Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people opting to avoid gluten for health, dietary, or lifestyle reasons. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating gluten can cause serious health issues, so checking labels and asking questions is crucial. One dessert that often comes under scrutiny is chocolate cream pie – namely, is Edwards chocolate cream pie gluten-free?
About Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, gluten does not pose a health concern, but for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, even small amounts can trigger symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue and more.
For people with celiac disease, gluten triggers an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine. This can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and a variety of complications if left untreated. There is no cure for celiac disease except strictly following a lifelong gluten-free diet.
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity experience gluten-related symptoms and feel better when gluten is removed from their diet. However, they do not have the same autoimmune reaction and intestinal damage as those with celiac disease.
Given the rise in gluten-free diets and greater awareness around gluten issues, food manufacturers are working to accommodate consumer demand for more gluten-free options. But navigating food labels can still present challenges.
What Makes a Food Gluten-Free?
For a food to be considered gluten-free, it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This threshold comes from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s gluten-free labeling law enacted in 2014. Any product labeled “gluten-free” must meet this standard.
Cross-contact is also an important consideration. Even if ingredients are gluten-free, contamination can occur during processing and preparation if the same equipment is used for gluten-containing foods. Manufacturing facilities may have separate gluten-free preparation areas to reduce cross-contact.
When looking at product labels, here are some key things to look for related to gluten:
- An explicit “gluten-free” label – This confirms the item meets the less than 20ppm standard.
- Absence of grains like wheat, barley, rye – These inherently contain gluten.
- No malt ingredients – Malt is usually derived from barley.
- “May contain wheat” warnings – This indicates potential cross-contact.
Now let’s examine the ingredients and manufacturing process behind Edwards chocolate cream pies.
Edwards Chocolate Cream Pie Ingredients
The main ingredients in an Edwards chocolate cream pie are:
- Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Sugar
- Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (palm, palm kernel, coconut and/or cottonseed)
- Cocoa processed with alkali
- High fructose corn syrup
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Soy lecithin
- Vanillin – an artificial flavor
- TBHQ and citric acid preservatives
The enriched wheat flour is the first clue that Edwards chocolate cream pies are not gluten-free. Wheat flour contains gluten, so products made with it are unsuitable for gluten-free diets.
In addition, the pies are made in facilities that also process other wheat-containing foods. So even if a chocolate cream pie did not include wheat flour, cross-contact would still be a risk.
Are Edwards Pies Made in Gluten-Free Facilities?
Edwards pies are produced by Edwards Desserts, a division of Rich Products Corporation. The manufacturing facilities handle a variety of products, including both gluten-containing and gluten-free items. However, the facilities are not gluten-free.
To reduce cross-contact, the company notes:
- Separate mixing and packaging areas are used for gluten-free items.
- Gluten-free production runs first thing in the morning after thorough sanitation.
- All utensils and equipment are thoroughly cleaned between production runs.
While these controls help lower the gluten risk, they do not completely eliminate it. Residue can still remain on machines, and shared air ventilation means airborne particles are a possibility. So there is no guarantee against trace amounts getting into products.
Are Any Edwards Pies Gluten-Free?
Currently, no Edwards pie varieties are labeled gluten-free. Even flavors that may not intrinsically contain gluten, like fruit or chocolate cream pies, are at risk for cross-contact with gluten.
However, Edwards does produce a line of certified gluten-free desserts under their Free For All Kitchen brand. This includes gluten-free varieties of chocolate cakes, brownies, cookies, and more. So people managing gluten can still enjoy Edwards’ desserts by choosing from the certified gluten-free range.
What About Claiming Pies are “Gluten-Free”?
Given the wheat flour and shared equipment, Edwards cannot label their regular chocolate cream pies as gluten-free or claim they are safe for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Doing so would violate the FDA’s labeling law if pies contained more than 20ppm of gluten.
In fact, Edwards includes the following allergen statement on their pie ingredients:
“All Edwards products are produced on shared equipment with wheat, eggs, dairy, soy, nuts and fish allergens.”
This covers them from a legal perspective. But it also alerts consumers to potential cross-contact so people with food allergies or intolerances can make informed decisions.
Precautions for People with Celiac Disease
For those with celiac disease, it’s best to avoid Edwards chocolate cream pies and other Edwards products not explicitly labeled “gluten-free.” Even tiny amounts of gluten can damage the small intestine and provoke symptoms in those with celiac.
Here are some tips for navigating desserts with celiac disease:
- Check labels carefully and look for a “gluten-free” certification symbol.
- Call or email manufacturers with any questions or concerns.
- Purchase dedicated gluten-free products from reputable brands and stores.
- Make desserts at home from scratch using gluten-free ingredients.
- Opt for naturally gluten-free desserts like fruit crumbles, panna cotta, or poached pears.
Making sacrifices around food is challenging, so be sure to find gluten-free indulgences like cookies, cakes, and pies from bakeries you trust. You deserve to enjoy dessert too!
Precautions for Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity need to avoid gluten to feel their best and prevent symptoms. But unlike celiac disease, an occasional minor exposure poses less risk of permanent damage.
If you have non-celiac sensitivity and want an Edwards chocolate cream pie:
- Look at labels and ingredients lists to assess if contamination seems likely.
- Note if the product contains wheat or related grains.
- Call the company to understand their manufacturing process and ask about testing.
- Listen to your body after consuming it – if you react, avoid that product in the future.
While Edwards chocolate cream pie is not gluten-free, some people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity tolerate occasional small doses without issues. This is a personal choice you can make based on past experiences and tolerance levels.
Are There Gluten-Free Alternatives?
Luckily, gluten-free chocolate cream pie options exist if you want a similar treat without the gluten uncertainty of Edwards pies. Here are some recommended brands:
- Katz Gluten Free – Katz offers certified gluten-free chocolate cream pies using an Oreo-style cookie crust. They’re sold online and in many grocery stores.
- Glutino – Glutino makes gluten-free chocolate pudding pies with an Oreo-like crust. They’re dairy-free too.
- Miss Roben’s – These gluten-free chocolate silk pies come in a graham cracker-style crust. You can find them online and in stores like Whole Foods.
There are also many easy gluten-free chocolate cream pie recipes you can make at home. Whip up a pie with ingredients you trust, and enjoy the entire process.
The Verdict on Edwards Chocolate Cream Pie
In summary, no, Edwards chocolate cream pies are not gluten-free. Here’s a quick rundown:
- They contain wheat flour, an inherent source of gluten.
- Edwards facilities are not gluten-free, posing cross-contact risks.
- No Edwards pie varieties currently carry gluten-free labeling.
- The pies should be avoided by those with celiac disease due to gluten uncertainty.
- Those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity can optionally try them in moderation.
- Safer gluten-free chocolate cream pie alternatives are available.
So if you need or strongly prefer gluten-free desserts, Edwards chocolate cream pie is not the best choice. But you still have plenty of ways to satisfy your chocolate pie craving without the gluten! Whip up a homemade pie, or keep an eye out for certified gluten-free pies from dedicated brands.
Other Edwards Products to Assess for Gluten
While their chocolate cream pies contain gluten, you may wonder about other Edwards products like:
- Fruit pies
- Cream pies
- Meringue pies
- Mini dessert pies
- Chocolate-dipped coconut macaroons
Even without wheat flour, these products share the same risk of gluten cross-contact during manufacturing. None are currently labeled gluten-free.
You would need to contact Edwards directly to find out if any test below 20ppm of gluten. They may accommodate custom requests, but overall it’s best to assume their regular product line contains gluten.
Of course, Edwards’ certified Free For All Kitchen items are labeled gluten-free. So opt for those if you need to stay 100% gluten-free.
How to Enjoy Edwards Desserts with Dietary Restrictions
If you avoid gluten or have other dietary needs, you can still find ways to enjoy Edwards’ quality desserts:
- Try Edwards gluten-free cakes, cookies, and brownies certified under their Free For All Kitchen brand.
- For gluten-free pies, make them yourself or purchase dedicated gluten-free brands.
- If you have nut allergies, look for Edwards products without nut ingredients or allergen warnings.
- For diabetes or low sugar needs, portion-control Edwards treats or focus on fruit pie flavors.
- Those with dairy issues can look for Edwards’ dairy-free options.
While the classics like chocolate cream pie aren’t suitable for every diet, you have alternatives to still enjoy the Edwards taste safely. Just be vigilant about labels and ingredients.
Contacting Edwards About Gluten-Free Questions
If you have a gluten-related question about Edwards products not addressed here, you can contact their Consumer Relations department directly:
- Phone: 1-800-488-2749 (Monday through Friday 8AM-4PM Eastern Time)
- Online: Use their contact form at https://www.edwardsdesserts.com/Contact
- Mail: Send inquiries to Consumer Relations at Edwards Desserts, 1 Edwards Lane, Norwalk, CT 06851
Reach out to them with any concerns about ingredients, manufacturing processes, testing procedures, or other relevant information you need to make safe dessert choices.
Advocating for More Gluten-Free Options
One way to get more gluten-free Edwards products is to provide feedback directly to the company about demand. Here are some tips:
- Call their Consumer Relations number and politely explain you’d purchase more Edwards desserts if they had clearly labeled gluten-free options.
- Write a thoughtful letter to the company highlighting the growing need for gluten-free foods. Share your story if desired.
- Post on Edwards’ social media pages requesting gluten-free varieties of your favorite pies or treats.
- Start an online petition for Edwards to expand their Free For All Kitchen line.
The more consumers who speak up, the more incentive Edwards has to meet evolving dietary needs. Just remember to give feedback constructively and respectfully.
The Takeaway on Edwards and Gluten
Edwards offers some fantastic desserts, but their regular chocolate cream and other pies currently contain gluten. Thankfully, more gluten-free options are appearing in stores every day as demand increases. Plus Edwards’ own Free For All Kitchen line provides certainty for gluten-free needs.
While favorites like Edwards chocolate cream pie aren’t suitable for celiac diets, there are still ways to enjoy the brand’s signature taste through gluten-free offerings. And by providing feedback to the company, we can motivate even more gluten-free progress in the future.
So if you see someone pondering that Edwards chocolate cream pie, politely share that it unfortunately contains gluten. But also remind them that delicious gluten-free desserts exist – so no pie lover needs to be deprived! We can all work together to make label reading and safe eating easier for people with dietary restrictions. That way any dessert craving can be satisfied, while still protecting health and wellbeing.
References
- Edwards chocolate cream pie ingredients: https://www.edwardsdesserts.com/Products/Pies/Cream-Pies/Chocolate-Cream-Pie
- Rich Products gluten-free statement: https://www.richs.com/food-beverage/special-dietary-needs
- FDA gluten-free labeling guidelines: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/questions-and-answers-gluten-free-food-labeling-final-rule
- Celiac disease overview: https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity overview: https://www.beyondceliac.org/celiac-disease/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/
