When following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, it can be tricky to figure out which snack chips are safe to eat. Many popular chip brands contain hidden gluten or dairy ingredients like milk powder. However, there are more and more gluten-free and dairy-free chip options hitting grocery store shelves these days. Knowing what to look for on ingredient lists can make shopping a breeze.
What Makes a Chip Gluten-Free?
For a chip to be truly gluten-free, it must not contain any wheat, rye, barley or oats. These grains contain the protein gluten, which causes issues for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some chips that are labeled “gluten-free” can still contain trace amounts of gluten from cross-contamination during manufacturing. True gluten-free chips will be certified gluten-free, meaning they are tested to verify the absence of gluten.
Common Gluten-Containing Ingredients to Avoid
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Malt
- Malt extract
- Malt syrup
- Malt flavoring
- Oats
If you see any of these ingredients listed, the chips are not gluten-free. Other indications a product contains gluten include statements like “made in a facility that processes wheat.” Gluten-free chips will be labeled “gluten-free” and marked with a gluten-free certification symbol from organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
What Makes a Chip Dairy-Free?
For a chip to be dairy-free, it must not contain any milk-based ingredients. These include milk, cheese, cream, butter, yogurt, whey, casein and lactose. Some chips flavored with “nacho cheese” contain milk-derived ingredients. Dairy proteins can also be hidden in things like natural flavors. As with gluten, chips made on shared equipment may still be prone to dairy cross-contamination. True dairy-free chips will be clearly labeled.
Common Dairy-Containing Ingredients to Avoid
- Milk
- Cheese
- Cream
- Butter
- Yogurt
- Whey
- Casein
- Lactose
- Milk solids
- Milk powder
Look for “dairy-free” labeled chips that do not contain any milk-derived ingredients. Some may also be labeled “vegan” meaning they are free of any animal products.
Popular Brands of Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Chips
Here is an overview of some of the top gluten-free and dairy-free chip brands:
Sunchips
All Sunchips varieties are certified gluten-free and do not contain any dairy ingredients. Their chips are made from whole ground corn, oil and seasonings. Popular flavors include Harvest Cheddar, French Onion and Garden Salsa.
Food Should Taste Good
This brand offers a wide assortment of unique multipack chip flavors like Sweet Potato, Blue Corn, Chia & Sesame and Olive. Their chips are certified gluten-free and dairy-free.
Beanfields
Beanfields makes bean-based chips using navy beans, pinto beans and black beans. All their chips are certified gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. Try flavors like Nacho, Sea Salt and Barbeque.
Popchips
These popped potato chips are certified gluten-free and dairy-free. Their chips are also nut-free, fat free and vegan. Flavors include Sea Salt, Barbeque and Sour Cream & Onion.
Barnana
These unique chips are made from upcycled bananas. Barnana chips are certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo and vegan. Flavors include Sea Salt, Cinnamon and Plantain.
Late July
Late July makes classic tortilla chips and multigrain chips that are certified gluten-free and dairy-free. Their chips are also Non-GMO Project Verified and come in flavors like Sea Salt and Lime and Ranch.
Best Store-Bought Gluten and Dairy-Free Tortilla Chips
Brand | Flavors |
---|---|
Food Should Taste Good | Multigrain, Blue Corn |
Beanfields | Nacho, Pinto Bean |
Late July | Sea Salt, Restaurant Style |
Siete | Sea Salt, Nacho |
Stacy’s | Simply Naked, Scoops |
Calidad | Yellow Corn, Blue Corn |
Best Store-Bought Gluten and Dairy-Free Potato Chips
Brand | Flavors |
---|---|
Pringles | Original, BBQ |
Popchips | Sea Salt, Barbeque |
Boulder Canyon | Sea Salt, Kettle Cooked |
Ruffles | Original, Sour Cream & Onion |
Dirty | Sea Salt, Jalapeno |
Jackson’s Honest | Sea Salt, Sweet Potato |
Best Store-Bought Gluten and Dairy-Free Crackers
Brand | Flavors |
---|---|
Mary’s Gone | Original, Rosemary & Olive Oil |
Blue Diamond | Nut Thins, Almond Flour Crackers |
Simple Mills | Almond Flour, Seed Crackers |
Crunchmasters | Multi-Grain, White Cheddar |
Made Good | Cheddar, Veggie |
Saffron Road | Chickpea, Rice Crackers |
Gluten and Dairy-Free Chips Made from Surprising Ingredients
In addition to traditional corn and potato options, many gluten and dairy-free chips are now made from unique ingredients like:
Beans
Chips made from beans like black beans, pinto beans and navy beans pack extra protein and fiber. Try Beanfields, Saffron Road or Good Bean chips.
Lentils
Brands like Biena and Off the Eaten Path make crunchy lentil-based chips that come in flavors like Barbeque, Sea Salt and Aged White Cheddar.
Cassava
Also known as yuca, cassava is a starchy tuberous root that can be sliced and made into gluten-free crunchy chips. Brands include YucaTay and Manioca.
Coconut
Chips can be made from dried, shredded coconut flakes for plant-based crunchy bite. Popular brands are Dang, CC’s and Nature Addict.
Veggies
Some chips get their color and flavors purely from ingredients like beets, sweet potatoes, parsnips, spinach and kale. Rhythm Superfoods makes beet and kale chips.
Tips for Cooking Your Own Gluten and Dairy-Free Chips
Making homemade chips lets you control the ingredients for gluten-free and dairy-free results. Here are some tips:
Slice Them Thin
Use a mandoline slicer or very sharp knife to cut raw potatoes, vegetables, fruits or grain-free crackers as thinly and evenly as possible. Thinner slices crisp up better in the oven.
Give Them Space
Arrange slices in a single layer on parchment paper on baking sheets. Crowding slices will prevent even crisping.
Brush with Oil
Toss sliced chips with a little olive oil, avocado oil or coconut oil before baking for extra crispiness without deep-frying.
Season Well
Experiment with gluten-free seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, nutritional yeast and lemon juice.
Bake Low and Slow
Bake at a lower temp like 250°F to 300°F, checking often, until slices are browned and crispy. Baking time can range from 15 to 60 minutes depending on thickness.
Store Properly
Let chips cool before storing in an airtight container. Eat within 1-2 days for maximum freshness and crunch.
DIY Gluten and Dairy-Free Chips Flavor Ideas
Here are some fun flavor combinations to try when making homemade gluten and dairy-free chips:
Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips
Toss thin potato slices with olive oil, sea salt and vinegar before baking. Squirt with more vinegar right before serving.
Cinnamon Sugar Plantain Chips
Slice green plantains, drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar for sweet baked chips.
Za’atar Beet Chips
Coat thin raw beet slices with olive oil and middle eastern za’atar seasoning before baking into pink chips.
Pizza Kale Chips
Massage garlic powder, nutritional yeast and tomato paste into torn kale leaves and bake until crisp.
Buffalo Blue Corn Chips
Toss blue corn chips in olive oil and gluten-free buffalo seasoning, bake until brown and crispy.
Conclusion
Following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet opens up an entire world of crunchy chip possibilities beyond the usual snacking staples. From bean chips to coconut chips and cassava chips, there are endless ingredient combinations for creating gluten and dairy-free chips. Be sure to read labels closely or look for certified gluten-free and dairy-free options. With so many store-bought varieties available and endless flavor options for homemade chips, gluten and dairy restrictions don’t have to get in the way of snacking satisfaction.