Is Organic Blue Corn Tortilla Chips Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating any processed food for gluten, we look at the source material and potential additives. With organic stone ground blue corn, the base is naturally free of gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Corn is a distinct botanical family, making it a safe staple for the gluten-free community.

The oils used—typically expeller pressed oils like sunflower, safflower, or canola—are pure fats. In their refined state, these oils contain no protein residues, meaning they do not carry any gluten risk. Finally, sea salt is a mineral and is naturally gluten-free. The primary concern in chip manufacturing is cross-contamination, but organic certification often requires strict separation from gluten-containing crops during processing.

Nutritional Value

While these chips are safe from gluten, it is important to view them through a nutritional lens. Blue corn is often touted for having a lower glycemic index than yellow corn and contains anthocyanins, which are antioxidants responsible for the deep blue/purple hue. However, these chips are still a calorie-dense snack due to the expeller pressed oils. A standard serving usually contains between 130-150 calories and 6-8 grams of fat. They fit well into a balanced diet as a treat, but portion control is key if you are monitoring your daily caloric intake.