Is Organic Chia & Quinoa Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a snack is safe for a gluten-free diet, we have to look beyond the marketing on the front of the bag. As a food scientist, I look strictly at the formulation. The primary ingredient in these chips is organic whole ground corn. Corn is naturally gluten-free, making it the standard base for safe tortilla chips.

The oil blend—organic expeller pressed sunflower oil and/or organic expeller pressed safflower oil—is also free of gluten. These are pure fats and do not pose a cross-contamination risk. The seasoning, sea salt, is mineral-based and naturally free of gluten proteins.

Finally, the unique additions of organic chia seeds and organic quinoa are naturally gluten-free pseudo-grains. While quinoa is sometimes processed in facilities that also handle wheat, the "Organic" certification generally requires strict separation from gluten-containing crops. Without any flags on the label regarding wheat or barley, this formulation appears clean.

Nutritional Value

While these chips are safe from a gluten perspective, it is important to view them through a nutritional lens as well. The inclusion of organic chia seeds and organic quinoa adds a slight boost of plant-based protein and fiber compared to standard corn chips. However, they are still a fried snack.

The organic expeller pressed oils contribute to the total fat content, which is typical for restaurant-style chips. If you are monitoring your caloric intake, portion control is key. These chips are a better choice than refined white flour crackers, but they should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.