Is Crab & Lobster Ravioli Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the structural components of a product to determine its dietary classification. For this Crab & Lobster Ravioli, the verdict is clear: it contains gluten. The primary culprit is the pasta dough itself, which is made from Wheat flour. Wheat flour contains gluten-forming proteins (gliadin and glutenin) that give the ravioli its chewy texture, but they are strictly off-limits for gluten-free diets.

However, the gluten content doesn't stop at the pasta shell. The filling presents a secondary, often overlooked source of gluten. The ingredient list includes breadcrumbs made from wheat flour. These are typically used to absorb moisture and stabilize the texture of the seafood blend, ensuring the ricotta and crab meat hold together during cooking. Even though the seafood content is high, the inclusion of wheat-based breadcrumbs contaminates the entire filling.

Additionally, we must look at the dairy content for those with multiple sensitivities. The filling relies on Ricotta cheese, Butter, and Heavy cream for its rich flavor profile. This means the product is not dairy-free either. The pasta dough itself is reinforced with Eggs, another common allergen. Therefore, this product contains three major allergens: wheat (gluten), milk (dairy), and eggs.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this Crab & Lobster Ravioli is a calorie-dense, indulgent meal rather than a health food. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, largely due to the Butter, Heavy cream, and Ricotta cheese in the filling. While these ingredients provide a satisfying mouthfeel and flavor, they also contribute to a high saturated fat content.

Regarding carbohydrates and sugar, the Wheat flour pasta and the breadcrumbs drive up the net carb count. Furthermore, the ingredient list includes added Sugar in the filling, which is common in savory ravioli recipes to balance the brininess of the seafood. While not an excessive amount, it is an unnecessary additive for those monitoring their sugar intake. If you are on a strict low-carb or Keto diet, this product is not suitable due to the wheat flour content alone.