Is Foods pepperoni four cheese calzone Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the safety of a frozen calzone for a gluten-free diet, the primary suspect is always the dough. In the case of the Foods pepperoni four cheese calzone, the dough is made from wheat flour. This is the standard base for pizza and calzone dough, but it is strictly off-limits for those avoiding gluten. The wheat flour is enriched with vitamins like niacin and iron, but it remains a gluten-containing grain.

Beyond the main dough, there are secondary sources of gluten hidden in the product. The bread crumbs used as a topping contain bleached flour. Bread crumbs are essentially dried wheat products, adding another layer of gluten to the exterior of the calzone. Additionally, the dough conditioner includes wheat flour and l-cysteine, which is often derived from wheat or feathers, though the wheat source here is confirmed on the label.

For those asking about other allergens, the verdict is clear on dairy as well. The product features a blend of provolone cheese, part skim mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and a parmesan and romano cheese blend. Therefore, this calzone is not dairy-free. It does not appear to contain eggs, but the presence of wheat and milk makes it a high-allergen product.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this calzone is a dense source of calories and fat. A single serving contains a significant amount of saturated fat due to the blend of cheeses and the pepperoni, which includes pork and beef. The soybean oil in the dough and filling adds to the total fat content. While the part skim mozzarella helps reduce the fat slightly compared to whole milk varieties, the overall profile remains heavy.

Carbohydrates are high due to the wheat flour dough and the bread crumbs. There is also some added sugar present in the form of dextrose in the dough and the pepperoni cure. While not an excessive amount, it contributes to the total carbohydrate count. The sodium content is also quite high, which is typical for processed meats like pepperoni and cured cheeses. This meal fits into a standard diet but would not be considered a 'light' or low-calorie option for weight loss.