come in a gluten-free version? The short answer is yes, Kellogg’s does make some gluten-free Pop Tart options. However, the selection is still fairly limited compared to traditional Pop Tarts.
A Brief History of Pop Tarts
Pop Tarts were first released in 1964 after Pillsbury assigned their product developers the task of making a portable and ready-to-eat toaster pastry. The new pastries were test marketed under the name “Country Squares” before being renamed Pop Tarts. The name Pop Tarts was chosen through a contest won by Kay King of Collegedale, Tennessee who submitted the name and won $500.
Pop Tarts were an immediate hit, selling millions of units in the first year. The original flavors were strawberry, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon, and apple currant. Over the years many more flavors were introduced as Pop Tarts became an iconic brand and breakfast staple.
Pop Tarts have always contained gluten from wheat flour. But with rising diagnoses of celiac disease and gluten intolerance, consumer demand grew for gluten-free versions of popular foods like Pop Tarts.
The Launch of Kellogg’s Gluten Free Pop Tarts
After years of requests from consumers, Kellogg’s finally released their first two gluten-free Pop Tart flavors in 2015: brown sugar cinnamon and strawberry. They were met with enthusiasm from the gluten-free community who was happy to have a mainstream toaster pastry option.
Kellogg’s gluten-free Pop Tarts are made without wheat, barley, rye, or oats – all grains that contain gluten. Instead, they use gluten-free grains like rice flour as the base.
The response to the initial gluten-free flavors was strong enough that Kellogg’s later expanded the line. Today there are four gluten-free Pop Tart flavors:
- Brown sugar cinnamon
- Strawberry
- Chocolate chip
- S’mores
Availability of Gluten Free Pop Tarts
The biggest downside to Kellogg’s gluten-free Pop Tarts is that they can still be difficult to find. When they first launched, they were only available at some major grocery chains. Even today, they are not as widely available as the traditional varieties.
Below are some tips on where you can find gluten-free Pop Tarts:
- Larger grocery stores – Check bigger supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc. They are most likely to carry the gluten-free versions.
- Natural food stores – Health food stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods often sell them.
- Online – They are available for purchase online at sites like Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.
- Kellogg’s website – You can buy them directly from Kellogg’s website.
Your best bet is to call your regular grocery store ahead to ask if they carry them before making a trip. Be sure to look for the distinct gluten-free labeling on the Pop Tart box.
Nutrition Info for Gluten Free vs Original Pop Tarts
One common question is how the nutrition information compares between the gluten-free and original Pop Tarts. The table below shows the nutrition facts per pastry for a Strawberry Pop Tart in both versions:
| Nutrition Facts | Gluten-Free | Original |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 140 | 200 |
| Fat | 3.5g | 5g |
| Carbs | 29g | 36g |
| Protein | 1g | 3g |
| Sugar | 13g | 14g |
As you can see, the gluten-free Pop Tarts are a little bit lower in calories, fat, carbs, and protein compared to the original pastries. However, the sugar content is nearly the same.
Reviews of Gluten Free Pop Tarts
Most reviews indicate the taste and texture of the gluten-free Pop Tarts are fairly close to the original, although some differences are noticeable.
Here are some common pros and cons from reviews of Kellogg’s gluten-free Pop Tarts:
Pros
- Very similar taste and appearance
- Great option for gluten-free and celiac diets
- Kids enjoy the taste
- Still feel like an indulgent treat
- Don’t crumble apart like some other gluten-free pastries
- Easy to toast like regular Pop Tarts
Cons
- Texture is a little drier/crumbly than original
- Filling is less creamy than original
- Some say flavor is not as vibrant
- More expensive than regular Pop Tarts
- Still high in sugar like regular version
- Limited flavor selection
Overall, most gluten-free Pop Tart reviewers seem pleased to have a mainstream gluten-free toaster pastry option. While some texture and flavor differences exist, they are relatively minor and don’t take away from the treat experience.
Other Brands Making Gluten Free Toaster Pastries
In addition to Kellogg’s gluten-free Pop Tarts, there are a few other brands that make similar style pastries without gluten ingredients:
- Katz – Katz has several different gluten-free toaster pastries like Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Strawberry, and Chocolate Fudge. They are made with gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca, and sorghum.
- Glutino – Glutino is known for their gluten-free baked goods and has a line of toaster pastries in flavors like Strawberry, Chocolate Chip, and S’mores. They are made with corn and rice flours.
- Schar – This European brand makes gluten-free croissants and pain au chocolat that can be warmed up for a similar pastry experience. Great for those missing that flakier gluten dough.
Checking the freezer section of health food stores will usually turn up a few different brands of gluten-free toaster pastries. While selection is more limited, they provide more options beyond just the Kellogg’s Pop Tarts.
How to Make Your Own Gluten Free Pop Tarts
Another option is to make homemade gluten-free Pop Tarts so you can control the ingredients. There are lots of easy recipes online using your choice of gluten-free flour.
Most recipes use a shortcrust pastry dough made with a blend of flours like:
- Brown rice flour
- Tapioca flour
- Potato starch
- Xanthan gum
You can roll out the dough, cut into rectangles, and fill with your desired fruity or sweet filling. Top with another layer of dough, seal, cut slits, and bake until golden.
Some popular filling ideas include:
- Strawberry jam
- Cherry pie filling
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate-hazelnut spread
- Caramel sauce
- Peanut butter and jelly
Making gluten-free Pop Tarts at home takes more effort but allows for total control over ingredients. And you can come up with fun flavor combinations beyond what stores offer.
Is There a Difference in Price?
Gluten-free specialty products often come with a higher price tag, and Pop Tarts are no exception. On average, the gluten-free versions cost $1-$2 more per box than original Pop Tarts.
Here are some typical prices for a box of 8 Pop Tarts:
- Gluten-free: $4.50 – $6.50
- Original: $2.50 – $4.00
The increased cost reflects the different ingredients and facilities required to avoid cross-contamination with gluten. Many gluten-free consumers feel the added cost is worthwhile to be able to enjoy the Pop Tart experience.
Should You Buy Gluten-Free Pop Tarts?
Here are some pros and cons to help decide if gluten-free Pop Tarts are right for your needs:
Pros:
- Allows people with gluten restriction to enjoy classic Pop Tart flavors
- One of the few mainstream gluten-free toaster pastries
- Kid-friendly taste similar to original
- Easily incorporated into school lunch for gluten-free kids
- Provides a sense of inclusion for gluten-free eaters
Cons:
- More expensive than original Pop Tarts
- Still high in sugar and low in nutrients
- Texture and taste not exactly the same as original
- Limited flavor selection
- Not widely available in all stores
For those who must eat gluten-free, the pros seem to outweigh the cons when it comes to enjoying the nostalgic Pop Tart experience. But those without dietary restrictions may want to consider if the higher cost and slight taste/texture changes make the splurge worth it.
The Bottom Line
While Kellogg’s gluten-free Pop Tarts offer less variety compared to the traditional versions, they fill an important role in the market. For those who need or strongly prefer to eat gluten-free, they provide a way to enjoy a comforting childhood brand.
The consensus is that the gluten-free Pop Tarts are impressively similar in taste, though some minor texture differences are noticeable. Given the challenges of gluten-free baking, Kellogg’s gets good marks for making their pastries taste and feel like classic Pop Tarts as much as possible.
Supply and demand will likely dictate if more flavors are added over time. But for now having a few gluten-free options allows inclusion for Pop Tart lovers with gluten restrictions.
As with regular Pop Tarts, those seeking more nutrition may want to balance out the gluten-free pastries with some fresh fruit, protein, and fiber. But there’s no denying their appeal as an occasional indulgence!
