Which chips are dairy and gluten-free?

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.

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