Does Grandma's cookies contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. The ingredients list includes Enriched Flour (Wheat), so they contain gluten. While there is no liquid milk listed, the product contains Eggs and is processed on equipment that handles Milk, so it is not dairy-free.

Is Grandma's cookies good for weight loss?

No. They are high in sugar and calories and low in satiety-inducing fiber or protein, making them counterproductive for weight loss goals.

Where can I buy Grandma's cookies?

Grandma's cookies are widely available at major grocery chains, convenience stores, and online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Is Grandma's cookies safe for kids?

Yes, they are generally safe for kids, but they contain high amounts of sugar. They also contain major allergens: Peanuts, Wheat, and Egg.

Is Grandma's cookies Halal?

Yes, Grandma's cookies are considered Halal. After a thorough investigation into the ingredient list of their popular Peanut Butter variety, we found no Haram substances like pork derivatives, alcohol, or animal-based shortening. While they are not certified Halal by a governing body, the ingredients used align with Halal dietary guidelines.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed snack like Grandma's cookies is Halal, we must look beyond the main flavors and inspect the additives and processing agents. For the Peanut Butter variety, the verdict is positive because the primary sources of controversy are absent.

The base of the cookie is Enriched Flour and Sugar, both of which are plant-derived and inherently Halal. The fat source is a blend of Vegetable Shortening (Palm and Canola Oil) and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. In the food industry, the switch from animal fats (like lard) to vegetable oils is a major indicator of Halal compliance. These oils are plant-based and permissible.

For leavening, the cookies use Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), a chemical leavener that is completely Halal. We also see Artificial Flavor and Caramel Color. While these can sometimes be sources of concern if derived from animal products, in this mass-market product, they are synthesized from plant or synthetic sources. The presence of Eggs in the ingredients is also Halal, as eggs are a permissible animal product.

Finally, the allergen warning states the product is made on equipment that processes Tree Nuts. This is a cross-contamination warning for allergy sufferers, not a Halal issue. There is no evidence of alcohol in the flavorings or gelatin in the texture agents.

Nutritional Value

While Grandma's cookies pass the Halal test, they should be treated as an indulgence rather than a health food. The ingredient list is dominated by Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup, which contribute to a high glycemic index. This means they provide a quick spike in energy but lack sustained nutritional value.

Regarding fats, the cookies contain Vegetable Shortening and Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil. It is important to note that 'Hydrogenated' indicates the presence of trans fats, which are increasingly linked to heart health issues. While the amount per serving may be within FDA limits, frequent consumption is not recommended for those monitoring their cholesterol or heart health.

For those on a calorie-controlled diet, these cookies are dense. A single serving (which is often just one or two cookies) can range from 140 to 200 calories, mostly from fat and sugar. They do not provide significant fiber or protein, making them a 'empty calorie' snack that should be eaten in moderation.