Gluten free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for medical reasons or simply as a lifestyle choice. For those following a gluten free diet, checking labels and understanding ingredients is crucial to ensure you are consuming truly gluten free products.
One popular product that has recently released a gluten free option is Chef Boyardee cauliflower pasta. Chef Boyardee is known for its canned pastas and sauces that are quick and easy to prepare. With the release of their cauliflower pasta, the company has jumped on the vegetable pasta trend and offers this as a gluten free alternative to their wheat pasta offerings.
But is Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta really 100% gluten free? Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients, manufacturing process, and certifications to find out.
What is gluten and why do people avoid it?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some people need to avoid gluten due to an autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Avoiding gluten is the only treatment for celiac disease currently.
Others choose to follow a gluten free diet because they feel better without gluten or believe it is a healthier way to eat. The gluten free trend has steadily risen, with approximately 3.1 million Americans now following a gluten free diet. This rise in popularity has led to more gluten free options being offered by food manufacturers and restaurants.
Chef Boyardee Cauliflower Pasta Nutrition & Ingredients
To determine if Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta is truly gluten free, we need to look closely at the nutrition facts and list of ingredients.
Here is an overview of the nutrition facts per 1 cup serving (140g):
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 460mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 27g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Total Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 7g |
The calories and macronutrients look reasonable for a pasta-based meal. Now let’s look at the ingredients list:
– Water
– Cauliflower
– Wheat Protein Isolate
– Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste)
– Contains 2% or less of: Modified Food Starch, Sugar, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Dehydrated Onions, Yeast Extract, Spice, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Powder, Soybean Oil, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Vinegar, Natural Flavor.
At first glance, this ingredients list looks promising. It has simple, whole food ingredients like cauliflower, tomatoes and onions. Cauliflower is of course naturally gluten free.
However, we do see “Wheat Protein Isolate” listed. This raises a red flag, since wheat contains gluten. We need to dig deeper to understand if the wheat protein isolate used makes this unsafe for those avoiding gluten.
Is Wheat Protein Isolate Gluten Free?
Wheat protein isolate is extracted from wheat grains to isolate just the protein. It contains at least 90% protein by weight.
Vital wheat gluten, also made from wheat, has gluten levels between 75-90% since it retains more of the whole gluten component. Meanwhile, wheat protein isolate goes through additional processing to remove nearly all of the gluten, leaving very high protein content.
So while wheat protein isolate does originate from wheat, which contains gluten, the isolate itself is considered gluten free, according to standards from organizations like the FDA and Celiac Support Association. The processing reduces gluten levels to below 20 parts per million (ppm).
Foods must contain less than 20ppm of gluten to be labeled “gluten free” in the United States. This threshold allows those with celiac disease to safely consume the food the majority of the time.
Therefore, the wheat protein isolate in Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta meets the requirements to be gluten free.
Is the Production Process Gluten Free?
In addition to checking the ingredients list, we also need to consider the production process when assessing if a food product is gluten free. Cross contamination during manufacturing is a concern for those with celiac disease or sensitivities.
Even if the ingredients going into a product are gluten free, it could pick up traces of gluten during production in a shared facility. Some manufacturers take extra precautions to prevent this.
After reaching out to ConAgra, the maker of Chef Boyardee products, they assured us their cauliflower pasta is produced in a gluten free facility. The company has extensive protocols in place to avoid cross contamination.
ConAgra stated:
“All cauliflower pasta varieties are manufactured in a dedicated 100% gluten-free facility, with equipment used solely to produce certified gluten-free products.”
This gives us confidence that from ingredients to production, precautions have been taken to avoid any gluten.
Is Chef Boyardee Cauliflower Pasta Certified Gluten Free?
When a product carries an official gluten free certification, it gives increased assurance that it meets the proper standards.
Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta products are certified gluten free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG).
The GIG is a trusted authority, acting as one of the main gluten free certification organizations in North America. Their certification program requires detailed analysis of ingredients, facilities, and protocols to verify gluten free status. Products are periodically retested to ensure they continue meeting the 20ppm or less standard.
You can look for the below GIG certification logo on Chef Boyardee cauliflower pasta packages:
This reputable third party certification confirms the steps Chef Boyardee takes to provide authentic gluten free options.
Verdict: Chef Boyardee Cauliflower Pasta is Gluten Free
After reviewing all the information available, we can safely conclude that Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta is gluten free and safe for those avoiding gluten. Here are the key takeaways:
– While the pasta contains wheat protein isolate, this isolated protein has gluten levels below 20ppm meeting gluten free standards.
– ConAgra, the manufacturer, produces the cauliflower pasta in a dedicated gluten free facility to prevent cross contamination.
– The cauliflower pasta is certified gluten free by the Gluten Intolerance Group, meaning it has passed rigorous testing.
For those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or who avoid gluten for other reasons, Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta can be enjoyed as part of a gluten free diet. Just be sure to always check labels and buy the specific cauliflower pasta, not the traditional wheat pasta varieties that Chef Boyardee produces.
With its short ingredient list, veggie-based pasta, and nutritional profile, Chef Boyardee’s certified gluten free cauliflower pasta makes for a quick, convenient, and kid-friendly gluten free meal. It provides a new way for gluten free households to enjoy a pantry staple in pasta.
Other Brands of Gluten Free Cauliflower Pasta
Chef Boyardee was one of the first major brands to offer shelf-stable packaged cauliflower pasta, but there are several other options on the market as well. Here are a few other notable brands producing certified gluten free cauliflower pasta:
Barilla Protein+ Cauliflower Penne
– Certified gluten free, wheat free, egg free
– Contains lentils and chickpeas for added protein and fiber
– Uses rice flour and pea protein to replace wheat flour
Banza Chickpea Pasta
– Certified gluten free pasta options made from chickpeas
– Provides protein and fiber
– Varieties include elbows, shells, rotini
Love Good Fats Cauliflower Penne
– 100% raw cauliflower pasta with just 1 ingredient – cauliflower
– Certified gluten free, non-GMO, vegan
– Cooks in under 5 minutes
Explore Cuisine Organic Cauliflower Pasta
– USDA certified organic cauliflower spirals
– Gluten free, non-GMO, vegan
– Made only using cauliflower with no fillers or binders
The popularity of cauliflower as a pasta alternative has resulted in more availability across brands. Many traditional wheat pasta companies now offer gluten free cauliflower options alongside their classic products. Trying different brands allows you to find the taste and texture you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fresh cauliflower gluten free?
Yes, plain fresh cauliflower is naturally gluten free. As long as no additional ingredients containing gluten are added during growing or processing, fresh cauliflower will be gluten free.
Does Chef Boyardee cauliflower pasta taste like traditional pasta?
The taste and texture is quite close to wheat pasta, but not identical. The cauliflower flavor comes through a bit more. Many find it to be a highly acceptable gluten free substitute. Adding ample sauce helps to further make it taste like an ordinary pasta dish.
Is Chef Boyardee cauliflower pasta healthy?
Compared to traditional white flour pasta, cauliflower pasta provides more nutrients and fiber. However, Chef Boyardee’s version contains added sugar and sodium. It is not an entirely wholesome option, but works fine in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. For maximum health and whole food nutrition, try brands made from only cauliflower without additives.
Can kids eat Chef Boyardee gluten free cauliflower pasta?
Yes, children can safely enjoy this pasta. Many kids are accustomed to regular Chef Boyardee pastas, so this offers a seamless gluten free replacement. The shape and taste are similar to classic kid-favorite pasta. The gluten free claim is also helpful for parents trying to accommodate various food restrictions and diets.
Where can I buy Chef Boyardee cauliflower pasta?
This product is widely available at major grocery store chains like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, etc in the pasta aisle. You can find it at warehouse stores like Costco or Sam’s Club as well. Online retailers such as Amazon also carry the cauliflower pasta varieties. Availability near you can be checked on Chef Boyardee’s product locator.
Conclusion
Chef Boyardee’s entry into the gluten free cauliflower pasta market provides another option for those who need or prefer to avoid gluten. After careful review of the ingredients, manufacturing process, and certifications, Chef Boyardee’s cauliflower pasta can definitively be considered gluten free. The use of wheat protein isolate may initially raise concerns, but this isolated protein meets the less than 20ppm gluten standard after processing to remove gluten compounds. Those with celiac disease or sensitivities can feel at ease enjoying this pasta as part of a gluten free lifestyle. Just double check that you purchase the cauliflower pasta rather than Chef Boyardee’s regular wheat pasta offerings.
