Hey there, friends! If you're anything like me, you probably have a bit of a love affair with snacks—especially those crunchy, salty tortilla chips that are perfect for dipping. But, as someone who navigates the world of gluten-free living daily, one question always comes up: are tortilla chips gluten-free?
When transitioning to a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease, your kitchen undergoes a complete transformation. Suddenly, every food item has to be scrutinized, and the seemingly simple act of enjoying a favorite snack became a game of ingredient investigation. Tortilla chips, a staple at our family gatherings and movie nights, are no exception.
Quick Answer:
- Yes, Most Tortilla Chips Are Gluten-Free: In general, most plain corn tortilla chips are made with naturally gluten-free ingredients like corn, oil, and salt. However, always double-check the ingredient list to ensure there are no hidden sources of gluten.
- Watch Out for Cross-Contamination: Even if the ingredients are gluten-free, cross-contamination can occur during manufacturing. Look for chips that are labeled "gluten-free" to be extra safe, as these are typically produced in gluten-free facilities or tested for gluten contamination.
- Read On for Safe Brands and Tips: To help you snack safely and confidently, I'll be sharing some of my go-to gluten-free tortilla chip brands and tips for avoiding gluten. Stick around to discover my favorite picks and ensure your next chip-and-dip session is worry-free!
In this post, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty of tortilla chips and gluten, providing you with tips to ensure your snacks are safe and delicious as well as my top recommended brands. So, let’s crunch into the details and find out whether you can still enjoy your favorite beloved tortilla chip brand without worry!
Jump to:
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.
Are Tortilla Chips Gluten-Free?
Tortilla chips are made from corn. Corn does not contain gluten, which would make most tortilla chips be considered naturally gluten-free.
Gluten is a protein found in various different grains, including wheat, rye, barley, or oats if they weren’t grown separately from gluten-containing grains.
You might see these ingredients on the ingredients list of the nutrient label instead of the word ‘gluten’ itself.
According to the FDA, a product can only be labeled as gluten-free in the United States if it contains less than 20 ppm of gluten per kilogram, so you will want to watch for cross-contact during processing.
However, sometimes tortilla chips may contain wheat flour, be made with flour tortillas, flavorings with gluten, or be made on equipment with wheat. It’s important to check the labels before purchasing.
If you’re looking for certified gluten-free tortilla chips, I’ve listed a few brands below and where you can buy them.
And if you have an allergy or intolerance to corn in addition to gluten, there are some corn-free options below as well.
Did you know I have a whole guide on the best GF potato chips as well? Check it out here!
Take this quick quiz and uncover the secrets to making your gluten-free lifestyle not just manageable, but truly enjoyable with custom recipes and tips!
How Can You Tell If Tortilla Chips Are Gluten-Free When Eating Out?
If the restaurant makes its own chips, it’s important to ask questions about what ingredients they are using and whether there's a dedicated fryer that has no gluten cooked in it.
Studies show that ¼ of gluten-free foods cooked in a shared fryer with gluten will be well over the acceptable limit for the presence of gluten in gluten-free foods and not safe for people with celiac disease.
Therefore, it is not a risk that someone with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or a severe sensitivity should take.
Are Tortilla Chips Vegan?
Tortilla chips are naturally vegan (typically only consisting of corn, oil, and salt). However, at restaurants chips are often fried in the same oil as animal products (just like they can be fried in the same oil as gluten). It's important to ask questions and ensure they fit your specific dietary needs.
When it comes to store-bought tortilla chips, there are so many great vegan options. While many chips may have milk powder in flavorings (making them not vegan), many of the options below are vegan!
It's also important to make sure whatever you're dipping your tortilla chips in are also gluten free and vegan. There are so many delicious gluten free and vegan dips such as these delicious fruit salsa recipes.
Which Brands Of Tortilla Chips Are Gluten-Free?
There are so many gluten-free brands of tortilla chips!
You should be able to find some at your local grocery store or convenience store, but there are great options available at online retailers too like Amazon or Thrive Market.
Thrive Market has great deals on gluten-free products! I use them all the time to stock up on some of my favorite gluten-free brands.
You can learn more about Thrive Market by clicking here or read my full review here.
- Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
- Thrive Market Yellow & Blue Tortilla Chips
- From The Ground Up Cauliflower Tortilla Chips
- Chicas White Corn Tortilla Chips
- Zach’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips
Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips
These great-tasting tortilla chips are not only certified gluten-free, but they are also vegan, corn-free, paleo, and dairy-free friendly. These also come in a wide variety of flavors such as churro or lime!
These tortilla chips are so good that you don’t even miss the corn or salt! Want the salt? You can also grab Siete Grain Free Sea Salt Tortilla Chips as well as their other varieties.
To shop for Siete Grain Free Tortilla Chips, visit their store on Amazon here or Thrive Market here.
Thrive Market Yellow & Blue Tortilla Chips
Thrive Market Tortilla Chips are a mix of yellow corn tortilla chips and blue corn tortilla chips. These are certified gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and have no preservatives.
Thrive Market offers a variety of Tortilla Chips including some flavors. You can click here to see them all.
From The Ground Up Cauliflower Tortilla Chips
From The Ground Up Cauliflower Chips are certified gluten-free, plant-based, have low sugar, and are non-GMO. Plus, they contain a little bit of hidden veggies.
From The Ground Up Tortilla Chips also come in a variety of flavors like Nacho or you can grab and try Butternut Squash Tortilla Chips.
Find them at Thrive Market here or you can snag them on Amazon here.
Chicas White Corn Tortilla Chips
Chicas White Corn Tortilla Chips are gluten-free and dairy-free. The crunch and flavor are sure to keep you going back for more!
To Shop Chicas White Corn Tortilla Chips, visit Thrive Market here or snag a bulk order on Amazon here.
Zach’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips
Zach’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips are gluten-free, dairy-free, and certified organic.
Sourced direct from farmers, these tortilla chips are a great gluten-free food for the whole family.
You can find Zach’s Mighty Organic Tortilla Chips at Thrive Market by clicking here.
These are also available at Amazon through Whole Foods here.
How to make your own gluten-free tortilla chips
Want to enjoy your own homemade tortilla chips? Here is a simple yet tasty way to make your own!
- Cut a gluten-free corn tortilla into triangles
- Arrange in a single layer on your air fry tray
- Spray with cooking spray or drizzle with lime juice
- Sprinkle with salt and any desired seasonings
- Air-fry for 8-10 minutes
What to serve with GF tortilla chips
Ready to enjoy some gluten-free corn chips? You may be wondering what to serve with them. Here are some options you should try today:
- Fire-Roasted Corn Salsa
- Core + Rind Cashew Cheesy Sauce
- Easy Homemade Guacamole
- Brami Hummus
- Homemade Vegan Nacho Cheese
- Oven Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-Free Tortilla Chips
Most Tostitos are gluten-free, however, you can find a list of which ones to avoid by checking out the list on the Frito Lay website.
Yes, Mission tortilla chips are certified gluten-free. This includes the Mission Foods taco shells, corn tortillas, and tostadas.
Yes, Santitas Tortilla Chips are gluten-free.
Many Doritos chips are not safe for a gluten-free diet due to manufacturing and some have gluten-containing ingredients. Find out which Doritos are gluten-free here.
Did you find this post on gluten-free tortilla chips helpful? If so, be sure to share it on social using the share buttons below or pin it to Pinterest to save it for later!
What's they key to loving your gluten free life? Get your personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!
Other posts & recipes you will love:
- Best Gluten-Free Salsa Brands
- Gluten-Free Vegetarian Tostadas With Honey Lime Sauce
- The Best Crockpot Gluten-Free Chili
- Try this Gluten-Free Pizza Quesadilla
- Are SunChips gluten free?
Leave a Reply