Does trefoils contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, Trefoils contain both. The ingredient list includes enriched wheat flour (gluten) and sweetened condensed milk and buttermilk (dairy).

Is trefoils good for weight loss?

No, Trefoils are calorie-dense shortbread cookies high in sugar and fat. They are not recommended for weight loss diets.

Where can I buy trefoils?

Trefoils are available at most major grocery stores, big-box retailers like Walmart or Target, and online through Amazon.

Is trefoils safe for kids?

Yes, Trefoils are safe for children who do not have allergies to wheat, milk, or soy. They contain no caffeine, but the sugar content should be monitored.

Is trefoils Gluten Free?

If you are looking for a gluten-free treat, you will need to skip the Trefoils. The short answer is no: Trefoils contain wheat flour, making them unsafe for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance. While these classic shortbread cookies are known for their simple, buttery taste, their ingredient list confirms the presence of gluten. Let's break down exactly why these cookies don't fit a gluten-free diet and look at their nutritional profile.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first place I look when determining if a product is gluten-free is the flour source. For Trefoils, the answer is immediate and clear. The very first ingredient listed is enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, vitamin b1 [thiamin mononitrate], vitamin b2 [riboflavin], folic acid). In the food industry, ingredients are listed by weight, meaning wheat flour makes up the largest portion of the cookie by volume. This specific type of flour contains gluten, a protein that gives the cookie its structure but causes severe immune reactions in those with gluten-related disorders.

Beyond the flour, the manufacturing details provide further context. The packaging states that the product contains wheat, milk and soy ingredients. This is a mandatory allergen declaration required by the FDA. The presence of wheat is a definitive flag. Additionally, while oats are a common hidden source of gluten due to cross-contamination during processing, the primary culprit here is intentional: the recipe is built on a traditional shortbread formula that relies on wheat for its texture. There is no indication of a gluten-free certification on the packaging, which is standard for products that have been processed to remove gluten.

It is also worth noting the presence of soybean and palm oil and soy lecithin. While these are not gluten sources, they are common allergens. For someone managing multiple dietary restrictions, the combination of wheat, milk, and soy makes Trefoils a high-risk item. The natural and artificial flavors are proprietary blends, but given the wheat base, the risk of gluten exposure remains 100%.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

Trefoils are a shortbread cookie, which means they are dense in calories derived from fats and carbohydrates. A standard serving provides a significant amount of energy, primarily from the soybean and palm oil and the sugar. Shortbread is designed to be rich, and the lack of water content means the calorie count per gram is high compared to softer cookies.

Regarding sugar content, the recipe utilizes both standard sugar and brown sugar, plus sweetened condensed milk. This combination contributes to the cookie's sweetness but also adds to the total carbohydrate count. For those monitoring their sugar intake, Trefoils should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a daily snack. The buttermilk and milk ingredients also contribute to the fat and protein content, though the protein count remains relatively low. Overall, while they are low in sodium compared to savory snacks, the high saturated fat and sugar content places them firmly in the 'treat' category nutritionally.