No, most King’s Hawaiian bread products are not gluten-free. King’s Hawaiian does offer a few gluten-free options, but the majority of their popular sweet breads contain gluten.
Overview of King’s Hawaiian Bread
King’s Hawaiian is a bakery company known for its sweet, fluffy Hawaiian bread. Their most popular items include:
- Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Hawaiian Sweet Bread
- Hamburger Buns
- Dinner Rolls
- Sandwich Bread
These breads are made with enriched wheat flour, which contains gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Gluten Content in King’s Hawaiian Bread
Since most King’s Hawaiian breads are made with wheat flour, they are not gluten-free. Gluten gives bread its stretchy, chewy texture that people love in King’s Hawaiian rolls and loaves.
Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate the gluten in wheat breads. For these individuals, consuming gluten can cause adverse health effects.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for King’s Hawaiian Original Hawaiian Sweet Roll:
| Serving Size | 1 roll (43g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Total Fat | 2.5g |
| Sodium | 160mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 3g |
The ingredient list for this product specifically contains wheat flour, which confirms the presence of gluten.
Gluten-Free Options from King’s Hawaiian
While most of their bread contains gluten, King’s Hawaiian does offer a few gluten-free alternatives:
- Gluten Free Original Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
- Gluten Free Honey Wheat Rolls
- Gluten Free Slider Buns
These gluten-free options are made with a blend of rice flour, tapioca starch, and sorghum flour. They allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy the sweet taste and fluffy texture of King’s Hawaiian’s famous rolls.
Gluten-Free Nutrition Facts
Here is the nutrition information for King’s Hawaiian Gluten Free Original Sweet Rolls:
| Serving Size | 1 roll (35g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 140mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
While the gluten-free options lack some nutrients compared to the original wheat bread, they are safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Finding King’s Hawaiian Gluten-Free Products
The availability of King’s Hawaiian gluten-free bread can vary by location. Here are some tips for finding their gluten-free options in stores:
- Check the bakery or bread aisle at your grocery store.
- Ask customer service if they carry the gluten-free line.
- Check the freezer section, as the gluten-free items are sometimes frozen.
- Look for King’s Hawaiian products near other gluten-free breads.
- Search the store locator on the King’s Hawaiian website to find nearby retailers.
- Order online directly from King’s Hawaiian if you cannot find locally.
While quantities may be limited, most large grocery chains will carry at least one variety of King’s Hawaiian gluten-free bread.
How King’s Hawaiian Makes Gluten-Free Bread
Producing high-quality gluten-free bread that mimics the texture of wheat bread is challenging. Here is how King’s Hawaiian creates their line of gluten-free rolls and buns:
- Use a blend of gluten-free flours like rice, tapioca, sorghum, and maize.
- Add binding agents like egg whites and xanthan gum to mimic gluten.
- Utilize yeast for rising and fermentation.
- Inject the dough with extra moisture to prevent denseness.
- Proof the dough slowly to allow time for rising.
- Bake at high heat first to set the structure then lower heat to finish.
- Freeze some items after baking to maintain moisture.
With expertise and unique methods, King’s Hawaiian is able to create gluten-free breads with comparable taste, texture, and sweetness to their original wheat bread recipes.
Nutritional Comparison of Gluten-Free and Regular Bread
There are some nutritional differences between King’s Hawaiian regular wheat bread versus their gluten-free alternatives:
| Regular Bread | Gluten-Free Bread | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 130 per roll | 120 per roll |
| Fat | 2.5g per roll | 1g per roll |
| Fiber | 1g per roll | 0g per roll |
| Protein | 3g per roll | 1g per roll |
| Carbohydrates | 24g per roll | 25g per roll |
| Sugars | 8g per roll | 4g per roll |
The gluten-free bread is slightly lower in calories, fat, fiber and protein compared to the regular wheat bread. Carbohydrates and sugar content is also a bit lower in the gluten-free version.
Price Difference Between Gluten-Free and Regular
You can expect to pay a higher price for King’s Hawaiian gluten-free products versus their regular bread:
- Regular Sweet Rolls – $3.99 for pack of 12 rolls
- Gluten-Free Sweet Rolls – $5.49 for pack of 8 rolls
The gluten-free rolls cost about $1.50 more per package. This price increase is typical for specialty gluten-free products due to the higher cost of gluten-free ingredients.
Taste and Texture Comparison
How does the taste and texture of King’s Hawaiian gluten-free products compare to their original breads?
- The gluten-free rolls are slightly drier and denser.
- They lack the ultra-fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- The sweetness is comparable to the original.
- The shape and appearance is very similar.
- They satisfy the craving for that unique Hawaiian bread flavor.
While there are minor differences in texture, King’s Hawaiian gluten-free bread comes very close in mimicking the sweet taste that people love from their brand.
Where to Buy Online
If you cannot find King’s Hawaiian gluten-free products locally, you can order online:
- Direct from King’s Hawaiian – Order individual products or bundles and get nationwide shipping.
- Amazon – Wide selection of top-rated gluten-free breads eligible for Prime shipping.
- Instacart – Get King’s Hawaiian gluten-free rolls delivered along with your full grocery order.
- Walmart – Purchase online for in-store pickup or shipping.
- Target – Order online and pickup at your local store or get home delivery.
The convenience of online ordering makes it easy to enjoy King’s Hawaiian gluten-free bread even if you cannot find it in local stores.
Conclusions
In summary:
- Most King’s Hawaiian bread contains gluten due to wheat flour.
- A few gluten-free alternatives are made with rice, tapioca, and sorghum flours.
- Gluten-free options may be limited based on store location.
- King’s Hawaiian uses special methods to mimic the texture of wheat bread.
- There are some nutritional differences between the gluten-free and regular bread.
- Gluten-free products come with a higher price tag.
- While not identical, the gluten-free bread has a comparable sweet taste.
- Online ordering is an option if stores near you do not carry it.
Overall, those seeking the unique flavor of King’s Hawaiian bread now have several gluten-free options to consider. While limited in availability, the gluten-free rolls and buns can allow those sensitive to gluten to enjoy a taste of Hawaii.
