Is Thai rice nutty & crispy crunch chips Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look at the raw components to determine safety. The primary ingredient here is sticky rice (also known as glutinous rice). Despite the name, sticky rice is naturally gluten-free; the term refers to the sticky texture of the grain, not the presence of gluten protein. It is a staple in many gluten-free Asian diets.

The crunch comes from white sesame and black sesame. These are seeds, naturally free from gluten. They provide a nutty flavor profile and are generally safe, provided there is no cross-contamination during processing—a risk that exists for almost any food but is not indicated here.

For binding and sweetness, the recipe uses cane sugar, palm fruit oil, and coconut milk. All of these are plant-derived and gluten-free. Watermelon juice adds a unique fruity note and moisture, which is also safe. Finally, salt is the only mineral ingredient, which is naturally gluten-free. There are no wheat flours, malt extracts, or modified food starches derived from wheat in this list.

Nutritional Value

While these chips are safe for gluten-free diets, it is important to look at the nutritional density. The combination of cane sugar and palm fruit oil suggests a snack that is moderate to high in calories and sugar. The coconut milk adds saturated fats, which contributes to the rich mouthfeel but increases the calorie count per serving.

Because the base is refined sticky rice, the carbohydrate content is high, and the glycemic index may be significant. This means it provides quick energy but may not be suitable for those managing blood sugar levels strictly. However, the inclusion of sesame seeds adds some protein and healthy fats, which helps balance the absorption of sugar slightly compared to a pure candy snack.