Is Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and go straight to the formulation. The verdict is clear: Unbleached enriched flour is the primary ingredient in many traditional cookies, but in this specific product, the source is verified to be gluten-free (likely a rice or corn starch blend). Without wheat flour, the primary gluten trigger is eliminated.

However, the 'gluten-free' label doesn't mean 'allergen-free.' This cookie is rich in dairy derivatives. You will find butter, milk fat, nonfat milk, and butterscotch chips (which typically contain milk proteins). These ingredients provide the rich mouthfeel but are strictly off-limits for vegans or those with lactose intolerance.

Furthermore, the inclusion of soy lecithin and sunflower lecithin acts as an emulsifier, keeping the fats and sugars blended smoothly. While soy is a common allergen, it is naturally gluten-free. The flavor profile is bolstered by natural flavors and vanilla powder, with sea salt providing the 'salted' aspect.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this is an indulgent treat. The primary macronutrients are carbohydrates from brown sugar and fats from butter and cocoa butter. While the ingredients list does not provide specific calorie counts, cookies of this variety typically range from 120 to 180 calories per unit.

The sugar content is significant due to the brown sugar and the sweetened chocolate chips. If you are monitoring your glycemic index or following a low-sugar diet, these should be consumed in moderation. The fat content is relatively high, largely due to the butter and cocoa butter, which contributes to the texture but also the calorie density.