Is Crackers Cheese With Peanut Butter 11.06Oz Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the ingredient list hierarchy to understand what makes up the bulk of a product. For Crackers Cheese With Peanut Butter 11.06Oz, the verdict is clear immediately. The first ingredient is Enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate [vitamin b1], riboflavin [vitamin b2], folic acid). This is the structural base of the cracker, and because it is specifically listed as wheat flour, the product contains gluten.

It is important to note that the filling, consisting of roasted peanuts and soybean oil, is naturally free of gluten. However, the manufacturing process and the cracker base render the final product unsafe. Additionally, the cheddar cheese and buttermilk listed confirm that this product contains dairy, which is a separate allergen concern for some individuals.

Another ingredient of note is Yellow #6, a synthetic color additive. While not a gluten issue, some consumers prefer to avoid artificial dyes. The presence of soy lecithin also indicates soy is present, which is another common allergen.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, Crackers Cheese With Peanut Butter 11.06Oz is a calorie-dense snack. The combination of peanut butter and soybean oil contributes a significant amount of fat, while the enriched flour and added sugar provide the carbohydrate load. This specific variety contains added sugars like dextrose, which increases the glycemic impact of the snack.

For those monitoring their intake, this product fits into the 'sometimes' category rather than a daily staple. It provides a quick energy burst due to the refined flour and sugar, but lacks the fiber found in whole grains. If you are following a low-sugar or low-fat diet, this snack would likely exceed your per-serving limits.