Is Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip & Spread Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product like this for gluten, we look beyond the obvious. The primary concern is usually hidden thickeners or flavorings. Let's look at the base components.

The creaminess comes from Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise. Both are naturally gluten-free. The stabilizers listed—guar gum, carob bean gum, and xanthan gum—are plant-derived and safe. The Monterey Jack Cheese is also safe, as cheese cultures and enzymes do not contain gluten.

The vegetable components—Artichokes, Jalapeños, and Onions—are whole foods. However, we must check the preservatives. The jalapeños are packed in distilled vinegar, which is safe. The only potential flag in a generic version would be 'modified food starch,' but this specific list uses Corn Start (likely a typo for Starch), which is gluten-free.

Finally, the flavor agents like Dried Garlic, Sea Salt, and Dill Weed are naturally gluten-free. There are no hydrolyzed wheat proteins or malt vinegar listed. Therefore, the formulation is clean regarding gluten sources.

Nutritional Value

While this dip is safe for gluten-free diets, it is calorie-dense due to the high fat content from cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheese. A standard serving (2 tablespoons) typically contains around 90-100 calories, with a significant portion coming from fat.

Sugar content is relatively low, usually under 1 gram, which is excellent for a savory spread. The sodium content is moderate to high (likely 150-200mg per serving), which is expected for a cheese-based dip. It fits well into a Keto or Low-Carb diet, but those watching sodium or saturated fat intake should consume it in moderation.