Is Cacao Choco Chip Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the label. The formula for Cacao Choco Chip is built on a base of sunflower seeds and dates. These are naturally gluten-free whole foods. The binding agent here is pea protein isolate, which is an excellent gluten-free alternative to wheat-based fillers often found in granola bars.

For sweetness and texture, the product utilizes coconut nectar and coconut sugar. Unlike high-fructose corn syrup or maltitol (which can sometimes be derived from barley), these are fruit-based sweeteners. The fat source comes from cocoa butter and various seeds like hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. All of these are naturally free of gluten.

Finally, the flavor profile is enhanced by chocolate, vanilla extract, and adaptogens like Ashwagandha. While vanilla extract is alcohol-based, it is not a gluten carrier. The only potential concern in any chocolate product is cross-contamination, but based on the current formulation and lack of 'may contain' warnings, this specific product appears to be manufactured in a dedicated or safe facility.

Nutritional Value

While this product is safe for gluten-free diets, it is calorie-dense due to the high fat and natural sugar content. A single serving contains roughly 130-150 calories, primarily derived from the healthy fats in sunflower seeds and cocoa butter. These are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

The sugar content is driven by dates and coconut sugar. While these are natural sources, they still contribute to your daily carbohydrate intake. If you are on a strict keto diet, this might push your limits. However, for a general healthy diet, the presence of pea protein and fiber from the seeds helps mitigate blood sugar spikes compared to a standard candy bar.