Is SNACK ON THE RUN! TUNA SALAD & CRACKERS Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the component parts of a product to determine safety. For SNACK ON THE RUN! TUNA SALAD & CRACKERS, the verdict comes down to the 18% of the product that makes up the crackers. The tuna salad portion is actually quite safe regarding gluten, consisting of TUNA, MAYONNAISE, and vegetables like CELERY and CARROTS. However, the danger lies in the cracker ingredients.

The crackers are made primarily of ENRICHED WHEAT FLOUR. In the food industry, 'enriched wheat flour' is simply a processed term for white flour, and it is derived 100% from wheat. Wheat is one of the primary grains containing gluten. Even if the product did not have wheat, we would look for SOY LECITHIN or DEHYDRATED ONION to ensure they weren't processed in a facility that handles wheat, but the presence of wheat flour makes that point moot. This is a hard 'no' for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, SNACK ON THE RUN! TUNA SALAD & CRACKERS offers a mix of protein and processed carbohydrates. The tuna provides a solid base of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and satiety. However, the inclusion of SUGAR and CORN SYRUP in the tuna salad and crackers adds empty calories that can spike blood sugar levels. Additionally, the fats come from SOYBEAN OIL and CANOLA OIL, which are highly processed vegetable oils. While convenient for a quick snack, it is high in sodium and contains refined grains, so it should be consumed in moderation rather than as a daily staple.