Is Potato Puffs Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a snack is safe for a gluten-free diet, we have to look past the marketing and straight at the chemistry. The primary ingredient in these puffs is potatoes, which are naturally gluten-free root vegetables. However, the texture and crunch come from the coating and the oil.

The coating utilizes yellow corn flour. This is a crucial ingredient for gluten-free status. Corn is a gluten-free grain, making corn flour a safe alternative to wheat flour. You will also see dextrose (a form of sugar, usually corn-derived) and potato starch listed. Both are naturally gluten-free and are commonly used in processed foods to create a crisp texture without using wheat.

Regarding flavorings, the ingredients list granulated onion, spice extractive, and salt. These are simple seasonings that do not contain gluten. Finally, the oil blend (soybean or canola) and the preservative disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate (used for color retention) are chemical compounds that are also free of gluten.

Nutritional Value

While these puffs are safe for gluten-free diets, it is important to consider their nutritional profile. A serving size of 3 oz (85g), which is roughly 9 pieces, contains 150 calories. The majority of these calories come from fat.

The total fat content is 7g per serving, with a small amount of saturated fat (0.5g). There are 0g of trans fat and 0mg of cholesterol, which is positive. However, because these are fried snacks, they should be consumed in moderation. The carbohydrate count is moderate, driven by the potato and corn flour, but they are not a significant source of protein or fiber. If you are monitoring your caloric intake, keep in mind that it is very easy to exceed the single serving size with a snack this light and crispy.