Is MOVER & SHAKER Cacio E Pepe-Inspired Mac Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I was initially intrigued by the ingredient list for the MOVER & SHAKER Cacio E Pepe-Inspired Mac. The brand is known for fortifying their noodles with vegetable powders like broccoli, spinach, and kale, and using chickpea protein to boost the protein content. However, the foundation of any pasta is the flour used, and that is where the gluten issue arises.

The primary ingredient in the noodle component is goodles noodles. Upon closer inspection of the specific formulation used for this product, it contains wheat flour and wheat protein. Wheat is one of the three primary grains (along with barley and rye) that contains gluten. Specifically, the gluten proteins found in wheat—gliadin and glutenin—trigger an immune response in individuals with Celiac disease. Even though the product includes chickpea protein, the presence of wheat flour means the gluten content is significant enough to be unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

Furthermore, the cheese blend presents a secondary risk for those with extreme sensitivities. The product contains romano and parmesan cheese blend, cultured milk, whey, and buttermilk. While these are not sources of gluten, they confirm that the product is strictly dairy-based.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, MOVER & SHAKER Cacio E Pepe-Inspired Mac is designed to be a 'better-for-you' comfort food. It offers a substantial amount of protein, largely due to the combination of chickpea protein and wheat protein. The inclusion of nutrient extracts from pumpkin, sweet potato, and maitake mushroom adds micronutrients that are often lacking in standard boxed mac and cheese.

Regarding macronutrients, this meal is calorie-dense, primarily from the cream and butter used in the sauce packet. It fits within the standard limits for a single meal, providing roughly 500-600 calories per serving depending on preparation. However, if you are strictly monitoring your sodium intake, be aware that salt is listed multiple times in the ingredients, and the cheese blend contributes significantly to the sodium content.