Is Toby's Original Dip & Spread with Turmeric Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing a product for gluten safety, we look for wheat, barley, rye, and hidden starches. Toby's Original Dip & Spread with Turmeric keeps it simple. The base is organic tofu, made from non-GMO soybeans, water, and magnesium chloride. Soybeans are naturally gluten-free, and magnesium chloride is a mineral salt (nigari) used to curdle the soy milk, containing no gluten.

The creaminess comes from a mayonnaise blend. The oil used is expeller pressed non-GMO canola oil, and the acid comes from distilled vinegar. Distilled vinegar is safe for celiacs; while some vinegars are derived from grains, the distillation process removes all gluten proteins, leaving pure acetic acid. The thickening in the mayo comes from mustard flour, which is also naturally gluten-free.

For flavor, the dip uses celery, onion, and a seasoning blend. A standout ingredient here is nutritional yeast. This is a deactivated yeast often used in vegan cooking for a cheesy flavor. It is distinct from brewer's yeast (which may contain gluten traces) and is considered safe. Finally, sea salt and herbs and spices are added, which are naturally free of gluten. There are no modified food starches or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins listed that would raise red flags.

Nutritional Value

While this dip is safe for gluten-free diets, it is also calorie-dense due to the expeller pressed canola oil and eggs in the mayonnaise. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, which provides the rich mouthfeel, but portion control is necessary for those monitoring lipid intake.

The organic cane juice is listed in the mayonnaise ingredients, likely to balance the acidity of the vinegar. However, the amount is minimal, so the sugar content per serving remains relatively low compared to sweet dips. The tofu and nutritional yeast contribute a modest amount of plant-based protein. This dip fits well into a Keto or low-carb diet due to the lack of starchy fillers, but it is not a 'low-fat' product.