Is ORIGINAL CHIK'N PATTIES Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing the ingredient list for ORIGINAL CHIK'N PATTIES, it becomes immediately clear why this product fails gluten-free standards. The primary ingredient used to create the breading and texture is wheat flour. This is a direct source of gluten and is the foundation of the patty's structure.

Further down the list, we encounter wheat starch and wheat gluten. While wheat gluten is often used in vegetarian products to provide a chewy, meat-like texture (vital wheat gluten), the inclusion of wheat starch is particularly concerning for those strictly avoiding gluten. Additionally, the presence of barley malt extract is a significant red flag. Barley is one of the three major gluten-containing grains (along with wheat and rye), and malt extract is derived from barley, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Finally, the product includes soy flour and soy protein isolate. While soy is naturally gluten-free, these ingredients are often processed in facilities that handle wheat. However, in this specific formulation, the wheat ingredients are intentional additives, not just potential cross-contaminants.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, ORIGINAL CHIK'N PATTIES are a calorie-dense option. A standard serving contains roughly 200-250 calories, primarily from fat due to the vegetable oil blend (corn, canola, and/or sunflower oil) and carbohydrates from the various flours and starches.

The product contains a moderate amount of protein (around 10-12 grams) derived from soy and wheat, but it also includes added sugars like dextrose and sugar. While the sodium content is standard for a frozen breaded item, the combination of refined flours and added sugars means this should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a health food staple.