Is Homestyle Soft Baked Chocolate Chunk Cookies Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first place I look when determining if a product is safe for specific dietary restrictions is the flour source. In the case of Homestyle Soft Baked Chocolate Chunk Cookies, the verdict is immediate. The first ingredient listed is unbleached enriched wheat flour. This is a standard baking flour derived from wheat and contains gluten proteins (gliadin and glutenin) that trigger immune responses in those with Celiac disease.

Beyond the flour, the semi-sweet chocolate chunks are a highlight of the cookie. They contain unsweetened chocolate and cocoa butter, providing the rich flavor profile. However, the sweetness comes from added sugars like cane sugar and date paste. While these are gluten-free, they contribute to the high sugar content. The fat source is palm shortening, which is used to achieve that desirable soft-baked texture without using hydrogenated oils.

There is also a significant allergen warning to consider. The packaging states the cookies contain soy (likely from soy lecithin in the chocolate) and wheat. Furthermore, the manufacturing note is critical: these cookies are made on the same equipment that processes egg, milk, peanuts, sesame, and tree nuts. While this doesn't add gluten ingredients, it indicates a high risk of cross-contamination, making them unsafe for anyone with severe multiple food allergies.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these cookies are a standard indulgence. A serving contains roughly 18g of total carbohydrates and 9g of total sugars, with 7g of that being added sugars. This sugar content accounts for about 14% of the daily value based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is typical for a sweet treat but not something you would want to consume in large quantities if managing blood sugar levels.

The cookies offer minimal nutritional density. They provide only 1g of protein and 1g of dietary fiber, meaning they won't keep you full for long. On the positive side, they are relatively low in sodium (80mg) and contain small amounts of iron and potassium. However, they are not a significant source of vitamins or minerals. If you are strictly counting calories or watching your sugar intake, these should be treated as an occasional snack rather than a dietary staple.