Many chips are made with gluten ingredients such as wheat flour and wheat derivatives. If you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten, there are still many gluten-free options for you to snack on when you're struck with a craving. Nowadays, a lot of potato chips, tortilla chips, or vegetable chips are made without gluten ingredients! But given the plethora of chips available online, how do you know which ones actually taste good?
To help you with your search, we've narrowed down the 10 best gluten-free chips available online. Kettle's Backyard Barbeque Potato Chips were our top pick. These certified gluten-free chips are made without artificial preservatives and have a great barbecue flavor. Keep reading our list of favorites for more options! You can also check out our buying guide for some tips that will help you pick out some delicious gluten-free chips.
Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes is the founder of 360 Girls&Women® LLC. She's a mother and an experienced registered dietitian. Professionally, Sue-Ellen specializes in women's health and diabetes and also does work as a health writer and speaker. She loves exploring the world of healthy nutrition as a recipe developer and often recommends beneficial health products to her clients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Given the plethora of gluten-free chips available on the Internet, choosing good-tasting gluten-free chips is not an easy task. So, before making a purchase, keep in mind important factors such as the flavor of the chips and their texture!
Some chips, despite not having the gluten-free certification, might actually contain no gluten ingredients and are safe for those with gluten sensitivity. In this section, we'll give you some tips that can help you determine which product is gluten-free.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that only foods that have less than 20 parts per million of gluten can be labeled as gluten-free. According to many celiac disease experts, that amount is very small and safe for most people with celiac disease.
When looking at the packaging of different chips, you might see terms such as wheat-free, no gluten, free of gluten, or without gluten. So do they mean the same thing as gluten-free?
No gluten, free of gluten, without gluten, and gluten-free all have the same meaning. They all indicate that the chips contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten and are generally safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
Be careful with chips with a "no gluten ingredients" label. This term means that the chips have no gluten-containing ingredients, but they could be made on shared equipment with wheat ingredients, and there could be cross-contamination. They won't have been tested for gluten with this labeling.
A study shows that about 20 percent of chips with a "no gluten ingredients" label actually contain gluten levels higher than the limit set by the FDA. So, if you can't verify details with the manufacturer, you may want to avoid them. Also, look for the statement "Made on equipment that also processes wheat" on the packaging before you decide.
Chips with a "wheat-free" label don't contain any wheat ingredients. They are suitable for those with allergies to wheat. However, they might contain gluten ingredients such as barley or rye.
It's important to understand common terms on food and nutrition labels as they relate to gluten. First of all, gluten is a protein found in ingredients such as flour. That means it's often used to make chips, cakes, pasta, and so on.
However, flour isn't the only thing that can contain gluten. You can find gluten in several other common foods such as wheat, rye, and barley. Even oats can be contaminated with gluten, so take extra care when you're checking the labels of these products.
Many chips that don't have a gluten-free label might still be gluten-free. Generally, chips made with simple ingredients such as salt, oil, and gluten-free flours are likely gluten-free. However, be careful if the chips contain ingredients like seasonings and starches since those might be sources of gluten.
For example, seasonings can be made from a combination of flavoring agents like herbs and spices; hydrolyzed wheat protein; anti-caking agents like calcium silicate; and carrier agents such as salt, lactose, starch, and flour. Artificial and natural flavorings might also be made from barley or wheat.
Modified food starches can come from a variety of sources, but in the US, if wheat is used, it must be labeled as wheat starch. So, modified food starch by itself should be safe. Avoid malt vinegar, however. It has barley and isn't gluten-free. Flavored vinegar might also contain barley.
Some other ingredients that might possibly contain gluten which you should watch out for include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, dextrin, yeast extract, rice syrup, and vegetable protein. All of them might contain wheat fillers or are sometimes made from wheat or barley.
If those ingredients are made from wheat, they are required to be labeled as such. However, barley is not required to be listed! So if the chips are not labeled gluten-free and you're concerned about some ingredients, we suggest contacting the manufacturer for more information.
Since some people are more sensitive to the effects of ingesting gluten than others. We suggest checking the packaging to make sure that there is no cause for concern, such as using shared processing equipment.
Chips that are not made with gluten-containing ingredients might still contain traces of gluten if they're processed in a facility that also manufactures wheat products. However, before producing gluten-free chips, most manufacturers will clean their equipment thoroughly.
Therefore, chips that are made on shared equipment are usually safe for those sticking to a gluten-free diet. If you're extremely sensitive to gluten and want to be sure that the chips don't have any gluten traces, look for those that are processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility.
You can also go for those with a certified gluten-free seal, which are actually tested for gluten traces after production and are guaranteed to be safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Some accredited organizations that provide gluten-free certification include the Celiac Support Association (CSA), the NSF International, and the Gluten Intolerance Group's Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
Those organizations have their own testing policies and standards, which might not be the same as the ones set by the FDA. For example, GFCO only provides certification to chips that have less than 10 parts per million of gluten.
Always read the ingredient list. Some companies label their items as gluten-free so that consumers will have an easier time finding gluten-free options. However, the GF seal for certified foods provides the best certainty that the food item is gluten-free. If the label doesn't have the certified GF seal, there's a good chance the food contains traces of gluten.
There are many kinds of gluten-free chips for you to choose from, including potato chips, tortilla chips, and vegetable chips. Read on to learn some common types of gluten-free chips you're most likely to encounter!
Potato chips are the classic snack that's delicious whether eaten straight out of the bag or paired with your meal. They are available in a wide variety of textures. Fried potato chips usually have a thin, crispy texture, while kettle-cooked ones are thicker and crunchier.
They come in many different flavors as well. For something simple, you can go for original or salted potato chips. They're great when dipped, too! Some other common flavors include barbecue, jalapeño, and salt and vinegar.
Tortilla chips made with corn flour are usually gluten-free. They have a thick, crunchy texture and stand up to dips like salsa or guacamole very well. Tortilla chips are available in many different flavors, too. Salt, nacho cheese, lime, and hot chili pepper are some flavors you might find while searching for a product.
If you're allergic to corn, you can choose tortilla chips made of black bean, cassava flour, or cauliflower. Keep in mind that their textures and flavors might be slightly different from those of regular tortilla chips. For example, black bean tortilla chips might taste a bit grainy.
Vegetable chips are usually rich in fiber and are low in calories, making them great for those following stringent diets like keto or paleo. They can be made of cauliflower, spinach, kale, pea, or seaweed and usually have a light, crispy texture.
Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, beets, and carrots are a great choice as well. They have a slightly sweet flavor with a crunchy texture. Plus, they contain a high amount of fiber and vitamins!
In their natural state fruit, root vegetables, and green vegetables are full of vitamins. The same can be said of chips made from these ingredients. However, when they're overly processed to be made into chips, some of the nutrients are stripped away.
Whole food chips made from just the fruit, such as whole apple chips, have the full potential of their natural nutrients. A great example of this is BARE's Baked Crunchy Apple Chips. I especially recommend these chips for those who want minimal ingredients due to allergies or personal preferences.
Chips can become stale past their expiration date. Therefore, take a look at the expiration date to ensure that your chips arrive fresh and crunchy. Contact the manufacturer if you cannot find this information in the product's description.
Another factor to consider is the size of the bag. Bags that are around one ounce are convenient to pack in a lunch box. They're suitable for portion control, too!
For sharing, you might want to go for a bag that's more than five ounces. However, if there are leftovers, make sure to store them in an air-tight container to preserve their freshness. Some bags feature a ziplock seal that allows you to reseal the bag and keep your chips fresh.
Kettle's Backyard Barbeque potato chips are made with non-GMO ingredients and contain no artificial preservatives. They boast a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor and a light and crispy texture. Enjoy the smoky goodness of these barbecue chips along with your favorite lunch, or put them in a bowl for a party spread.
Some buyers warn that some bags are so lightly flavored they seem plain. But, the majority love the barbecue flavor of these chips because it doesn't taste overwhelming at all. They also compliment their crunchy and thick texture and mention that they don't taste greasy and feel healthier than regular chips.
Frito-Lay's Original Fritos are made with corn and corn oil and are lightly seasoned with sea salt. Enjoy them as a standalone snack or add them to your salad in place of croutons. You can also crumble them over a casserole, in soup, or crush them to use as bread crumbs for fried foods!
Some buyers complain that some bags arrived not sealed properly, so those chips were stale-tasting. On another note, most find them yummy with the right texture and crunchiness. What's more, the two-ounce bags are the perfect portion size, reviewers say.
Lay's wavy potato chips are made with only three ingredients: potatoes, vegetable oil, and salt. They have a simple taste, and the wavy texture holds up well to thick dips like ranch or French onion. They're listed as gluten-free on the Frito-Lay website.
A few buyers comment that the chips are too salty or greasy. Nevertheless, most reviewers compliment how these chips taste fresh and have a very crunchy texture. They mention that they don't break easily and pair well with dips, too!
Made with cheddar cheese, sweet cream buttermilk, Romano cheese and spices, Doritos' White Cheddar is the only Doritos flavor to be listed as gluten-free. They are also certified organic by the USDA and contain no preservatives.
According to some customers, these tortilla chips are not as strongly seasoned as regular nacho cheese Doritos. But they are still many others' favorite as they are flavorful with a great crunch. Buyers also like that the chips contain no artificial ingredients.
Terra's vegetable chip blend contains five types of root vegetables such as parsnip, sweet potato and taro. They're lightly salted and some are dipped in beet juice for a bright red color. Plus, these chips are made without artificial preservatives and flavors!
A few buyers complain that some of the chips are too hard. But the majority like their light and fresh taste. They also find the level of saltiness just perfect. Many mention that all the vegetable chips have different textures, but all of them are crunchy. They also love the one-ounce bags that help with portion control.
Enjoy Life's chips are made from lentil flour, and one serving provides you with three grams of protein and one gram of fiber! Combining different herbs, spices, and dairy-free Parmesan cheese flavor, these certified gluten-free, allergen-friendly and vegan chips offer you a burst of savory flavor in every bite.
The review section is overwhelmingly positive, with many reviewers praising the crispy texture and the salty, cheesy, and garlicky taste of these chips. However, some buyers do find the taste a little bit too salty for their preferences. Still, these chips are a staple for those allergic to dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, and eggs.
Cape Cod's potato chips are made of potatoes that are cut thick and kettle-cooked in vegetable oil for a nice crunch, while at the same time reducing excess oil. Compared to other potato chips, they have 40 percent less fat! Sprinkled with sea salt and vinegar powder, these chips boast a salty and slightly tangy taste.
Some reviewers find these chips to be too salty, but most buyers love that the grease isn't overpowering. Many find these thick-sliced potato chips great with dips, while others enjoy eating them as a side dish with entrées like steak or sandwiches.
Good & Gather's Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips are made with only three ingredients: blue corn, sunflower oil, and sea salt. They are certified organic by the USDA and contain no unnecessary preservatives. They're also certified gluten-free and are non-GMO.
Most comment on the flavor of these chips, saying they're not too salty and have a fresh taste. Many further mention that the tortilla chips are thick with a great crunch and hold up to salsa and guacamole very well. Another bonus for buyers is the bag with a ziplock seal that helps preserve the freshness of the chips.
Cheetos have a bold cheesy flavor that both kids and adults enjoy. These finger-staining puff snacks have a light, airy, and crunchy texture. Although not certified gluten-free, the Frito-Lay website lists them as safe. Their shelf life is usually between two to three months, so make sure not to order too many.
Unfortunately, the main complaints from reviewers were that they received products that are only one month away from the expiration date. Nevertheless, most love the light, crunchy texture and the delicious cheese flavor. According to many, each bag is portioned for an individual serving and is convenient to take on the go.
Looking for a fresher alternative to greasy potato chips? Bare's apple chips might be a great choice for you! They are only made with apples that are baked to the perfect level of crunchiness. There's no sugar added, and these chips are also rich in fiber, containing four grams per serving.
The majority find these apple chips delicious and not too sweet. They mention that the chips are really crunchy, but some notice that some chips are not as crunchy and are softer than others. Still, many love that they are not oily and contain no unnecessary ingredients.
Finding gluten-free foods is undoubtedly a real challenge. But don't worry! Check out our articles for some great gluten-free options.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches