Does Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains both. It has gluten from wheat flour and semolina, and dairy from milk, cheese, butter, and cream.

Is Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette good for weight loss?

No, it is fried in oil and contains heavy cream and cheese, making it high in calories and fat. It is not recommended for a calorie-restricted diet.

Where can I buy Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette?

This product is typically found in the frozen food section of major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, or available online via Amazon.

Is Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children as it contains no caffeine. However, it does contain MSG and added sugars, so it should be given as an occasional treat.

Is Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette Gluten Free?

The short answer is no, Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette is not gluten-free. As a food scientist examining the label, I found multiple sources of gluten, specifically wheat flour and semolina, used as binding and breading agents. While the chicken and cheese filling sounds delicious, this product is strictly off-limits for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this croquette fails the gluten-free test, we need to look at the structure of the product. It consists of a potato-based dough, a savory filling, and a crispy exterior. Unfortunately, gluten is present in both the dough and the breading.

The primary culprit is found in the Potato Dough. While it starts with hydrated mashed potatoes, the manufacturer adds bleached enriched wheat flour. This is a standard thickener used to give the dough structure and prevent it from falling apart during frying. Because it is derived from wheat, it contains gluten.

Next, we look at the breading. The product is coated in panko bread crumbs, which are explicitly made from wheat flour. Even if the dough were gluten-free, the outer shell would still be a major source of gluten. Additionally, the Colorifico component contains corn semolina. While semolina is often associated with wheat, in this context, it is likely corn-based, but the presence of wheat elsewhere in the recipe makes the product unsafe for a gluten-free diet.

Finally, regarding cross-contamination, the label does not explicitly mention shared equipment warnings, but given the heavy use of wheat flour in the dough and breading, the risk of cross-contamination in a manufacturing facility is high. Therefore, this product should be avoided by anyone requiring a strict gluten-free lifestyle.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheatsemolina

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, the Pollo y Queso Crema Croquette is a calorie-dense, high-fat food item. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates from the potato dough and breading, and fats from the frying shortening and cheese blend.

The filling contains heavy cream, butter, and a blend of Mozzarella and Gouda cheeses, contributing to a high saturated fat content. While these ingredients provide flavor, they also make the product heavy. The presence of Soy TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) adds a modest amount of plant-based protein, but the overall profile is dominated by fats and refined carbs.

For those watching their sodium intake, be aware that the product uses chicken flavor bouillon and monosodium glutamate (MSG), which significantly increases the salt content. It is a convenient, indulgent snack but should be eaten in moderation.