Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause negative health effects. As a result, these individuals must follow a strict gluten-free diet and avoid foods containing gluten.
Powdered sugar is a common ingredient used in baking and confections. It consists primarily of finely ground sugar mixed with a small amount of cornstarch to prevent clumping. While pure powdered sugar does not contain gluten, there are some important considerations when it comes to determining if a particular brand of powdered sugar is gluten-free.
Does Domino’s Use Wheat in Their Powdered Sugar?
According to Domino’s website, their classic powdered sugar does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. The listed ingredients are simply sugar and cornstarch. This means Domino’s classic powdered sugar should be safe for people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
However, it’s important to note that Domino’s makes various powdered sugar blends that do contain wheat-based ingredients. For example, their cinnamon powdered sugar contains wheat flour in addition to sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. So someone following a gluten-free diet would want to avoid these types of flavored powdered sugar products from Domino’s and stick to their classic blend.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
Even if a powdered sugar product does not contain gluten ingredients, there is still a risk of cross-contamination occurring during processing and packaging. Trace amounts of gluten can make their way into gluten-free products if they are produced in shared facilities.
Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity react to very small amounts of gluten. The FDA defines “gluten-free” to mean any product containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This threshold allows for the possibility of slight cross-contamination.
Domino’s does process wheat-based ingredients in the same facilities as their gluten-free products, including powdered sugar. So there is a chance their classic powdered sugar contains traces of gluten due to cross-contamination. The company acknowledges this on their website.
Testing for Gluten
Domino’s states that while they take steps to minimize cross-contamination, the company does not formally test their gluten-free products to verify non-detectable levels of gluten. So there is no way to know for certain that their powdered sugar meets the less than 20 ppm gluten standard.
The lack of testing means highly sensitive individuals could potentially react to Domino’s classic powdered sugar if they ingest it. Only certified gluten-free products labeled “gluten-free” have been tested to confirm gluten levels below 20 ppm.
Use of Wheat Starch
Interestingly, Domino’s classic powdered sugar lists “wheat starch” as an ingredient in their documentation of allergens. Wheat starch is a gluten-containing derivative of wheat. However, the primary ingredients list only shows sugar and cornstarch, without mentioning wheat starch.
It’s unclear why there is a discrepancy between the two ingredient statements from Domino’s. Regardless, the reference to wheat starch in their allergen information means the classic powdered sugar cannot be considered gluten-free. Unless Domino’s provides definitive proof that only corn-sourced starch is used, individuals adhering to a strict gluten-free diet should avoid their powdered sugar.
Contacting Domino’s About Their Powdered Sugar
The best way to determine if Domino’s powdered sugar is truly gluten-free is to directly ask the company. They can hopefully clarify the confusion over wheat starch being listed as an allergen. You can contact Domino’s customer service by phone or email and ask:
- Does your classic powdered sugar contain any wheat starch, or is the starch derived from corn?
- What procedures do you have in place to avoid cross-contamination with wheat-based ingredients?
- Have you ever tested your classic powdered sugar to verify gluten levels are below 20 ppm?
By getting direct answers from Domino’s on these questions, you will have more definitive information to judge whether their powdered sugar is safe to consume on a gluten-free diet.
Alternatives to Domino’s Powdered Sugar
Until Domino’s can provide assurances their classic powdered sugar is wheat-free and not cross-contaminated, the safest option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance is to avoid it.
There are several alternative brands of powdered sugar that are labeled gluten-free and specifically tested to confirm negligible gluten content:
- C&H Gluten Free Powdered Sugar
- Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Powdered Sugar
- Swerve Powdered Sugar
- Bob’s Red Mill Organic Pure Cane Powdered Sugar
These products are produced in dedicated gluten-free facilities, void of any wheat. Purchasing verified gluten-free powdered sugar gives peace of mind that it’s safe for a gluten-free diet.
Making Your Own Powdered Sugar
For maximum control, you can also easily make powdered sugar at home using just two ingredients:
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
Simply blend 1 cup granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a high powered blender. Store the homemade powdered sugar in an airtight container. With only pure sugar and corn-derived starch, you can be positive this DIY powdered sugar is gluten-free.
Is Powdered Sugar Gluten-Free at Domino’s Locations?
In addition to buying Domino’s packaged powdered sugar at the grocery store, their sugar is also used at Domino’s pizza locations. When you order a dessert with powdered sugar from Domino’s, is it safe for gluten-free diets?
According to Dominos.com, the powdered sugar used in-store for dusting deserts is not gluten-free. It contains wheat starch, meaning it does have gluten. So you will want to avoid Domino’s desserts topped with powdered sugar if you need to be 100% gluten-free.
The website notes you can request your dessert without powdered sugar topping. Going without the powdered sugar allows you to enjoy the treat gluten-free. You can also bring your own gluten-free powdered sugar to the Domino’s location and ask them to use it instead of theirs.
Takeaways on Domino’s Powdered Sugar and Gluten
To wrap up, key facts to understand about Domino’s powdered sugar:
- Domino’s classic powdered sugar contains sugar and cornstarch, without wheat-based ingredients according to the list printed on packages.
- However, Domino’s documents list wheat starch as an allergen for their classic powdered sugar, sowing doubt over whether wheat is used.
- The manufacturing process risks cross-contamination of their powdered sugar with traces of gluten.
- Domino’s does not formally test powdered sugar to verify gluten levels below 20 ppm.
- The powdered sugar used at Domino’s pizza locations contains wheat and is not gluten-free.
- Substituting certified gluten-free brands or homemade powdered sugar are safer options for gluten-free diets.
Individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should exercise caution regarding Domino’s powdered sugar. Confirming the product’s gluten-free status with the manufacturer is advised. When in doubt, alternative powdered sugars are readily available to eliminate the risk of gluten exposure.
Conclusion
Maintaining a gluten-free diet requires vigilance when selecting commercial food products. While Domino’s classic powdered sugar appears gluten-free according to ingredient labels, uncertainty remains over potential wheat content and gluten cross-contamination.
Until Domino’s provides transparency into their manufacturing processes and testing results, their powdered sugar cannot be considered a safe bet for celiac and gluten-sensitive consumers. Numerous specialty brands offer verified gluten-free powdered sugar for anyone seeking a replacement free of gluten-related risks.
