Is The Complete Cookie Pumpkin Spice Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I often look beyond the marketing claims and dive straight into the ingredient deck. For The Complete Cookie Pumpkin Spice, the verdict is clear from the very first line of the ingredient list. The cookie is built upon a foundation of enriched wheat flour. This is the standard all-purpose flour used in most conventional baked goods and is the primary source of gluten in this product.

However, the wheat content doesn't stop there. The manufacturer also includes a protein blend that explicitly lists vital wheat gluten as a key component. Vital wheat gluten is essentially the main protein found in wheat, and it is often added to baked goods to increase the protein content and create a chewier, denser texture. While this is great for structure, it is a major red flag for anyone on a gluten-free diet. The presence of both wheat flour and added wheat gluten makes this product strictly off-limits for those avoiding gluten.

It is also worth noting the presence of cultured dextrose and xanthan gum. While these are generally gluten-free ingredients, they are often derived from fermentation processes that can sometimes involve gluten-containing substrates. However, in the context of this specific cookie, the wheat flour and vital wheat gluten are the definitive deal-breakers.

Nutritional Value

Looking at the nutritional profile, The Complete Cookie Pumpkin Spice is designed as a high-calorie, high-protein snack. A single cookie typically packs between 350 to 400 calories, which is substantial for a single serving. The protein content is impressive, often hovering around 16-18 grams per cookie, thanks to the vital wheat gluten and pea protein. However, this comes at the cost of high sugar content, often exceeding 20 grams per serving, derived from cane sugar, invert sugar, and molasses.

For the average person not concerned with gluten, this cookie can serve as a filling snack or a small meal replacement. However, for those monitoring their sugar intake or looking for a light snack, the calorie density and sugar load are significant factors to consider. It fits well into a high-protein diet plan but might not align with low-sugar or calorie-restricted weight loss goals.