Cool Whip is a popular frozen whipped topping made by Kraft Foods. It’s used as a topping for desserts like pie, ice cream sundaes, and more. Many people wonder if there is a gluten-free version of Cool Whip available.
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause negative health effects. That’s why having gluten-free options of popular foods like Cool Whip is important.
What is Cool Whip?
Cool Whip is a brand of frozen whipped topping made and distributed by Kraft Foods. It was introduced in 1966 as an imitation of whipped cream. Cool Whip is made with water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, and less than 2% of whey, maltodextrin, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, xanthan gum, guar gum, food starch, a milk protein concentrate, vanilla flavor, and beta carotene for color.
Cool Whip is used as a topping for desserts like ice cream sundaes, fruit salads, pies, and more. It provides a light, fluffy texture similar to whipped cream. But unlike whipped cream, Cool Whip holds its shape and does not need to be freshly whipped. It’s sold frozen in grocery store freezer aisles around the world.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found naturally in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. When flour is made from these grains, the gluten protein gives the dough elasticity and helps baked goods keep their shape.
For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten can cause negative health effects. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal distress, fatigue, neurological problems, and more.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the small intestine is damaged by exposure to gluten. This damage prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity causes similar symptoms but does not damage the small intestine.
The only treatment for celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity is strictly following a lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods containing wheat, barley, and rye. Oats are often contaminated with gluten too. This makes finding suitable packaged and processed foods difficult for those avoiding gluten.
Is regular Cool Whip gluten-free?
Regular Cool Whip is not gluten-free. While it does not directly contain gluten-based ingredients like wheat, barley, or rye, Cool Whip does contain maltodextrin.
Maltodextrin is an additive made from corn, rice, potato starch, or wheat. When derived from wheat, maltodextrin contains gluten. The maltodextrin source can vary between Cool Whip production batches.
Kraft Foods states on the Cool Whip FAQ page that regular Cool Whip products contain wheat and are not considered gluten-free. So there is potential for gluten exposure from the maltodextrin in standard Cool Whip. This makes regular Cool Whip unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.
Is there a gluten-free Cool Whip product?
Yes, Kraft Foods offers a gluten-free version of Cool Whip called Cool Whip Free. Cool Whip Free was introduced in 1986 as a fat-free alternative to regular Cool Whip. But in addition to being fat-free, Cool Whip Free is also gluten-free.
The main difference in ingredients between regular Cool Whip and Cool Whip Free is that the gluten-free version does not contain maltodextrin. Instead, it uses corn syrup for a sweetener.
Here is the full ingredient list for gluten-free Cool Whip Free:
– Water
– High fructose corn syrup
– Corn syrup
– Less than 2% of hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut, palm kernel, and palm), natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, whey (milk), and beta carotene (color).
Cool Whip Free is produced in a facility free of gluten-containing ingredients. Kraft Foods verifies through gluten testing that Cool Whip Free contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Any food with less than 20 ppm of gluten is considered gluten-free.
So people following a gluten-free diet can safely consume Cool Whip Free as a topping option. Just be sure to buy the Cool Whip Free refrigerated tub specifically. Regular Cool Whip and other Cool Whip product lines contain gluten.
Where can you find gluten-free Cool Whip?
Gluten-free Cool Whip Free can be found in the frozen food aisle of most major grocery stores that sell Cool Whip. It’s typically stocked right next to regular Cool Whip. Look for the Cool Whip Free tub labeled as “gluten free” on the package.
Here are some tips for locating gluten-free Cool Whip Free near you:
– Check large supermarket chains like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, Whole Foods, etc. Cool Whip Free is widely available.
– Use a store’s website to check if Cool Whip Free is in stock at your local branch. You can even order it for in-store pickup.
– Call ahead to the customer service desk of stores in your area and ask if they carry the gluten-free Cool Whip Free tub.
– Look for Cool Whip Free in the frozen aisle near other dessert toppings like regular Cool Whip, whipped cream, and frosting.
– Be sure to double check that you have the Cool Whip Free tub specifically, not other Cool Whip products.
– Buy several tubs during a store visit, since seasonal demand can cause temporary shortages.
With proper label reading, you can find gluten-free Cool Whip nationwide. Just look for the distinct Cool Whip Free packaging indicating it’s a gluten-free food.
What about grocery delivery?
Major grocery delivery services make it easy to get gluten-free Cool Whip Free shipped to your door. Here are some popular delivery options:
Instacart
– Search “Cool Whip Free” on Instacart’s website or app
– Choose the tub labeled “gluten free”
– Pick your delivery time and enter your address
– Get your gluten-free Cool Whip without leaving home!
Amazon Fresh
– Search “Cool Whip” and select Cool Whip Free
– Double check “gluten free” is on the label
– Add to cart and checkout with your Amazon account
– Schedule delivery or pick a one-hour delivery window
Walmart Grocery Pickup & Delivery
– Browse Walmart groceries online and search for “Cool Whip Free”
– Select Cool Whip Free marked gluten-free
– Choose pickup or delivery and add to your cart
– Check out and your order will arrive contact-free!
Shipt
– Install the Shipt app and enter your zip code
– Search for “Cool Whip” and select the gluten-free option
– Pick a delivery window and complete checkout
– Your Shipt shopper will deliver your Cool Whip
So even if you can’t get to the store, you can still buy gluten-free Cool Whip online for quick delivery. All the major grocery services carry it.
Gluten-free Cool Whip recipe
If you can’t find Cool Whip Free, you can make your own gluten-free Cool Whip at home!
Here is a simple recipe to whip up a dairy-free, gluten-free Cool Whip alternative using just a few ingredients:
Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cool Whip
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can coconut cream, chilled overnight
– 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Open the can of coconut cream and pour the solids into the chilled bowl. Reserve the liquid for another use.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the chilled beaters, whip the coconut cream on high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat 1 minute more.
5. Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and freeze up to 1 month.
6. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
This dairy-free, gluten-free whipped cream can be used just like Cool Whip! Use it to top desserts, add fluffy texture to fruit salads, or eat by the spoonful.
Is gluten-free Cool Whip vegan?
No, even the gluten-free Cool Whip Free contains dairy ingredients like whey protein concentrate. This makes it unsuitable for a vegan diet.
However, there are recipes to make vegan, gluten-free whipped topping using plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and coconut cream. It has a similar taste and texture to Cool Whip.
Here is one recipe for dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan “Cool Whip”:
Vegan Gluten-Free Cool Whip
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
– 1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
– 1⁄2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Refrigerate mixing bowl and beaters overnight.
2. Open the can of coconut milk and scoop out the thicker coconut cream solids into the chilled bowl. Reserve the liquid for a smoothie.
3. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with chilled beaters, whip the coconut cream on high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy and stiff peaks form.
4. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until fully incorporated, about 1 minute more.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 1 week.
6. Thaw in the fridge before using if storing longer than 2 days.
This vegan gluten-free Cool Whip is great for desserts! It holds its shape like regular Cool Whip without any dairy or gluten.
Cool Whip substitutes
Besides gluten-free homemade recipes, there are some store-bought, gluten-free dairy-free whipped topping options that can substitute for Cool Whip.
Here are some top substitutes for gluten-free, vegan Cool Whip:
– So Delicious CocoWhip – Made from coconut milk, gluten-free and vegan
– Truwhip – Contains sunflower oil, gluten-free and vegan
– Reddi-wip Almond Milk Whipped Topping – Almond milk-based, gluten-free and vegan
– Soyatoo! Soy Whip – Whipped soy-based topping, gluten-free and vegan
– Rice Whip – Uses rice milk, gluten-free and vegan
Always check labels since formulations can change. But these dairy-free, gluten-free whipped toppings let you enjoy the texture of Cool Whip without the gluten or animal products.
Uses for gluten-free Cool Whip
Gluten-free Cool Whip can be used in all the same ways as regular Cool Whip. Here are some of the most popular uses:
– Topping for desserts – Pies, cakes, brownies, ice cream sundaes
– Mix-in for smoothies – Adds thickness and creaminess
– Fruit salads – Fold into fruit mixtures for fluffy texture
– Hot chocolate – Float on top for an extra indulgence
– Frosting – Pipe onto cupcakes or cakes for fluffy frosting
– Dip for fruit – Berries, bananas, apple slices
– Coffee creamer – Sweeter option than milk or nut milks
– Whipped cream for pancakes or waffles – Sweet fruity topping
– Milkshake enhancer – Blend into milkshakes for thicker texture
– Candy making – Use in truffles, fudge, peanut butter cups
– Frost baked goods – Cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, muffins
– Topping for Jell-o – Create fluffier texture
Gluten-free Cool Whip is very versatile in baking and cooking. Anywhere you’d use regular Cool Whip, you can sub in the gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition facts for gluten-free Cool Whip
Gluten-free Cool Whip Free has slightly different nutrition facts than regular Cool Whip. Here is the nutrition for a 2 tablespoon serving of Cool Whip Free:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 2 tbsp serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 25 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
The biggest differences are that Cool Whip Free has 0 grams of fat per serving while regular Cool Whip has 2 grams. It also contains slightly less sugar and carbohydrates.
Cool Whip Free has a lighter nutrition profile since it eliminates the hydrogenated oils. But all forms of Cool Whip are considered junk foods with low nutritional value. They have added sugars and artificial ingredients without fiber, protein, vitamins, or minerals.
Gluten-free Cool Whip is fine as an occasional treat. But it shouldn’t be a daily part of a balanced, healthy diet.
The dangers of too much Cool Whip
Despite being gluten-free and fat-free, Cool Whip Free still carries some health risks if you eat too much:
– Weight gain – Cool Whip is low nutrient but high calorie, which can lead to weight gain.
– Blood sugar spikes – Large amounts of added sugar causes blood sugar spikes and crashes.
– Diabetes risk – Frequent blood sugar spikes increase risk for insulin resistance and diabetes.
– Inflammation – Heavily processed foods like Cool Whip are linked to higher inflammation.
– High blood pressure – Added sugars are connected to increased blood pressure.
– Headaches – Some ingredients in Cool Whip like carageenan are associated with headaches in sensitive people.
– Bloating or stomach pain – Some sugar alcohols like sorbitol in Cool Whip can cause digestive issues.
-Nutritional deficiencies – Too much Cool Whip crowds out healthier foods with nutrients.
– Addiction – Sugary, fatty, processed foods light up the same brain pathways as addictive drugs.
To stay healthy, enjoy gluten-free Cool Whip in moderation as part of an overall nutritious diet. Don’t overdo it just because it’s gluten-free!
Conclusion
While regular Cool Whip contains gluten, the Cool Whip Free line is labeled gluten-free. Cool Whip Free substitutes corn syrup for potentially gluten-containing maltodextrin found in classic Cool Whip.
You can find gluten-free Cool Whip Free in the freezer section of most grocery stores. Double check that “gluten-free” is stated on the label. Or order it online through grocery delivery services.
Gluten-free Cool Whip can be used to top all sorts of desserts or add fluffy texture in recipes. But portion control is still important, even with nutrient-poor gluten-free convenience foods.
Overall, Cool Whip Free gives people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity a delicious option for gluten-free whipped topping. Just be mindful of overdoing it on empty calories and added sugars.
