Is Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Kit Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the component parts of a salad kit to determine safety. The Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Kit presents a clear issue for gluten-free consumers. The primary concern lies in the HERB SEASONED FLATBREAD STRIPS. The ingredient label explicitly lists enriched wheat flour as the first ingredient. This is a direct source of gluten, making the crouton component unsafe for consumption.

Furthermore, we must look at the vegetable mix itself. The very last ingredient listed is WHEAT. This is likely included as a texturizer or a filler in the pre-chopped vegetable blend. Even if you were to pick out the flatbread strips, the vegetable base itself has been processed with wheat, creating a high risk of cross-contamination within the bag. The feta cheese is also worth noting; while it does not contain gluten, it contains powdered cellulose (an anti-caking agent) and is listed as containing milk, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this kit offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. The base of escarole, endive, broccoli, cauliflower, radicchio, and red cabbage provides excellent fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants. However, the dressing and toppings shift the macronutrient balance. The Basil Balsamic Vinaigrette contains a blend of canola and soybean oils, contributing to the fat content. More concerning is the inclusion of sugar in the dressing and maltodextrin in the flatbread seasoning, which adds to the carbohydrate load without providing nutritional value. While the calorie count per serving is moderate, the sodium content from the cheese, seasoning, and dressing can be significant. It fits into a standard diet as an occasional side dish, but it is not a 'low sodium' or 'low sugar' option.