For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating food choices can be challenging. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Consuming gluten causes damage to the small intestine, which can lead to a variety of symptoms and health problems (1).
The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding any foods containing wheat, barley, rye and often oats as well. With so many everyday foods off limits, finding safe snack options is especially important for those with celiac disease.
Smartfood popcorn is a popular snack food marketed as “deliciously smart indulgence.” But is Smartfood popcorn actually a smart choice for those with celiac disease? Here’s a detailed look at whether Smartfood popcorn is gluten-free and safe to eat on a gluten-free diet.
Is Smartfood Popcorn Gluten-Free?
The good news is that original Smartfood white cheddar flavored popcorn is certified gluten-free. Smartfood states that its popcorn contains no gluten ingredients. The popcorn is made from non-GMO corn and expeller-pressed sunflower and/or canola oil. It’s flavored with cheddar cheese, whey, salt and maltodextrin (2).
Maltodextrin is sometimes derived from wheat, but Smartfood’s website indicates their maltodextrin is made from corn, not wheat. They also note that their manufacturing facility has protocols in place to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients (2).
Smartfood popcorn is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) (3). The GFCO tests products regularly to ensure they contain less than 10 parts per million of gluten. This is the lowest level that can be reliably detected and is considered safe for the majority of those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Smartfood Flavor Varieties
While original Smartfood white cheddar popcorn is gluten-free, not all Smartfood flavors are certified gluten-free. Certain flavors, like kettle corn, contain gluten-containing ingredients.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, be sure to double check the ingredients list and look for a “gluten-free” label before purchasing other Smartfood flavor varieties.
Risk of Cross-Contamination
While Smartfood white cheddar popcorn contains no gluten ingredients, there is a small risk of cross-contamination with gluten during growing, manufacturing or packaging.
Corn is generally considered a gluten-free grain. However, corn can become contaminated if it’s grown in rotation with gluten-containing grains like wheat. There’s also a chance the popcorn could be exposed to gluten during production on shared equipment.
Those who are extremely sensitive should note that Smartfood popcorn is produced on shared equipment that also processes milk, peanuts, tree nuts and wheat (2). Though shared equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs, absolute zero risk of cross-contamination can never be guaranteed.
How Much of a Risk is it?
The risk of cross-contamination is likely very low. Smartfood takes measures to avoid cross-contamination and regularly tests products to ensure they fall under the maximum gluten threshold.
Many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity are able to tolerate these very small amounts of gluten without reacting. However, those who are highly sensitive may want to avoid it to be extra cautious.
Are the Seasoning Packets Gluten-Free?
Some Smartfood popcorn products come with seasoning packets, such as pizza or buffalo flavors. Even if the base popcorn is gluten-free, the seasoning packets may contain gluten.
For example, the seasoning packet for Smartfood Delight Pizza Popcorn contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. The buffalo seasoning packet also contains wheat derived citric acid (4).
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, be sure to check the ingredients in any seasoning packets. Stick to enjoying the popcorn on its own to be safe.
Is Smartfood Popcorn Processed in a Facility with Wheat?
Yes, Smartfood popcorn is processed on shared equipment that also processes wheat, according to their website. However, they note that all equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs to avoid cross-contamination.
Smartfood also states that the manufacturing facility has strict allergen control procedures to prevent cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains (2).
Is That a Problem?
For most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, shared equipment that undergoes thorough cleaning should not pose an issue. The finished products are routinely tested to ensure gluten levels remain below 10ppm.
However, for those following a gluten-free diet due to severe wheat allergy or gluten sensitivity, this may be a concern. Individual tolerance levels vary.
Does Smartfood Popcorn Contain Barley or Rye?
No, Smartfood white cheddar popcorn does not contain barley or rye ingredients either. It is made from non-GMO corn, oil and cheese. Some flavor varieties also contain rice.
Both barley and rye contain gluten, so they are avoided on a gluten-free diet. You do not have to worry about barley or rye with Smartfood’s plain popcorn.
Is Smartfood Popcorn Processed in a Facility with Barley or Rye?
Smartfood has not indicated that their manufacturing facilities process barley or rye. Based on their information, it appears their equipment only processes corn, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and milk products (2).
So while wheat is processed on shared lines, barley and rye do not appear to pose a cross-contamination risk during Smartfood popcorn production.
Does Smartfood Popcorn Contain Malt?
No, Smartfood white cheddar flavored popcorn does not contain malt as an ingredient. Some Smartfood flavor varieties do contain maltodextrin derived from corn.
Malt is derived from barley and should be avoided on a strict gluten-free diet. But the maltodextrin used in Smartfood popcorn is sourced from corn, not barley malt.
Could Maltodextrin Pose a Risk?
While the maltodextrin used in Smartfood popcorn is not derived from barley malt, some people with celiac disease still react to it. Maltodextrin can sometimes contain gluten protein residues even when made from corn (5).
Those who react to maltodextrin may want to avoid Smartfood popcorn or contact the company to learn more about how their maltodextrin is processed and tested.
Is Smartfood Popcorn Safe for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Based on ingredient labels and manufacturing information, original Smartfood white cheddar popcorn appears to be a safe gluten-free snack choice for most people following a gluten-free diet, including those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Smartfood states their popcorn contains no gluten ingredients and is processed in a facility that takes measures to avoid cross-contamination. The popcorn is also routinely tested to ensure it falls below the maximum gluten threshold.
Precautions
However, those with severe gluten sensitivity or wheat allergy may want to exercise caution, as zero risk of cross-contamination can never be fully guaranteed. Smartfood popcorn is produced on shared lines that also process wheat.
It’s also important to check labels of other Smartfood flavor varieties, as some may contain gluten. Only original Smartfood white cheddar popcorn is certified gluten-free.
The Bottom Line
Is Smartfood popcorn safe for people with celiac disease? For most following a gluten-free diet, Smartfood’s original white cheddar popcorn appears to be a safe option based on its gluten-free certification and manufacturing procedures.
However, individuals with severe gluten sensitivity may want to take extra precautions due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. As with any gluten-free food choice, it’s ultimately up to the individual to determine their level of comfort and risk tolerance.
When in doubt, contact Smartfood directly for their latest information on gluten testing and protocols to help inform your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people with celiac disease eat Smartfood popcorn?
Most people with celiac disease can safely eat Smartfood’s original white cheddar popcorn. Smartfood states it contains no gluten ingredients and is processed in a facility with protocols to avoid cross-contamination. The popcorn is also certified gluten-free by the GFCO to verify gluten levels are under 10ppm.
Is Smartfood popcorn certified gluten-free?
Yes, Smartfood’s original white cheddar flavored popcorn is certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). The GFCO tests products regularly to ensure gluten levels are below 10ppm.
Is Smartfood popcorn safe for gluten sensitivity?
Smartfood popcorn is generally considered safe for people with gluten sensitivity. Original Smartfood popcorn is gluten-free certified and tested to ensure gluten levels are below 10ppm. However, individuals with severe gluten sensitivity may want to avoid it due to the small risk of cross-contamination.
Does Smartfood popcorn contain gluten?
No, Smartfood white cheddar popcorn does not contain gluten according to the ingredients label and Smartfood’s website. The popcorn is made from corn, oil and cheese. Smartfood also implements procedures to avoid gluten cross-contamination in their facilities.
Is Smartfood popcorn processed in a facility with gluten?
Yes, Smartfood states their popcorn is produced on shared equipment that also processes wheat. However, the equipment is thoroughly cleaned between production runs to avoid cross-contamination.
Is Smartfood popcorn safe for wheat allergy?
Those with a severe wheat allergy may want to avoid Smartfood popcorn due to the risk of cross-contamination from shared equipment. Although equipment is cleaned between productions, trace amounts of wheat could still be present.
The Takeaway on Smartfood Popcorn
When shopping gluten-free, paying close attention to labels and manufacturing information is key. While original Smartfood white cheddar popcorn appears to be a safe gluten-free choice for most, precautions may need to be taken by those who are highly gluten-sensitive.
As with any food decision, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should weigh the potential benefits and risks based on their individual health needs, sensitivities and preferences.
