Is Chicken Lumpia with Shrimp Shanghai Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the structural components first. In the case of this Chicken Lumpia with Shrimp Shanghai, the verdict comes down to the wrapper. The filling ingredients—CHICKEN, SHRIMP, WATER CHESTNUTS, CELERY, and CARROTS—are all naturally free of gluten. However, the wrapper tells a different story.

The wrapper ingredients list includes ENRICHED BLEACHED FLOUR (WHEAT FLOUR, MALTED BARLEY FLOUR). This is the definitive red flag. Wheat flour contains gluten proteins (gliadin and glutenin) that provide the elasticity and structure of the lumpia wrapper. Additionally, the inclusion of MALTED BARLEY FLOUR is another source of gluten. While MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH is used in the filling (which is gluten-free), it cannot counteract the gluten present in the wrapper itself.

For those with high sensitivity, there is also a risk of cross-contamination during processing, as these products are often made in facilities that handle various allergens. Therefore, this product should be strictly avoided by anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is a standard frozen appetizer. It provides a decent amount of protein from the CHICKEN and SHRIMP, but it is also high in carbohydrates due to the wrapper and the MODIFIED TAPIOCA STARCH in the filling. The sodium content is likely elevated due to the SALT and GARLIC powder used for seasoning.

If you are monitoring your sugar intake, note that SUGAR is listed as an ingredient, though likely in small amounts. For weight management, these are calorie-dense items due to the frying method typically used for lumpia. They fit into a diet as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.