There are many different kinds of chips available, and even though they are made with potatoes, not all of them are gluten free. If you follow a gluten free diet, you may be wondering ‘Are SunChips gluten free?’
Unfortunately, Sun Chips are not gluten free. Keep reading to learn why Sun Chips are not safe for a gluten free diet as well as what you can eat instead. You can also use the table of contents to jump straight to the section you’re interested in.
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The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
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SunChips Ingredients
Sun Chips are whole grain chips and many people like them because they contain less fat than traditional potato chips.
According to the ingredients list, SunChips are made with Whole Corn, Sunflower and/or Canola Oil, Whole Wheat, Brown Rice Flour, Whole Oat Flour, Sugar, Salt, Natural Flavor, and Maltodextrin (made from corn).
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Since we can see from the ingredients list that Sun Chips contain Whole Wheat, we automatically know that they are NOT gluten free.
The ingredients list also has the allergen statement “Contains Wheat Ingredients” which is another way we know that these chips are not safe to consume for someone who avoids gluten.
When it comes to finding gluten free products, one of the best ways to confirm whether or not something is safe to eat is to understand gluten free labeling and certification. This is a BIG part of gluten free eating, so I’ve put together this guide on gluten free labeling to make it super easy to figure out!
Do SunChips Have Gluten?
Yes, Sun Chips do contain gluten and are not safe to eat if you follow a gluten free diet. We know that SunChips are made with Whole Wheat, and the allergen statement on the packaging confirms the presence of gluten in these chips.
The reason Sun Chips and other gluten containing foods are dangerous for a person with a gluten allergy is “when a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the protein interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food by damaging a part of the small intestine.”
For people with celiac disease, avoiding gluten is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.
Are Any SunChips Gluten Free?
There are several flavored varieties of SunChips. Sun Chips come in Original, Harvest Cheddar, Garden Salsa, Chili Lime, French Onion, Southwestern Queso and Spicy Jalapeno.
Unfortunately, all of the flavors of SunChips contain gluten because the basic chip recipe contains gluten.
In addition to the basic chip already containing gluten, these flavorings can also be made with additional gluten containing ingredients. For example, the Black Bean Southwestern Queso and Spicy Jalapeno varieties contain yeast extract.
Yeast extract is a complicated ingredient that sometimes contains gluten, depending on which yeast extract is used. So as you can see, these chips should be avoided completely if you have any sensitivities to gluten.
If you follow a gluten free diet, you should avoid all flavors of SunChips.
Gluten Free Alternative to Sun Chips
PopCorners Spicy Queso
PopCorners Spicy Queso are a flavorful alternative to SunChips Southwestern Queso. They are certified gluten free, so you can feel completely confident with this snack and they’re lower in fat than traditional chips too.
PopCorners are also available in other yummy gluten free flavors like Kettle Corn and Sea Salt.
Add PopCorners to your next Target pick up order here.
Or snag these delicious chips in bulk from Amazon here.
Simply 7 Quinoa Chips Cheddar
Similar in size, shape and cheddar flavor, these Qunioa chips are a healthy, gluten free alternative to SunChips. You’ll love that they are certified gluten free, Non-GMO, Kosher and vegetarian.
They are also peanut and soy free.
Buy Simply 7 Qunioa Chips Cheddar at Amazon here.
Good & Gather Sweet Potato Kettle Chips
If the ruffled texture of SunChips is what you love the most, these gluten free Sweet Potato Kettle Chips are a good alternative.
These chips are kettle cooked and made with only 3 ingredients.
Buy Good & Gather Sweet Potato Kettle Chips at Target here.
Enjoy Life Lentil Chips
These chips are certified gluten free, Non-GMO and made in a nut free facility. They’re highly rated and kids really love them.
They also come in BBQ and Dill & Sour Cream flavors.
Buy Enjoy Life Lentil Chips at Amazon here.
Frequently Asked Questions about SunChips and Gluten
Are garden salsa Sun Chips gluten free?
No, Garden Salsa SunChips are not gluten free. They contain wheat ingredients and therefore contain gluten.
Are cheddar Sun Chips gluten free?
No, Cheddar SunChips are not gluten free. The ingredients list on the SunChips website includes an allergen statement for wheat.
Are harvest cheddar Sun Chips gluten free?
No, Harvest Cheddar SunChips are made with wheat and therefore are not gluten free. A quick review of their website confirms that these chips are not gluten free.
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