Is Scooby-Doo! Baked Graham Cracker Snacks Cinnamon Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the ingredient list to determine safety for specific dietary needs. For the Scooby-Doo! Baked Graham Cracker Snacks Cinnamon, the verdict is clear right at the top of the list. The primary structural ingredients are whole wheat flour and enriched flour. Both of these are derived from wheat, which is one of the main sources of gluten. There is no mention of a gluten-free oat blend or alternative grain flours like almond or cassava flour.

It is also important to note that while the product does not list dairy ingredients like milk or butter explicitly, the presence of BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) is a common preservative used in baked goods. However, the main flag here is unequivocally the wheat content. For those strictly avoiding gluten, even trace amounts from cross-contamination can be an issue, but this product contains gluten as a primary ingredient.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these snacks are designed to be a treat rather than a health food. A standard serving contains a significant amount of added sugar, which contributes to the total calorie count. The inclusion of sugar and invert sugar places this in the category of a sweet snack. Additionally, the vegetable oil blend (soybean, palm, canola) provides the fat content necessary for that tender, crumbly texture characteristic of graham crackers. While they provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, they do not offer substantial fiber or protein compared to whole-food snacks. They fit into a balanced diet only as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily staple.