Is WovenWheats Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing whether a product fits a gluten-free lifestyle, we must look at the source of the carbohydrates. The ingredient list for WovenWheats is short, but it contains a major red flag for anyone avoiding gluten. The primary ingredient is whole grain wheat. Wheat is one of the 'big three' gluten-containing grains (along with barley and rye). It contains proteins called gliadin and glutenin, which form an elastic network when mixed with water. This is what gives bread its structure, but it is also what triggers immune responses in those with Celiac disease.

Because the entire structure of the WovenWheat snack is based on woven strands of wheat, there is no way to separate the gluten from the product. Even though the other ingredients—high oleic canola and/or soybean oil and salt—are naturally gluten-free, the wheat base renders the final product unsafe for a gluten-free diet. Cross-contamination is not even the primary concern here; the gluten is an inherent part of the recipe.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, WovenWheats function similarly to many baked crackers or crispbreads. They are low in sugar, which is a positive attribute compared to many sweet snacks. The fat content comes from vegetable oils, which provide monounsaturated fats (specifically from the high oleic canola oil). However, because the product is essentially baked wheat, it is a source of carbohydrates. For those looking to manage blood sugar, these are complex carbohydrates, but they are still carbohydrates. If you are on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, WovenWheats would not fit your limits due to the wheat content. For the general population looking for a crunchy snack, the lack of added sugar is a plus, but the lack of fiber compared to whole grain oat products is a slight nutritional downside.