Does Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo contain dairy or gluten?

It does not contain obvious dairy ingredients like milk or cheese. It is not certified gluten-free due to ambiguous starch sources.

Is Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo good for weight loss?

It is high in sodium and contains added sugar, which isn't ideal for weight loss, though the calorie count is manageable if portion controlled.

Where can I buy Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo?

It is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

Is Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo safe for kids?

It is safe for kids in moderation, but the high sodium content and spicy peppers might be too intense for very young children.

Is Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Gluten Free?

Is Chunky Chicken & Sausage Gumbo gluten free? The answer is a cautious MAYBE. While this hearty soup does not list wheat, barley, or rye in its ingredients, it contains ambiguous additives like modified food starch that require a closer look. If you are highly sensitive to gluten or have Celiac disease, you need to read this analysis before eating.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the source code: the ingredient label. For this gumbo, the base ingredients are perfectly safe. You have a solid foundation of water, diced tomatoes, rice, and plenty of vegetables like celery, okra, and green peppers. These are naturally gluten-free and form the traditional 'Holy Trinity' of Cajun cooking.

The proteins—andouille sausage and chicken meat—are generally safe, but processed meats always carry a small risk of hidden gluten in their seasoning blends. However, the primary suspect here is modified food starch. In the United States, this is usually derived from corn, which is safe. However, manufacturers are not required to specify the source. If the modified food starch is derived from wheat, it is technically gluten-free (because the processing removes the protein), but for those with Celiac disease, the risk of cross-contamination or trace proteins remains.

We also see maltodextrin. Like modified starch, maltodextrin in the US is typically derived from corn or potato and is considered safe. However, it can be derived from wheat. Finally, yeast extract is a flavor enhancer. While it is not the same as brewer's yeast (which is on barley), it is an ingredient often found in gluten-free products, though it warrants a mention for those avoiding all traces.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

modified food starch

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this gumbo is a mixed bag. It provides a decent amount of protein from the chicken and sausage, which helps with satiety. However, the sodium content is likely quite high due to the sausage, tomato paste, and preservatives like disodium inosinate. If you are monitoring your blood pressure, this meal could push you over your daily limit quickly.

Regarding carbohydrates, the rice provides a starchy base, but the addition of sugar and maltodextrin spikes the glycemic load. It is not a low-carb food, but it is manageable for a standard diet. The fat content is moderate, largely derived from the pork sausage and the hickory char oil. While it fits within general calorie limits for a lunch or dinner, it is not a 'clean' meal due to the high number of additives and processed ingredients.